RockTenn, Norcross, Ga., USA, and Tampa, Fla.-based TECO Peoples Gas held a groundbreaking ceremony this past week in Fernandina Beach, Fla., to celebrate construction beginning on the pipeline that will deliver natural gas to RockTenn's containerboard mill. The line will connect the Peoples Gas Jacksonville distribution system to RockTenn's mill.

"This mill has been part of Fernandina Beach for 75 years. RockTenn is thrilled to join this community via the May 2011 acquisition of Smurfit Stone and to be a partner in bringing natural gas to the island's residents and businesses," said Jim Porter, president, Corrugated Packaging and Recycling at RockTenn. "At the mill, converting to natural gas helps ensure our competitive market position and ultimately that means stable RockTenn jobs here in Fernandina Beach."

TECO Peoples Gas recognized representatives from RockTenn, the city of Fernandina Beach, and Nassau County for their partnership on the project.

"We are proud to work with RockTenn to bring natural gas to this area," said Bruce Narzissenfeld, VP of Business Development for Peoples Gas. "RockTenn is known for being a respected and valued contributor to the community, and this conversion to natural gas is another example of their innovation and leadership. Now, the efficiency, reliability, and environmental benefits of natural gas will be available for the residents and businesses in Fernandina Beach and Nassau County to enjoy."

In the groundbreaking photo below are (l-r) Danny Leeper, Nassau County commissioner; David Lott, interim city manager of Fernandina Beach; Arlene Filkoff, mayor of Fernandina Beach; Bruce Narzissenfeld, VP of Business Development for Peoples Gas; Jim Porter, president of corrugated packaging and recycling at RockTenn; Stacy Johnson, Nassau County Commission chairwoman; George Obernesser, GM of RockTenn's Fernandina Beach mill; Greg King, SVP of procurement for RockTenn; Gordon Gillette, president of Peoples Gas; and Amelia Hart, director of communications for the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce.

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The International Council of Forests and Paper Associations is inviting all interested forest sector stakeholders to take part in "Forests: the Heart of a Green Economy," a full day event on June 18 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The event is being co-organized by FAO, ICFPA, BRACELPA, and other partners. HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco will be giving the opening speech, while the main themes of discussion will be:

• The Role of the Forest Sector in Emerging Bio-Economy
• Forest Certification: A Paradigm Shift in Green Economy
• Contributions of the Forest Industry in Rural Development.

The event will be held at the Ribalta Conference Center, situated on Avenidas das Americas-pista Centra, in Rio de Janeiro. More information about the program, speakers, venue, and registration is available online. Online registration is also available through June 11.

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UPM, Finland, organizes a global Plant a Tree Day each year in spring and especially on May 22, the UN International Day for Biodiversity. This year school children and other stakeholders in Finland, the UK, Russia, China, the U.S., and Uruguay participated in Plant a Tree events.

In Finland the school children and UPM forest professionals plant trees together in Pyhäjärvi, Nokia, and Joroinen. UPM participates also as a partner in the ENO tree planting day in Espoo, one of the global events organized by ENO Environment Online. The seedlings for these events come from UPM's nursery in Joroinen, which produces high quality seedlings of native origin to be used to regenerate UPM forest service customers' and UPM company forests.

"A tree seedling and a school child are creators of the future," says Päivi Salpakivi-Salomaa, VP, UPM Environment. "Planting a tree is an investment and good for the climate. A growing tree sequestrates atmospheric carbon throughout its lifetime. The new forest improves the quality of surface and ground waters. It creates the preconditions for berry and mushroom production and makes a habitat for hundreds of other species."

Every year UPM plants more than 50 million tree seedlings.

ENO Environment Online is a global virtual school and network for sustainable development. More than 10,000 schools from 150 countries have taken part since 2000. One of ENO's targets is that school children around the world will plant 100 million trees by the end 2017.

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Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), Corrugated Sector, U.K., is asking the U.K. government to take action to reduce the amount of red tape that is strangling the country's manufacturing Industry, if it is serious about rebalancing the nation's economy. CPI Director General David Workman (photo on right) told a one-day summit held in Yorkshire this past week that measures to cut bureaucracy and streamline employment laws should be among the government's priorities as it seeks to boost manufacturing and create growth in the U.K.

Workman was speaking at a regional economic event at Leeds Metropolitan University organized by Dods, a political information, public affairs, and policy communication specialist in the U.K., in partnership with the All Party Yorkshire & Northern Lincolnshire Group, Local Government Yorkshire & Humber, and Welcome to Yorkshire.

Regional industry figures, MPs, and local government officials were in the invited audience to hear Workman say that the combined effects of government legislation, such as the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, Carbon Price Floor, and Agency and Working Time directives, are having a detrimental effect on energy intensive industries like papermaking that is the principal supplier to the corrugated packaging sector.

"U.K. manufacturing needs a bonfire of quangos and red tape rather than more legislation that is not only adding bureaucracy, but sizeable costs to industries like corrugated. The Agency Workers and Working Time directives will cost manufacturing more than £5 billion, so we're talking about legislation that could be counterproductive in terms of making U.K. manufacturing more efficient," Workman said.

Easier access to finance is another key area for manufacturers looking to invest, and while Workman acknowledges the steps the government is taking on this issue, he believes that more pressure needs to be put on the banks so that they release the cash needed to help SMEs grow.

"Access to finance is a critical aspect for the industry, so I will be looking to the government to follow-through on some of the suggestions it has made to guarantee loans. There has been significant investment in the bigger U.K. corrugated plants recently, but my concern is about the smaller players who can't raise the finance. They are the organisations that need help," Workman added.

Workman also wants to see a minister responsible for energy-intensive manufacturing. Currently there is no U.K. Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS) minister or senior civil servant that even has the word "manufacturing" in their title, he noted.

Summing up, Workman said that "the corrugated packaging industry would welcome a strategy for manufacturing that puts the maintenance and growth of energy-intensive production at its heart. This means creating a level playing field for these sectors so that they can compete in the global markets in which they operate."

