Domtar, Montreal, Que., Canada, and First Book, Washington, D.C., USA, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books to children in need announced the expansion of their partnership for literacy. The next phase of collaboration will help bring 60,000 brand-new, high-quality books to kids from low-income families across North America.

The Powerful Pages campaign will include "library makeover" grants to 14 schools and programs in U.S. towns that are home to Domtar mills and to eight similar organizations in Domtar host communities and area First Nation communities in Canada. These grants will give educators the funds to purchase an estimated 600 brand-new books through the First Book Marketplace, a website available exclusively to First Book programs.

"Domtar's commitment to kids in need in their communities is exemplary," said Kyle Zimmer, president and CEO of First Book. "We learned how dedicated they were when we worked together last year, and we're thrilled to expand our partnership to reach so many more children with the books and resources they need."

Paige Goff, Domtar's VP of Sustainability and Business Communications, said that "investing in the economic and social development of our host communities, and literacy efforts in particular, is a cornerstone of our sustainable business commitment at Domtar. We are honored to be able to support First Book's laudable efforts to get new books in the hands of young readers who otherwise would be going without."

In addition to the "library makeover" grants, Domtar is funding one hundred smaller grants as an incentive for local schools and programs in communities that are home to Domtar employees to sign up with First Book. These grants will give the new members of First Book's network the funds to select around 125 new books from the First Book Marketplace for their students. The campaign also includes support for a national distribution of new books. Domtar will underwrite the shipping costs for 45,000 donated books that will go to educators and program leaders serving kids in need across North America as part of First Book's ongoing National Book Bank program.

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Consumers for Paper Options, a coalition advocating for equal access to government services and information, this past week announced the results of a national poll showing that an overwhelming majority of Americans oppose federal efforts to eliminate paper-based information and services.

Recent federal decisions to eradicate paper-based options for key services—such as Social Security checks, savings bonds, and income tax forms—have rendered these services difficult or even impossible for millions of Americans to access while exposing them to rising fraud. In fact, the Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing late last week to examine fraud as a result of the Social Security electronic payments mandate.

Below are key findings from the Consumers for Paper Options survey:

• 73% of respondents said that it is extremely (50%) or somewhat (23%) wrong to require anyone to go online to interact with government agencies
• 89% of respondents said that the government's "paperless policies" disadvantage the elderly, disabled, low income, and poorly educated
• 85% said that, prior to imposing policies that restrict paper-based information and services, government agencies should be required to submit to congressional oversight
• 84% say it is not OK for companies that send bills, statements, and informational documents such as proxies or privacy statements to force customers to receive those documents in electronic format only.

"The government's efforts to go paperless are certainly hurting Americans caught in the digital divide, but this survey proves that citizens of all ages and income levels are united in the belief that the government should not force people to go digital," said John Runyan, executive director of Consumers for Paper Options. "While online services work for many Americans, the majority still objects to the idea that the government should decide how we access important services. It's time for Congress to act and ensure that paper-based services are preserved for citizens who want them."

The executive summary, which contains more information and additional survey data, is available online.

Consumers for Paper Options supports H. Res. 97, a bipartisan resolution recently introduced by Reps. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) and Mike Michaud (D-Maine). The resolution seeks to reverse federal initiatives to eliminate paper-based information and services.

The structured survey was conducted by research firm InfoTrends using 3,000 U.S. residents ages 18 and over. The margin of error is +/-1.8%.

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The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Inc., Washington, D.C., USA, reports significant growth across key performance indicators with the release of Writing the Next Chapter, SFI's 2013 Annual Progress Report. Since 2007, forests certified to the SFI Standard have grown by 100 million acres to 240 million acres today. Total chain-of-custody certified locations grew from 500 in 2007 to more than 2,500. Also, SFI received on-product label requests for more than 6,000 wood, paper, and packaging products in 2012, up from only 50 for the entire year in 2007.

"While our Progress Report demonstrates growing momentum for responsible forestry, with indicators of success rising across the board, what's most exciting is our conservation and customer partnerships," said Kathy Abusow, president and CEO of SFI. "By working together, leading environmentalists, community advocates, and SFI program participants are writing the next chapter to promote sustainable forestry, to improve forestry practices, and to encourage responsible purchasing of forest products."