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Tembec, Temiscaming, Qué., Canada, reports that it has resumed excavation activities at its site in Temiscaming following the discovery of human skulls. Excavation work is proceeding according to an archeological research permit issued by the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine du Québec and is being conducted under the supervision of Montreal-based firm Arkéos, whose anthropologists are renowned experts.

"Tembec has taken the time to undertake a detailed research of the excavation site to fully understand its history and to be in a position to deal with this environment with due consideration. It is very important for us to make sure that we are taking the appropriate steps and establishing the right protocol to respond adequately to this given set of circumstances," said Randy Fournier, SVP, Temiscaming Operations. "We are taking every precaution to ensure that we work respectfully. Should we make other discoveries, archeologists who are with us, on the premises, will be able to collect the objects immediately, assess the situation knowledgeably, and enable us to pursue our work accordingly," he added.

While excavating on May 15 for construction work to be done on the new No.10 boiler as part of the investment project announced last March, items of concern were discovered. Tembec immediately informed the Quebec Provincial Police who secured the excavation site and proceeded with its investigation. Following the conclusion of this process, the Police determined that the human remains were historical and non-criminal in nature. Historical documents indicate that a church and a cemetery were located within the Temiscaming site as far back as 1891. The original industrial complex was built in 1917.

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Below is the latest listing of job openings in the TAPPI Career Center. The current listing includes a variety of engineering, production, maintenance, technical, safety, and management positions in the U.S. pulp and paper industry. Current, specific job openings at companies and locations in the TAPPI Career Center include:

Employer	Title	City
BASF, The Chemical Co.	Tech Spec. (Paper/Board Coating)	Charlotte, N.C.
Catalyst Paper	Reliability Engineers	Powell River/Crofton, B.C.
Herty Adv. Materials Dev. Ctr.	President and CEO	Savannah, Ga.
Longview Fibre	Electrical Engineers	Longview, Wash.
Orange Co. Container Group	Maintenance - Paper Mill	Forney, Texas
RockTenn	Division Safety Manager	Norcross, Ga.
RockTenn - West Point, Va.	Environmental Engineer	West Point, Va.
SCA Americas	Shift Electrician	South Glens Falls, N.Y.

More information about these jobs is available online.

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RISI, Boston, Mass., USA, reports a high risk of closure for more than 2 million metric tons of the 7 million total metric tons of newsprint capacity in North America over the next five years. These closures, as well as 2.5 million metric tons of shuts in Western Europe and more than 1 million metric tons in Asia, will become necessary as newsprint demand declines across the globe, according to the recently released Global Newsprint Risk of Closure Study.

The study notes that global demand for newsprint has decreased from 39.6 million metric tpy to 31.6 million metric tpy currently, and reveals what the market will look like in 2016.

This soft demand in Europe and North America, combined with new machines coming online in Asia, are creating an increasingly competitive global marketplace. This is particularly bad news for North America, where the export market has become increasingly important, accounting for more than 30% of shipments and rising.

Along with increasing competitive pressures, North American producers continue to struggle with cost inflation. These combined market pressures place 2.93 million of the 7.0 million metric tons of total capacity at the highest risk of closure.

The Global Newsprint Risk of Closure Study uses a range of company and machine risk criteria to identify the newsprint machines most likely to close in the near-term, in North America, Europe, and Asia. The methodology indicates forced and likely proactive closures, as well as potential conversions and divestments.

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According to the AF&PA April 2012 U.S. Recovered Fiber Monthly Report released this week, total U.S. industry consumption of recovered paper in April was 2.48 million tons, 4% lower than March 2012. Year-to-date consumption in 2012 is 3% lower than during the same period last year.

U.S. exports of recovered paper increased 7% in March compared with February, with increases mainly seen in mixed and corrugated. Year-to-date exports of recovered paper in 2012 are 3% higher than during the same period in 2011.

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Global chemical paper grade market pulp shipments in April were 3.442 million metric tons, a decrease of 11.4% from March, but up by 1.3% from April 2011, at the delivery rate of 90%., according to the PPPC. Inventories at the end of April stood at 32 days of supply, up by one day from the end of March, but down by one day from April 2011.

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Utipulp European April pulp consumer figures show inventories at 666,200 metric tons, an increase of 7,400 metric tons or 1.1% from March, but a decrease of 16,700 metric tons or 2.4% from April 2011. In days, the inventories were at 21 days of consumption, no change from March, but up by one day compared with a year ago. Consumption in April totaled 966,000 metric tons, a decrease of 58,400 metric tons or 5.7% from March, and a decrease of 26,300 metric tons or 2.7% from April.

Pulp inventories at European ports increased in April by 36,800 metric tons or 3.6% to 1,053,100 tons compared with March inventories, according to Europulp. Compared with April 2011, port inventories were lower in 2012 by 47,000 tons or by 4.3%.

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Swedish paper and board production decreased by 0.9% to just below 11.3 million metric tons in 2011. Market pulp production also decreased by 0.9% from 2010 to 3.7 million metric tons, according to the Nordic Paper Journal. The year 2011 got off to a good start, but then production slowed down, as the general financial situation of many export markets weakened, according to figures from the Swedish Forest Industries Federation (Skogsindustrierna).

Still, last year's production figures appear more positive than they actually were, according to Skogsindustrierna, as production in 2010 was limited due to a conflict during the spring 2010 between Skogsindustrierna and the Swedish paper workers' union Pappers over a new collective agreement. Had the 2010 strike not occurred, Swedish pulp production in 2011 would have showed a 1.5% decrease, and paper and board production would have been down by 2%.

The total Swedish exports of market pulp went down by 4% to just under 3.1 million metric tons in 2011 compared with 2010. Deliveries of chemical pulp to the EU, excluding the Nordic countries, dropped by 9% to 2 million metric tons as a result of lower paper production in the EU.

Exports to Asia rose however, and Sweden saw China become its third single biggest pulp export market. Total shipments of chemical pulp to Asia jumped by almost 33% to 486,000 metric tons last year.

Swedish exports of paper and board to the EU decreased by 3%. Deliveries to Sweden's single biggest export country, Germany, remained flat at 2 million metric tons.

The total production of graphic papers in Sweden decreased marginally. Newsprint volumes fell by 2.2% to 2.1 million metric tons, while manufacturing of mechanical paper rose by 2.5% to 2 million metric tons.