With a $400,000 initial investment in 2010, SFI's Conservation and Community Grant program grew to more than $4.8 million by 2012, with leveraged contributions and 150 project partners including the American Bird Conservancy, Habitat for Humanity affiliates, National Association of State Foresters, National Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy of Canada, U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, and World Resources Institute.

On the supply-chain front, the report congratulates four market leaders—Time Inc., the National Geographic Society, Macmillan Publishers, and Pearson—for stepping forward to become SFI Founding Forest Partners, making five-year commitments to increase certification across the forest products supply-chain.

The report's theme, Writing the Next Chapter, connects with the reality that on June 5 SFI launched the 18-month process to revise its standard and create the SFI 2015-2019 Standard, which includes reaching out to 10,000 individuals and organizations and holding numerous workshops across North America.

The SFI External Review Panel, a panel of distinguished independent experts representing environmental, academic, professional, and public organizations, conducts an independent review of the SFI Program and the SFI Progress Report to ensure it fairly states the status of SFI implementation. The ERP will now focus on ensuring that the SFI standard revision process gives ample consideration to all comments received.

More information about SFI and access to the report are available online.

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Now an established event during London Pulp Week, this year's BWPA (British Wood Pulp Association) and Hawkins Wright Symposium moves to the historic Freemasons Hall in London, one of the finest Art Deco buildings in England. The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m,, followed by lunch. The registration fee is £305 (VAT included).

This year's program includes:

• Diego Iscaro, IHS Global Insight
• The Global Economic Outlook
• João Cordeiro, Jaakko Pöyry
• Pulp Wood Supply Trends in Asia and Latin America
• Hani Nuqul, Nuqul Group
• Tissue: Prospects in the MENA Markets
• Heikki Vappula, UPM
• Pulp Production and Bioenergy - Strategic Opportunity or Risk?
• Oliver Lansdell, Hawkins Wright
• The Outlook for Market Pulp.

For more information email Amanda Marcus or phone at: +44 (0) 7802449144.

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U.S. containerboard production increased 7.3% over April 2013 and 4.5% over the same month last year, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) May 2013 U. S. Containerboard Statistics Report released this week. The month-over-month average daily production increased 3.8%.

The containerboard operating rate for May 2013 gained 3.6 points from April 2013, from 94.3% to 97.9%.

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Total U.S. kraft paper shipments in May were 128,500 tons, a decrease of 3.3% compared with the prior month, AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) reports in its May 2013 Kraft Paper Report published this week. Bleached kraft paper shipments increased year-over-year 24.5%, but the 11.5% year-over-year decline in the larger category of unbleached kraft paper shipments was enough to bring overall kraft paper shipments down 7% year-over-year.

Total month-end inventory increased 6.3% to 70,700 tons this month compared with April 2013 month-end inventories.

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Total boxboard production in the U.S. decreased by 0.6% compared with May 2012, but increased 0.6% from last month, AF&PA, Washington, D.C., USA, reports in its May 2013 U.S. Paperboard Statistics Report released this week. Unbleached kraft boxboard production increased over the same month last year and increased compared with last month.

Total solid bleached boxboard and liner production decreased compared with May 2012 and decreased compared with last month. The production of recycled boxboard increased compared with May 2012 and increased when compared with last month.

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Catalyst Paper, Richmond, B.C., Canada, this past week announced the appointment of Leslie Lederer, a director and chairman of the company, as the interim president and CEO. The appointment takes effect on Kevin J. Clarke's departure as Catalyst CEO and board member at the end of this month.

Lederer is a former industry executive with Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., with extensive experience in the industry, and a member of the Illinois Bar.

Clarke's resignation was announced in April and the board initiated an executive search for his successor at that time. Clarke is leaving the company and the board to return to his home in the state of New York where his family resides.

Lederer's appointment will enable the board to complete the executive search in due course and will facilitate a seamless transition once a new CEO is selected.

Catalyst Paper produces specialty mechanical printing papers, newsprint, and pulp. With three mills in British Columbia, the company has a combined annual production capacity of 1.5 million metric tons.

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Domtar Corp., Montreal, Que., Canada, President and CEO John D. Williams offered his support for the Obama Administration's proposal to develop a more certain path for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "The president is correct that America is uniquely suited to find sensible solutions for addressing this issue," Williams said.

Noting that the forest products industry has voluntarily made significant reductions in its reliance on fossil fuels over the past decade, Williams added that "we are better utilizing the energy value of our biomass by-products that are carbon neutral over the long term, making our industry more sustainable economically and environmentally.

"A decade ago, Domtar was reporting that 68% of our energy use was from renewable, greenhouse gas neutral sources. Today, that number is approaching 85%. This has lowered our costs and, according to EPA's reporting methodology, reduced our carbon emissions by a third," Williams pointed out.

Domtar produces a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication papers, specialty papers, packaging papers, and adult incontinence products. The foundation of its business is a network of wood fiber converting assets that produce paper grade, fluff, and specialty pulps. The majority of its pulp production is consumed internally to manufacture paper and consumer products. The company is the largest integrated marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America.

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Michal Jarczynski, CEO of Arctic Paper S.A., Poland, has submitted his resignation, effective July 15. Meanwhile, the company's supervisory board has entrusted the function of acting CEO to Wolfgang Lübbert, a current member of Arctic Paper's management board and sales and marketing director.

Jarczynski has been associated with the Arctic Paper Group since 1998. He was originally employed at its plant in Kostrzyn, which under his leadership became the most productive paper mill in the group. He also oversaw such important processes as inclusion of the Kostrzyn paper mill in the special economic zone, construction of the company's own gas-fired heat and power plant at Kostrzyn, listing of Arctic Paper on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, acquisitions, and the group's debut on NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm. Sweden.

Jarczynski noted that "Arctic Paper is a group presenting great challenges and demanding vast knowledge and commitment. I am proud that I had the opportunity to contribute my own experience to the company over such a long period and—together with the other members of the management team—to build the company's strong position on international markets."

The Arctic Paper Group is the second-largest European producer of bulky book paper in terms of production volume, offering the largest product assortment in this segment, and one of Europe's leading producers of fine graphic paper.

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Kemira, Finland, is opening a new AKD-emulsion line in Joutseno, Finland, to better serve big sizing clients. The new capacity will be available beginning this fall.

AKD is an alkyl ketene dimer based sizing agent that impacts paper and board hydrophobicity or water resistance. Sufficient hydrophobicity is important for packaging materials and it improves paper or board runnability in a coating process. Water resistance also improves printability and dimension stability of the final product during the converting process. In addition to AKD-emulsions, the new process is capable to produce unique Gamma-emulsion, which is based on two sizing components.

For more information, contact Antti Matula, Director, Marketing & Product Lines, Paper EMEA.

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Europe-based Lecta reports that a meeting of employee representatives this past week closes the period for consultation of staff representative bodies that began on March 22 in regard to restructuring of the company's Condat mill in France. The restructuring plan includes closure of the mill's PM 6 line and the associated layoff of employees. Line 6 will be shutdown beginning July 1.

Lecta notes that Condat's management has done everything possible to preserve jobs and keep the number of forced layoffs down. The initial project submitted to the workers' elected representatives on March 22 envisioned the elimination of 144 jobs. Five of these positions have been kept through negotiations with the representative bodies, which leaves the number of jobs eliminated now at 139. Incentives have been provided to facilitate voluntary early retirement as well as other kinds of voluntary redundancies (business creation, workforce transition, etc.). Any voluntary redundancy will enable the redeployment of an employee whose job is in jeopardy, the company points out, adding that these measures should help significantly reduce the number of forced layoffs.

The first dismissal notifications will be issued July 31, and will be scaled out until the end of 2013. Condat is not the only facility in the Lecta Group affected by the restructuring. Cost reduction measures are also underway at all of the group's operations, the company emphasizes.

Lecta's management foresees investments beginning this autumn to optimize the operation of the other two production lines with a view to extending their grammage ranges. These investments should be operational by the end of 2013. Until these investments are operationally commissioned, the manufacture of these products will temporarily be handled by other firms in the Lecta Group.

Lecta, the second largest European producer of coated paper, consists of three companies: Torraspapel (Spain), Cartiere del Garda (Italy), and Condat (France). Condat specializes in the production of woodfree coated paper. The company showed a turnover of EUR 456 million in 2012. It has some 658 employees.