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RISI, Brussels, Belgium, this week also announced a risk of capacity closure in the global tissue market. These closures, it notes in its recently released ninth edition of The Outlook for World Tissue Business might be necessary despite a pattern of continued growth in demand.

"Tissue consumption has grown steadily for the past 20 years and is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. However, oversupply from massive capacity investments may force shuts in the near-term," said Esko Uutela, principal for Tissue at RISI.

Global consumption of tissue grew at an average annual rate of 3.8% from 1991 through 2010. That demand is expected to continue to grow by an average of 4.1% annually between 2010 and 2021. China, which in recent years has shown explosive growth in tissue consumption, is one of the major drivers of global tissue demand.

Meanwhile, new supply from capacity expansion investments, particularly in China, Latin America, and North America, will send the global tissue capacity utilization rate into decline after 2012. In 2013 it is very likely that the average industry operating rate will fall to nearly 85% and remain at that level through 2014 despite the expected growth in tissue consumption.

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Aylesford Newsprint Ltd., U.K., reports that it expanded its advanced web inspection system delivered by Metso in 2010 on PM 14 to include cameras for web break analysis. Metso Process and Quality Vision system (Metso PQV) enables improvements in runnability and production by finding the origins of web breaks and analyzing the defect map of even the smallest defects from the whole web.

The Metso PQV system integrates web inspection and web break analysis capabilities using the most advanced high-resolution, high-speed digital imaging technology available. The extension at Aylesford Newsprint includes 15 fixed position web break cameras and 1 portable camera.

Aylesford Newsprint recycles 500,000 metric tpy of used newspapers and magazines in the production of Renaissance, a 100% recycled publishing quality newsprint that is used by many of the U.K. and Europe's regional and national newspaper publishers.

Aylesford Newsprint is a joint venture company between SCA Forest Products of Finland and Mondi of South Africa.

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Catalyst Paper Corp., Richmond, B.C., Canada, reports that it did not receive the necessary creditor approval for its amended plan of arrangement under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act of Canada. Approval of not less than 66 2/3% of the principal amount of each creditor class voting on the plan is required. Although 99.5% of the principal amount of the secured creditor class voted in favor of the plan, only 64% of the principal amount of the unsecured creditor class voted in favor of the plan at meetings held this past week in Richmond. Voting results, including votes on a class-by-class basis, are available online.

Since the amended plan of arrangement was not approved at the meetings, Catalyst Paper is required to commence a sale transaction in accordance with certain court-approved sale and investor solicitation procedures (SISP) as described in the Management Proxy Circular delivered to Catalyst Paper's creditors in advance of the meetings.

"Today's creditors' vote makes it clear for stakeholders that our path to emerge from protection will be through a sales process initiated by a stalking horse bid from secured note holders. Our objective remains unchanged and that's to put our company on better financial footing to enable us to compete vigorously and to adapt as necessary to the continuing changes in the markets for our products," said President and CEO Kevin J. Clarke. "Stakeholders can be assured that as milestones in the sales process are met, issues resolved, and decisions reached, we will continue to provide timely updates on developments and progress."

The company's debtor-in possession (DIP) financing continues to be available to the company and, combined with the company's operating revenue, is expected to continue to provide sufficient liquidity to meet ongoing obligations to employees and suppliers and ensure that normal operations continue during the sale process.

The SISP outlines the procedures and timelines for soliciting bids to purchase all or substantially all of the assets of Catalyst Paper or to make an investment in the business and operations of Catalyst Paper. The SISP also contemplates that Catalyst Paper will enter into a stalking horse purchase agreement with holders of Catalyst Paper's First Lien Notes for the purchase of all or substantially all of the company's assets on a going concern basis. In the event that Catalyst Paper does not receive or accept a qualified bid, pursuant to the SISP, the company must terminate the SISP and within three business days of such termination must file an application with the court seeking approval of a sale transaction under the Stalking Horse Purchase Agreement, which agreement has been finalized and approved by the court.

The SISP will be implemented as follows:

1. An initial offering summary and confidentiality agreement will be distributed to known potential bidders within two days
2. Potential bidders will submit certain information and an executed confidentiality agreement within 14 days
3. The determination of which potential bidders are qualified bidders will occur within five days after such bidders have delivered their materials
4. Qualified bidders will submit a non-binding indication of interest within 35 days following the Potential Bidder Deadline (the Phase 1 Bid Deadline)
5. The non-binding indication of interest will be assessed within five days of the Phase 1 Bid Deadline
6. Provided the non-binding indication of interest has been determined to likely be consummated, the bidder will submit a purchase bid or investment bid no later than 21 days from the Phase 1 Bid Deadline (the Phase 2 Bid Deadline)
7. The purchase bid or investment bid will be assessed within the five days following the Phase 2 Bid Deadline
8. In the event that there is more than one acceptable purchase bid or investment bid, an auction will be conducted within three days of the Phase 2 Bid Deadline.

Catalyst Paper produces specialty mechanical printing papers, newsprint, and pulp, with four mills located in British Columbia and Arizona, USA. It has a combined annual production capacity of 1.8 million metric tons.

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Hengan Group Chongqing, China, has successfully started up its new Andritz (Graz, Austria)-supplied PM 12 tissue machine. Hengan Group, a major tissue producer in China, now has seven Andritz PrimeLine machines in operation. Two more machines will be started up this year, both of them equipped with the world's largest steel yankees (diameter: 4.88 meters) for high-speed machines.

The PM 12 tissue machine (PrimeLine TM W8 model) has a design speed of 2,100 m/min, a width of 5.6 meters, and is equipped with energy-saving components such as yankee head insulation and a re-evaporation system. The scope of supply also included the complete stock preparation and machine control systems.

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International Paper, Memphis, Tenn., USA, last week hosted its Investor Day conference in New York, N.Y., during which Chairman and CEO John Faraci outlined the company's global business strategy and cash flow potential for the coming years, and highlighted the company's path to a $5 billion EBITDA. Detailing plans for growing the company's free cash flow, Faraci noted that ‘the way we measure the success of our transformation is our profitability.