The Condat mill is located in the Périgord region of France, straddling the villages of Lardin Saint Lazare and Condat sur Vézère. It is one of the most modern in Europe in the wake of the substantial investments in recent years. It has an annual production capacity of 580,000 metric tons.

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To better meet increasing demands of the Asian market, paper machinery supplier PMT, Italy, reports that it made a strategic decision to open a new branch in China. The new branch will be called MT Kunshan, situated in the town of the same name.

PMT Kunshan, whose first activities will be the pre-erection of key components for the Asian market and the service to installations in the Far East, was conceived with the intent of widening PMT's current capability of supplying machinery and services to the paper industry in the Chinese market as well as expanding its activity to other countries. PMT sales activity in China will continue with the local support of Kaukomarkkinat. Some local technicians will be trained in Italy to build the first service staff while further internal and external manpower will be in charge of pre-erection activities.

Kunshan, with an ideal position in the most advanced Chinese area, between Shanghai and Nanjing, is one of the economically most interesting towns in China with its 2.4% foreign direct investment, especially from Taiwan, PMT notes.

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Pöyry, Finland, reports that it has been awarded an assignment by Lwarcel Celulose, a Lwart Group company, for basic engineering and logistics studies for the expansion of its pulp mill at Lençóis Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil. Lwarcel had earlier engaged Pöyry's services in the conceptual and pre-feasibility analysis for the project.

As part of the expansion, Lwarcel intends to build a new production line at the same location of the current mill. The line will bring an additional production capacity of up to 750,000 tons a year; currently, the annual production is 250,000 tons of short fiber pulp from eucalyptus.

In addition to the new production line, the project also predicts the increase of the company's planting area, going from 38,000 acres to 90,000 acres of planted eucalyptus forests. This expansion will generate economic and social development, as well as contributing to the preservation of native and spring areas, Pöyry noted.

"Pöyry has been working with Lwarcel since 2008 on studies for alternatives, logistics, feasibility, and conceptual design. It also has been engaged in environmental impact studies," Marcelo Cordaro, head of Pöyry's operations in Brazi, said..

The value of the order was not disclosed.

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Stora Enso, Finland, reports that it is investing approximately EUR 32 million in its Skoghall Mill in Sweden. The investment is primarily for rebuilding a fiber line in the kraft pulp mill and its chemical recovery operations, increasing the mill's pulp production capacity by 45 000 metric tpy.

"The investment will equip Skoghall Mill with new potential for increasing operational efficiency to enhance our competitiveness in the attractive packaging market," says Mats Nordlander, EVP, Stora Enso Renewable Packaging.

The project will begin immediately and is expected to be completed in October 2014. This investment is in addition to the recent investment of EUR 90 million in a new wood room and woodyard for improved wood handling at the mill. The investment will allow the Skoghall Mill to increase production volumes and improve its cost position.

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AV Terrace Bay Inc, Terrace Bay., Ont., Canada, reports that its resurrected pulp mill at Terrace Bay plans to switch to dissolving pulp production by 2016. Preliminary planning for the switch is to begin in the next few weeks, AV Terrace Bay CEO Giovanni Iadeluca said this past week following the announcement of a new fiber-supply agreement with nearby Pays Plat First Nation, according to a report by the local Chronicle-Journal newspaper.

The three-year agreement sets the terms for a Pays Plat company to supply the mill with wood logged from southern portions of the large Kenogami Crown forest, the pulp plant's traditional basket of softwood.

The agreement "will promote the economic development of our community and enhance the job opportunities within the communities, including practical on the job training," Pays Plat Chief Xavier Thompson said in a news release.

The mill's dissolving pulp production will be used in-house by its parent company, India-based multinational Aditya Birla Group, which has a large textile division. In the meantime, Iadeluca said, the refurbished Terrace Bay mill will continue to sell traditional kraft pulp to markets in North America, Asia, and Europe. The plant makes about 1,000 metric tpd of pulp.

About $25 million worth of repairs have been made at the mill since the Birla Group acquired it nearly a year ago from an insolvent Buchanan Group company. The mill's workforce of 350 "won't change considerably" after it begins producing the new product, said Iadeluca.

Pays Plat is one of half a dozen First Nations suppliers of wood to the mill, which requires about 2,000 metric tons of raw fiber daily.

An anticipated downward cycle in the price of pulp has been factored into the mill's business plan and the operation shouldn't be adversely impacted if the price goes down, Iadeluca added. Price reductions did negatively impact the plant when it was run by the Buchanan Group, which was forced to shut down the operation twice in the five years that it owned it.

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China Shengda Packaging Group, China, a paper packaging producer, this past week announced that its wholly operating subsidiary, Jiangsu Shuangsheng Paper Technology Development Co., has completed the construction of a new paper mill and officially begun production. The paper mill, located in Sheyang County, Jiangsu Province, has an annual production capacity of 150,000 metric tons.

Daliang Teng, CEO of China Shengda Packaging Group, said that "the completion of the paper mill is an important milestone for the company. As raw paper constitutes a significant portion of our cost of goods sold, we expect the addition of the paper mill to enable us to more effectively manage our production costs and control the supply and quality of our raw materials. Once fully ramped, we believe the paper mill will drive meaningful growth for our business and further sharpen our competitive edge as a leading player in the paper packaging market."

China Shengda Packaging is principally engaged in the design, production, and sale of flexo-printed and color-printed corrugated paper cartons in a variety of sizes and strengths. It also produces raw paper and corrugated paperboards, which are used for the production of flexo-printed and color-printed cartons. The company provides paper packaging solutions to a wide variety of industries, including food, beverage, cigarette, household appliance, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, and other consumer and industrial sectors in China.

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Gorham Paper and Tissue, Gorham, N.H., USA, has appointed Commercial Paper Agents (CPA), Dresden, Germany, as its exclusive distribution partner in Europe for its specialty packaging products. Targeting European packaging converters and end users, CPA will focus on selling Optix, a line of specialty papers for food packaging engineered with grease resistance, wet strength, and other functional properties.

"We are pleased to partner with Tom Radtke and the CPA team. They bring a tremendous amount of experience and insight about the needs of the European market," said Brian McAlary, VP of Sales and Marketing for Gorham. "The response to our packaging papers domestically has been phenomenal. With the guidance of CPA, we anticipate the same reception in Europe."

CPA was recently launched by paper industry veteran, Tom Radtke. The CPA team has a network of highly trained technical and sales professionals in place targeting markets that require specialty papers.

Optix is offered in bleached and natural options in 30 -- 90 gsm (18-55 lb., 24 x 36/500) with grease resistance and wet strength. The line is ideal for a range of Quick Serve Restaurant (QSR) and other food packaging including wraps, pouches, bags, and liners. Gorham also makes various bases used for waxing, coatings, and laminations.

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Mayr-Melnhof Karton, Austria, this week reported that it has signed an agreement to acquire a high grade CTMP (chemi-thermomechanical pulp) production plant near Trondheim, Norway, from Södra Cell AB. The plant has an annual capacity of up to 130,000 metric tons of CTMP. The acquisition price will amount to approximately EUR 4 million, the company noted.

Mayr-Meinhof Karton is the largest producer of coated recycled cartonboard worldwide, with an expanding position in virgin fiber-based cartonboard.

Mayr-Melnhof Karton, Austria, this week reported that it has signed an agreement to acquire a high grade CTMP (chemi-thermomechanical pulp) production plant near Trondheim, Norway, from Södra Cell AB. The plant has an annual capacity of up to 130,000 metric tons of CTMP. The acquisition price will amount to approximately EUR 4 million, the company noted.

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The United Steelworkers (USW), Pittsburgh, Pa. USA, reports that its members have ratified a four-year master global economic and security agreement by an overwhelming margin with Packaging Corp. of America (PCA) that covers more than 1,900 workers at 25 box plants across the country.

The global agreement sets key economic and security terms and stipulates that during local bargaining, no changes can be made to existing local agreements except as mutually agreed by the local union and the company, while fixing the term of those local contracts at four years.

"This second global agreement further solidifies coordinated bargaining in the industry and with PCA," said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. "It provides economic and job security for our members and a platform for a positive relationship between the USW and companies like PCA that are committed to manufacturing in North America."

On expiration of each local union contract, wages will increase 2.5% the first and second years, 2% the third year, and 2.5% the final year. The agreement also improves retirement security, vacation provisions, the dental plan, and adds a vision program. The current health care plan and premium contributions are locked in for the life of the current and next local union agreements.