"The transformation that we have made as a company over the last eight years has allowed us higher, more sustainable, and less cyclical margins, Faraci continued. "The company is well-positioned in attractive markets with low-cost assets that can generate strong free cash flow and returns that exceed our cost-of-capital. Most importantly, we have the leadership and global talent to execute and drive results."

Faraci added that the company has significant earnings runway with the current portfolio and will continue to build leading positions in fiber-based paper and packaging segments in high-growth markets, as increasing cash generation enables both reinvestment and return of capital to shareholders.

IP is a global paper and packaging company with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia, and North Africa. Its businesses include uncoated papers and industrial and consumer packaging, complemented by xpedx, the company's North American distribution company. IP employs approximately 70,000 people and is strategically located in more than 24 countries. The company's net sales for 2011 were $26 billion. Temple-Inland Inc., which was acquired by IP this past February, had 2011 net sales of $4 billion.

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The International Paper (Memphis, Tenn., USA) mill in Isle of Wight, Va. (Near Franklin) is nearing its rebirth from uncoated freesheet production to fluff pulp, employing about 220 people. According to a report this week in The Daily Press of Newport News, IP has invested some $83 million into the renovation. When completed, with startup planned for next month, the mill, which was shuttered in June 2010, will crank out up to 270,000 tpy of fluff pulp. Fluff pulp is used in a variety of absorbent products (baby diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, etc.) and in airlaid products such as cleaning and baby wipes.

Isle of Wight County Supervisor Rex Alphin said the county will begin receiving about $500,000 annually in machinery and tools tax revenue starting in December 2013. When IP closed the mill, more than 1,100 people lost their jobs.

According to earlier releases, the Franklin fluff pulp facility will be 89% energy self-sufficient, utilizing power generated from carbon-neutral biomass on-site.

A number of factors influenced IP's decision to locate a fluff pulp mill in Franklin, including a skilled local workforce, the condition of the mill's current assets, a wide range of transportation options, and the availability of U.S. southern pine in the region. The unique fiber length and absorption properties of this species of southern pine makes it ideal for producing high quality fluff pulp.

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Metso, Finland, reports that it has reached an agreement with Airtherm Corp., USA, after an apparent patent infringement by Airtherm in a patent owned by Metso. The Metso product protected by this patent, Metso notes, is the so-called Advantage WetDust system, whereby dust in a paper and tissue making line is entrained into a dust collector where water is injected directly inside the dust collector.

According to Metso, Airtherm has agreed to discontinue any further sales of the wet dust collection system protected by Metso's patent. Airtherm has also agreed to pay for a one-time license for systems already sold.

The patent in question is U.S. Patent No. 6,176,898 issued in 2001, titled "Method and System for Collecting and Handling Dust in a Paper Machine Environment."

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Orient Paper, Hebei Province, China, reports that Toscotec, Italy, has optimized the performance of its Modulo Plus Tissue Machine at the company's mill in Amlai, India. The machine, equipped with a 15 ft. Steel Yankee Dryer, is now producing an excellent soft quality facial tissue,13 gsm at the design performance.

The furnish mix for the tissue machine is slush bamboo long fiber and hardwood cellulose produced in this pulp mill located in the Indian forest. This is the second Toscotec machine supplied to Orient Paper for the Amlai site. PM 1, a section breast roll type, was installed in 1997.

Orient Paper initially manufactured packaging paper when it was founded in 1996. Since then, the company has expanded its product portfolio to include higher quality paper products. In 2003, it began producing printing paper with diverse specifications, and in early 2010 began producing digital photo paper.

Orient Paper has two locations within Xushui County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, and serves more than 100 packaging and printing companies and paper products distributors with a product offering including corrugating medium, high-grade offset printing paper, medium-grade offset printing paper, and digital photo paper.

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AbitibiBowater Inc., Montreal, Que., Canada, doing business as Resolute Forest Products, this past week held its annual general meeting of stockholders in Charlotte, N.C., USA. At the meeting, shareholders approved a resolution to amend the company's certificate of incorporation to immediately change its legal corporate name to Resolute Forest Products Inc.

As part of the change, stockholders also agreed to change the company's common stock ticker symbol from ABH to RFP on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Any impact this legal entity name transition may have for Resolute's customers and business partners will be communicated directly to these parties over the coming days.

Other resolutions approved at the annual stockholder meeting, include:

• Election of eight directors for 2012: Richard B. Evans, Richard D. Falconer, Richard Garneau, Jeffrey A. Hearn, Bradley P. Martin, Alain Rhéaume, Michael S. Rousseau, and David H. Wilkins
• Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the company's independent registered public accounting firm for the 2012 fiscal year.

Resolute Forest Products produces newsprint, commercial printing papers, market pulp, and wood products. The company owns or operates 21 pulp and paper mills and 23 wood products facilities in the U.S., Canada, and South Korea.

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Shandong Dongshun Group, Shanghai, China, has ordered two 15,000 metric tpy tissue machines from Kawanoe Zoki, Japan. According to a report by PPI Pulp & Paper Week (RISI), the units will be installed at the firm's mill in Taian City, Shangdong province. Startup is planned for 2013.

Each new tissue machine will have a trim width of 3.4 meters, and a design speed of 1,100 m/min. Shandong Dongshun is said to also be constructing two new mills in the provinces of Hunan and Heilongjiang. Each mill will house a 12,000 metric tpy Kawanoe Zoki tissue machine.

The company currently has a combined tissue capacity of approximately 80,000 metric tpy at its sole site in Taian.

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Shanghai Orient Champion Paper started up its new Metso (Finland)-supplied tissue production line, TM 7, at the company's facility in Jinshan outside Shanghai, China, last September. Less than eight months after startup of the first Advantage DCT machine, a second Advantage machine, TM 8, was even more successfully started up at the same site.

Metso's scope of delivery included two complete tissue production lines, featuring one Advantage DCT 100+ and one Advantage DCT 135+ tissue machine. Each of the lines includes stock preparation systems, comprehensive Metso DNA automation systems, and Metso IQ quality control systems with steam profiler and auxiliaries. Each of the machines is equipped with an OptiFlo headbox, a Metso yankee cylinder, an Advantage AirCap hood, an Advantage WetDust dust management system, and a ValReel reel.

The Advantage DCT tissue machine concept is developed for fast installation and startup. These two installations were no exception. The TM 7 performance test was carried out two months after startup. Within 10 days of the startup, the machine was up to guaranteed speed. The machine is designed for a production speed of 1,800 m/min. The startup of TM 8 exceeded all expectations, with the machine starting up smoothly and on schedule.

"It has been a privilege for the Metso site crew to work together with the Shanghai Orient Champion Paper employees. The startup crew led by Metso's Niklas Ryman showed great professionalism when the ‘paper on' order was given. Without the skill and hard working attitude of the Shanghai Orient Champion Paper employees and the Metso crew, the outcome would not have been this successful," says Stefan Ziegel, project manager, Metso.

As with the startup of TM 7, for the startup of TM 8, a traditional inauguration ceremony was also held to celebrate the new family member in Shanghai Orient Champion Paper's machine park in Jinshan, Shanghai.

The rapidly growing Shanghai Orient Champion Paper currently operates six smaller tissue machines and converting lines at the Jinshan mill. The two new Metso machines add another 70,000 metric tpy to the mill's production capacity.

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Pöyry's Energy Business group, Finland, has been awarded an engineering contract by UPM, Finland, for its Schongau mill site in Germany. The parties agreed not to disclose the value of the assignment.

The contract includes detail engineering for the Balance of Plant (BoP) and the overall plant integration of the main supply packages. The scope of work also comprises technical assistance to the UPM project team in purchasing the main machinery consisting of a gas turbine, heat recovery boiler, and steam turbine.

The energy-efficient combined cycle power plant (CCPP) will replace the old plant facility that has operated more than 40 years. With this project, UPM continues to invest in efficient energy generation to significantly reduce energy costs as well as to secure the energy supply. The total investment is about EUR 85 million.

Pöyry has extensive experience in building similar resource-efficient energy solutions. Its part of the project started this past March, and commissioning of the total plant is planned for the end of 2014.

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The Karl Unternehmensgruppe, Innernzell, Germany, has agreed to purchase the Papierfabrik Albbruck GmbH mill in Germany from UPM, Finland. The closing of the deal is set for the beginning of August. The parties agreed not to disclose the value of the transaction.

UPM closed the unprofitable Albbruck paper mill in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, this past January and permanently ceased graphic paper production at the site. Since then, UPM has actively participated in roundtable discussions about the possible future use of the mill premises.

"The aim of the forum was to find development ideas and business opportunities for the site. This is now possible by selling the mill to the Karl Unternehmensgruppe," explains Hartmut Wurster, EVP, UPM. "We are glad to have found a solid partner in Karl Unternehmensgruppe, which already has experience in the field of re-allocation of industrial companies. This provides new opportunities to the economy of the whole region," says Wurster.

UPM consists of three business groups: Energy and Pulp, Paper, and Engineered materials. The group employs around 24,000 people and it has production plants in 16 countries. UPM's annual sales exceed EUR 10 billion.

UPM Paper has 23 paper mills in Finland, Germany, the U.K., France, Austria, China, and the U.S. It employs almost 14,000 people. In 2011, the business group's net sales amounted to EUR 7.2 billion.

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The economic crisis and growth of the emerging markets have sparked a significant change in the personal care packaging market, according to a new report by Visiongain added to the collection of Manufacturing and Construction market reports by MarketResearch, Rockville, Md., USA. The new report, titled The Personal Care Packaging Market 2012-2022, emphasizes that consumer trends have changed drastically and suppliers have become increasingly focused on costs. The strategies of suppliers will gradually shift to the emerging markets and, coupled with a global economic recovery, the personal care packaging market will see strong growth over the next decade.

As a consequence, Visiongain says that the value of the global personal care packaging market in 2012 will reach $40.99 billion.

The report notes that environmental awareness campaigns have propelled sustainability initiatives to the forefront of consumer considerations in personal care purchasing. Consequently, sustainability will be a tool utilized by suppliers to cut costs and create product differentiation. Market conditions have created a situation where consumers are demanding the same level of quality but at a lower price. Thus, there will be an increase in the sale of higher volume, cheaper ranges, and plastic is expected to be the big winner over the next decade.

An increase in innovation and sustainability initiatives is expected by Visiongain as suppliers keep up with rapidly evolving consumer trends. Consumers will remain in a position of power and cost cutting will become the main priority for suppliers. Competition from overseas is expected to significantly alter the competitive landscape of the personal care packaging market.

National personal care packaging markets for the U.S. and major European countries will remain the focal point for suppliers over the forecast period. Growth within the Asian and Latin American personal care packaging markets is forecast by Visiongain to be significant, and companies will gradually shift their strategies to eventually focus on the emerging markets.

More information is available online.

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APP China is moving forward with the construction of a new coated ivory board machine at its Xiaogang mill in Ningbo city, Zhejiang province, China. According to a report by PPI Pulp & Paper Week (RISI), the new PM 4 will be 7.3 meters wide and have a design speed of 1,200 m/min. It will have a production capacity of approximately 1 million metric tpy. The new machine is planned to startup at the end of 2013 or in early 2014.

Meanwhile, RISI notes, the installation of a 1.2 million metric tpy Voith Paper (Germany) cartonboard machine is well under way at APP China's mill in Qinzhou City, Guangxi Region. The new machine is expected to start mechanical tests in the third quarter and kick off production in the fourth quarter. The unit will be 8.7 meters wide and will have a design speed of 1,400 m/min. Its main output will be coated ivory board.

APP China currently operates two cartonboard mills in China. Both are located in Ningbo, and have a combined capacity of 1.57 million metric tpy.

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The European Commission has approved DS Smith's (U.K.) acquisition of SCA's (Sweden) packaging operations, excluding the two kraftliner mills in Sweden. The purchase price amounts to EUR 1.7 billion on a debt free basis. The operations have approximately 12,000 employees.

Jan Johansson, president and CEO of SCA, noted that "the most important condition for finalizing the deal has now been fulfilled. Today's decision by the EU will enable SCA to continue to strengthen and consolidate its positions in the hygiene and forest products areas."

The Commission has conditioned the decision to DS Smith making some divestments after the acquisition. SCA's packaging operations will be transferred to DS Smith's ownership in connection with the closing of the deal, which is expected to take place according to schedule.

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Kübler & Niethammer Papierfabrik (K&N Paper), Germany, has ordered from Voith Paper (Germany) and Bellmer a rebuild of the paper machine at its Kriebstein mill in Germany. According to a report this week by EUWID Pulp and Paper, the machine rebuild will allow K&N Paper to add a packaging paper to its product portfolio and raise the annual production capacity by 30,000 metric tons. Conversion work at the Kriebstein mill is scheduled for June of next year and will require a 15-day production stoppage.

K&N Paper produces 85,000 metric tpy of recycled LWC on one paper machine. Following the rebuild, production capacity at the Kriebstein mill will increase to 115,000 metric tpy, of which some 30,000 metric tons will be LWC white-top testliner.

Total capital expenditure for the project will be EUR 19 million. The EU is subsidizing some 30% of the rebuild costs, EUWID reports.

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Mondi Group, South Africa, reports that it has completed acquiring the remaining 3,407,257 shares in Mondi Swiecie S.A. it did not already own following the completion of the all cash public tender offer concluded last month. Mondi Group now owns 100% of Mondi Swiecie.

The amount paid for the remaining shares by Mondi Group was EUR 59 million. The aggregate consideration paid by Mondi Group for those shares representing 34% of the share capital of Mondi Swiecie, which Mondi Group did not already own before making the offer, was EUR 294 million..

Mondi is a global paper and packaging group, with production operations across 28 countries and revenues of EUR 5.7 billion in 2011. The group's key operations are located in central Europe, Russia, and South Africa and as at the end of 2011, the company employed 23,400 people. The Group is principally involved in the production of packaging paper, converted packaging products, and uncoated fine paper.

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Ahlstrom Corp., Finland, reports that it will extend the application of its recently launched Ahlstrom Acti-VTM technology to all supercalendered release papers manufactured at its La Gère plant in France. The products are used for Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) labeling, as well as for specialty tape and industrial applications.

Ahlstrom has already begun marketing its Acti-V release papers for PSA labeling applications, manufactured at its Turin plant in Italy. To meet the growing customer demand worldwide, the company is planning equipment modifications at its La Gère facility in France this August, allowing it to increase production of Acti-V and potentially reach up to 100% of the plant's output. This will also enable applying Ahlstrom Acti-V technology to the two-side silicone coating papers range for tape and industrial applications, which represent a major focus of the French site.

Ahlstrom Acti-V is a new generation of release papers for silicone coating. The Ahlstrom patented technology was first introduced to the market at Labelexpo Europe 2011. The new technology will allow Acti-V to play an active role in the silicone curing and anchorage process. Silicone curing requires less catalyst (platinum) and energy. At the same time, it improves silicone coverage while the anchorage is stronger and more durable, even in challenging environmental conditions.

"Ahlstrom Acti-V has received an extremely warm acceptance from the market, since it responds to some of the key operational challenges of our customers. A few months after introduction, the product proved its benefits running on industrial coaters in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. By expanding manufacturing to our La Gère plant, we will be in the position to offer Ahlstrom Acti-V benefits for an even wider number of applications," said Daniele Borlatto, EVP, Label and Processing.

Ahlstrom is a global producer of release papers for the PSA industry. It operates five release liners production sites in Europe (4) and South America (1). Those plants belong to Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business area.

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AstenJohnson, Charleston, S.C., USA, this week announced the newly formed Paperchine Quantum Solutions (PQS). This new engineering, analytical services, and consultancy company will offer a unique range of diagnostic and technical expertise to help papermakers improve machine efficiency and performance.

Paperchine Quantum Solutions will function as an independent business and will be led by VP Jean Pierre Bouchard. According to Bouchard, "today's paper mill is running with fewer resources than in the past, but the need to remain globally competitive is stronger than ever. AstenJohnson is a trusted resource among paper mill personnel when it comes to problem solving, data analysis, training, and other high end services. With PQS, we are harnessing the knowledge and experiences of our people to give papermakers a dedicated addition to their current workforce."

PQS will focus its efforts in four key areas, including: ·

• Audits that examine all facets of the paper machine, from stock approach through winding, to evaluate mechanical, hydraulic, and structural conditions as well as process capability ·
• Process improvement and optimization using on and off-line data analysis, diagnostic, and statistical tools to provide machine operators with the forward-looking process information necessary to increase overall equipment efficiency ·
• Engineering services to support customers in defining and planning capital investments needed to achieve productivity and quality objectives ·
• Education services on papermaking, statistical process control, and Lean and Six Sigma protocols that give novice and seasoned papermakers the opportunity to expand their skills and expertise.

PQS will draw on the knowledge capital of both Paperchine and AstenJohnson, allowing papermakers to take advantage of a wealth of papermaking and engineering knowledge and capabilities.

AstenJohnson employs approximately 2,000 associates worldwide and manufactures paper machine clothing, filaments, and filtration fabrics in addition to the products and equipment manufactured by Paperchine.

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Gunilla Andersson has been appointed CFO of Papyrus, Göteborg, Sweden. She joins Papyrus from the Indoor Climate division of the stock exchange listed global engineering group IMI plc, where she currently holds the position of CFO. Andersson will assume her new position this fall. As Papyrus CFO, she will be a member of the Senior Executive Team and take on responsibility for Finance and IT. She will be based at the corporate headquarters in Sweden, and report to Peter Sandberg, president and CEO of Papyrus.

Andersson will succeed Stig Johansson, who is retiring in January next year, after a long and successful paper industry career where, during the past eight years, he has been contributing to the success and growth of Papyrus. As part of the succession planning, Stig will stay with Papyrus until January to support a seamless transition.

"I am very pleased to have Gunilla Andersson joining the Papyrus team. Gunilla has extensive experience from various industries and a proven track record, and will by that be a valuable asset to Papyrus in the continued development of the company towards industry leadership. I would also like to thank Stig Johansson for his dedication and service to Papyrus over the past years," Sandberg said.

Papyrus is a European merchant in paper, facility supplies, and industrial packaging. The company currently operates in 22 countries across Europe and employs some 2,500 people.

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You still have time to make your plans to attend the TAPPI Introduction to Wet End Chemistry Course June 4 - 6, 2012, at TAPPI Headquarters in Norcross, Ga., USA.

This is the only course available offering an in-depth focus on additives and what they can and can't do for your process. You'll learn about basic water chemistry, fibers and fines, starch, dry strength agents, wet strength, alum chemistry, rosin sizing, synthetic sizes, dyes, fillers, retention systems, deposit control, and the impact of recent regulatory developments.

Although seating is limited for this incredible course, a few seats remain open.

The TAPPI Introduction to Wet End Chemistry is taught by three highly respected experts in paper chemistry who will help you understand how wet end additives can differentiate your products. Bring your team up to speed on the latest technology and terminology in this important papermaking process.

View the entire curriculum planned in the Course Schedule.

TAPPI will award 1.7 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for completion of the curriculum.

2012 TAPPI Introduction to Wet-End Chemistry - June 4 - 6, 2012, Norcross, Ga. USA

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The 2012 TAPPI Linerboard/Medium Manufacture Course, August 7 - 9, 2012, at the TAPPI Training Facility, in Norcross, Ga., USA, is designed to help increase your understanding of linerboard and medium performance properties and manufacturing  to improve corrugated box performance and runnability. This intermediate-level course is ideal for process engineers and operators in linerboard and medium manufacturing facilities and converting plants with a more intermediate background.

For those participants who require an overview background on pulp and papermaking technology, there will be an optional one-half day Introduction to P&P on Monday afternoon, August 6, prior to the beginning of the main course on Tuesday. This supplemental session is intended for corrugators, new pulp and paper mill and supplier personnel, and those without exposure to pulp and paper operations.

If you are looking to increase your understanding of linerboard and medium performance properties and how they are achieved, build your confidence in interacting more knowledgeably within the mill with suppliers and with corrugators; and improve manufacturing operations to produce a more competitive product, then this course is for you!

Only 25 seats are available for this course. Will you be one of the lucky ones? Register now.

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Get an overview of the entire pulping and papermaking process and run a pilot plant paper machine! It's all a first-hand experience at the TAPPI Hands-on Workshop for Pulp and Paper Basics. This course is coming up soon, June 4 - 8, 2012, at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C., USA.

Register to reserve your seat.

The number of students in the course will be limited in size to ensure the best interaction among attendees and instructors during the workshop.

If you're wondering whether this course is right for you, it probably is! It's an essential course that teaches the basic concepts in pulp and paper manufacturing and is designed for anyone wanting to improve their role in operations.

Learn more. 

Participants will receive a course notebook and CD with approximately 400 pg of reference materials.

Earn CEUs: You'll earn 3.7 continuing education credits at the completion of this June 4 - 8 course. It's a lovely time to be in North Carolina.

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Mark your calendars!  The date has been set for the 16th Annual Northeast PIMA/TAPPI Scholarship Tournament. The event will be held on Friday, June 8, 2012, at the Fox Ridge Golf Club in Auburn, Maine, USA.

Please see the event flyer for additional information.  

Registration is now open for this event.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Micki.Meggison@sappi.com.

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TAPPI and the Pulp and Paper Safety Paper Association (PPSA) have announced a new course focusing on Safety Leadership and Modern Safety Management Principles. The 2012 TAPPI/PPSA Safety Leadership Course, to be held at TAPPI Headquarters, August 15 - 16, in Norcross, Ga., USA,  brings the best practices in safety to the paper and packaging industry. A special focus will be placed on leadership commitment and engagement in cultivating a culture of safety excellence.

"Participants in the course will be able to understand the fundamentals of safety and safety management principles including: recordkeeping, incident investigation, safety culture, managing change safely, understanding safety behavior, risk management, and measuring performance," notes Matthew Kanneberg, RockTenn, course chairman.

The course is designed for anyone who takes on a leadership role in safety, including human resources, training, safety supervisors, team leaders, plant managers, project leaders, frontline supervisors, and safety committee participants.

A range of key topics are covered by the course, including: Safety Fundamentals / Modern Safety Management Principles; OSHA Recordkeeping and Medical Management; Incident Investigation; Safe Behavior and Choices; Safety Culture; Measuring Safety Performance; Hazard Recognition; Safety Walkthroughs, Observations and Messaging; Managing Change Safely; and Effective Safety Communication.

More information about the 2012 TAPPI/PPSA Safety Leadership Course is available online.

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The 2012 TAPPI PEERS Conference, October 14 - 17 in Savannah, Ga., USA, is designed to answer the most pressing business and technical questions faced by pulp and paper companies as they manage raw materials, assets, regulatory requirements, and production assets. Learn more about the PEERS Technical Program

In addition to the in-depth, peer-reviewed technical program, keynote speaker Don Roberts, vice chairman of CIBC World Markets, will offer a global business perspective. PEERS will also offer exclusive networking opportunities and insight into new technologies that can help you optimize your mill operations.

The TAPPI PEERS Conference will be co-located with the International Bioenergy and Bioproducts Conference, creating a value-added opportunity for you to expand your learning, networking, and resources by attending both events.

Exhibit and Sponsorship opportunities also are available. Contact Shane Holt by email at TAPPIPEERS@naylor.com or by phone at 800.369.6220, ext. 3345.

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TAPPI's International Bioenergy and Bioproducts Conference, October 17-19, 2012 in Savannah, Ga., will include a tour to Herty Advanced Materials Development Center the morning of Wednesday, October 17. Chartered by the State of Georgia, Herty has leveraged its industry-proven laboratory and pilot capabilities to execute its strategic plan that includes significant emphasis in the biopower and biofuels areas. Herty's focus is on feedstock with current impact of more than $1.5 billion in alternative energy commercialization projects. Herty provides a hub location needed for rapid cost-effective development of biomass resources for energy production. Learn more about Herty and this tour.

IBBC will focus on technical advancements and commercialization of bioconversion technologies that leverage the forest products manufacturing infrastructure. Learn more about IBBC and see the entire technical program.

IBBC will also feature Keynote Speakers:

•  Paul Spindler, VP of Technology at Catchligh
• John B. chairman and CEO, Buckeye Technologies Inc.

In addition, IBBC will include technical presentations, expert panels, case studies, and reports from projects that address:

• Feedstock and harvesting improvements to increase yield and quality of biomass
• Bioelectricity using combined heat and power (CHP)
• Bioconversion technologies for wood and biomass
• Production of chemicals and transportation fuels fromwood and biomass
• Policies and incentives for bioconversion projects'

IBBC will be co-located with the TAPPI PEERS Conference, creating a value-added opportunity for participants to expand their learning, networking and resources by attending both events.

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Wet End Chemistry is the eleventh of 15 CD-ROMs in the Making Pulp and Paper CD-ROM Series. Through this highly interactive, self-paced CD-ROM, participants learn wet end chemistry terms, concepts, and processes.

Learning outcomes:
After completing the Wet End Chemistry CD-ROM, participants should be able to: 

• Understand the reasons why papermakers use wet end additives in paper
• Describe commonly used functional additives
• Describe commonly used process additives.

Benefits for Everyone
The series is designed for anyone who would benefit from a working knowledge of the pulping and papermaking process, including:

• Paper machine operators
• Process and product engineers
• Sales and technical support staff
• New employees
• Students.

It will also be beneficial to experienced production or technical employees who need a more thorough understanding of a specific area of the operation, especially for cross-training purposes. New employees of chemical and equipment suppliers and paper industry consultants will also benefit from this series.

The complete set of all 15 Making Pulp and Paper CD-ROMs are also available.

Product code: MPP-11

Member Price: $78.00

Non-Member Price: $119.00

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Authors: Wei-Hong Zhong and Bin Li, Jo Anne Shatkin, Russell G. Maguire, Vivian T. Dang, Gwen M. Gross, and Michael C. Richey

A comprehensive account of how nanomaterials are synthesized and processed, this book presents the theory and technology of introducing nano-based materials as value-added elements into product manufacturing. The book explains the fundamentals of vapor, liquid, solid phase, and biosystem-assisted nanoparticle syntheses, with sufficient analysis of each method to permit decisions on which is most productive, energy efficient, and safe. The text then confronts the problems of scaling up from lab-based syntheses to manufacturing and demonstrates how nanomaterials on the shop floor require new protocols of quality assurance and employee and environmental protection. The book concludes with case studies of individuals who endeavored to commercialize nanotechnologies for higher-volume production.

Nano Science and Nano Materials:  Synthesis, Manufacturing, and Industry Impacts.

Product code: 12NSNM

Member Price: $129.00

Non-Member Price: $149.00

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The Nonwovens Engineers and Technologists Division (NET) of TAPPI will co-locate its annual Innovative Nonwovens Conference (NETInc) next year with PaperCon 2013, April 28 - May 1 in Atlanta, Ga., USA.. The NETInc technical conference is a unique event developed by engineers and technologists to cover the latest market and technical developments and innovations in the global nonwovens industry. 

"Co-location of the NETInc Conference at PaperCon 2013, the pulp and paper industry's largest event and most comprehensive technical conference, will provide attendees an expanded range of options to network and learn the latest cutting edge technical content," notes TAPPI President and CEO Larry N. Montague. "The nonwovens industry is a dynamic, rapidly growing segment of our industry that encompasses a wide range of raw materials, applications, and market segments, and it employs some of the most innovative technology in the industry. We're excited about the synergy provided by having these two industry leading events located in one venue."

NETInc offers peer reviewed papers, expert speakers, and exclusive networking opportunities. A comprehensive technical program covers a wide range of products, innovative technologies, and topics including market trends, raw materials, fibers, and processing used in an array of applications including absorbent products, medical applications, building science, and many others.

TAPPI's NET Division covers the global nonwovens business and includes members and nonwovens experts from diverse markets and disciplines. It covers materials, equipment, and processes for the manufacture and use of nonwovens. The division's technical committees sponsor courses, conference sessions, roundtables, and TAPPI PRESS products, as well as networking and problem-solving opportunities.

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Tension Control

Kee-Huyn Shinn, Ph.D.

This volume provides a thorough study of the longitudinal dynamics and tension control of web handling systems. Critical web handling problems that can be related to improper tension control include wrinkle, slack, breakage, lateral movement, and poor roll quality. This valuable text is the only reference currently available devoted entirely to tension control.

Tension Control

View the Table of Contents

 Product code: 0101R275

Member Price: $50.00

Non-Member Price: $75.00

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The Extrusion Coating Manual, Fourth Edition is now available through TAPPI Press.

Edited by: Thomas Bezigian

This comprehensive volume details all aspects of extrusion coating. The book will be a valuable training tool for new employees and a useful reference for everyone involved in extrusion coating. It includes information on classic materials and troubleshooting techniques as well as the latest materials and machine designs available anywhere in the world today.

Completely revised and updated, the fourth edition contains the work of more than 30 well-known industry experts.

View the Table of Contents

Product code: 0102B065

Member Price: $93.00

Non-Member Price: $140.00

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Martin A. Hubbe and Kasy King

This handbook provides cost-saving strategies associated with the use of chemical additives during the manufacture of paper. Topics include:

• Loss of materials (i.e. "yield" of the papermaking process)
• Production rate issues
• Downtime
• Inefficient use of functional additives
• Process-enhancing additives and their control
• Strategies to reduce the amount of fibers required to make a paper product
• Strategies to reduce the amount of energy to make paper.

A glossary of terms and a brief introduction to selected principles of capital budgeting are provided as appendices.

This book is ideal for paper machine process engineers/scientists, paper machine superintendents, paper mill management, chemical supplier technical staff, product development engineers, paper mill consultants, and technical staff from allied industries, e.g. process control equipment, papermaking machinery, and environmental services.

Cost Saving Strategies in Papermaking Chemistry

View the Forward and Table of Contents

Product code: 0101R325

Member Price: $150.00

Non-Member Price: $215.00

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