"One of the key achievements of this global agreement was locking in our high quality health care plan and maintaining current percentages on premium contributions to keep health care costs from escalating for the PCA box plant workers," said Leeann Foster, Assistant to the International President and PCA bargaining chair. "Unfortunately, health care insecurity is too often the norm in today's workplaces, but the USW PCA box plant workers will know stability on this important issue through at least 2017 and at some locations until 2019."

All local union contracts will continue their contract protection clause in case a facility is sold. There is also improved organizing language that showcases the relationship between the USW and PCA at both an international and local level.

"With continuing consolidation in the industry, contract protection provisions are especially important, and USW PCA workers will continue to know that their jobs won't be affected if a facility is sold. The organizing language will assist us in improving our union density in the converter sector of this industry," said USW International VP Jon Geenen, who oversees bargaining in the paper sector.

Later this summer, the USW, local affiliates, and PCA will enter negotiations for a master global economic and security agreement that covers workers at the company's four mill operations.

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Catalyst Paper, Richmond, B.C., Canada, has added Ascent, a coated three paper, to its mechanical printing product range. Made at the Port Alberni mill on the only coated mechanical paper machine in Western North America, Ascent went from idea to market in the space of a few short months, the company notes.

"Our product development team brought tremendous cross-disciplinary expertise to the initiative, along with the understanding that a new product had to be hands-down excellent to meet the quality expectations of customers when there is so much choice in the marketplace," said Tom Crowley, SVP, sales and marketing. "Ascent was lab tested, trialed in pressrooms, and when it comes to printing, there's no better proof of how well it shows, than Catalyst's most recent sustainability report that was printed on Ascent."

Catalyst has long specialized in lower-basis weight production across a wide range of papers from newsprint and directory grades, to specialty papers ideal for retail inserts and flyers, to high quality glossy mechanical papers popular with commercial printers, magazine, catalogue, and book publishers.

Catalyst Paper produces diverse specialty mechanical printing papers, newsprint, and pulp. With three mills in British Columbia, Catalyst has a combined annual production capacity of 1.5 million metric tons.

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Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., USA, will raise the price for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) products by $40 per ton. The increase becomes effective with shipments in the U.S. and Canada beginning July 8.

"Unfortunately, the price increase is necessary to recover rising recovered paper and other raw materials costs," said Marty Pignone, VP, Primary Materials Group, North America. "The posted price for old corrugated containers (OCC) in the Southeast U.S. has risen approximately 60% since September 2012 and OCC being sold in the market today is running above the posted price of $120 per ton. In addition, demand for all grades for URB products is strong."

Sonoco is one of the largest producers of uncoated recycled paperboard in the U.S. and Canada, producing more than 1 million tons annually from 13 mills.

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DS Smith Plc, U.K., a producer of recycled packaging for consumer goods, this past week announced the appointment of Adrian Marsh as group finance director, succeeding Steve Dryden whose decision to leave the company was announced this past January. Marsh will join DS Smith from Tesco PLC where he has been the group director of tax, treasury, and corporate finance for the past three and a half years.

Prior to Tesco, Dryden was European CFO at AstraZeneca plc and CFO Global Building Products at Pilkington plc. He is a Fellow of both the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and The Association of Corporate Treasurers. It is anticipated that he will join the company by the end of September.

Dryden will stand down from the board and leave the company on June 28, following publication of the company's final results. David Matthews, group financial controller, will perform the role of interim group finance director.

In June 2012, DS Smith acquired SCA Packaging. On a combined basis, the group is now the second largest manufacturer of corrugated products in Europe. It is also a major global supplier of bag-in-box packaging and a leading European supplier of plastic returnable transit packaging. The combined group now has revenues of approximately £4 billion (based on a combination of historically reported figures and a 12 month contribution from both businesses.

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Pulp producer Rottneros AB, Stockholm, Sweden, has appointed Carl-Johan Jonsson its new CEO, effective July 1. He succeeds Ole Terland who has been the CEO of Rottneros since 2008. Jonsson, most recently held a corresponding position with Mondi Dynäs AB, Sweden, which produces kraft paper.

Terland is leaving his position essentially as a result of Arctic Paper S.A. becoming the new main owner of Rottneros this spring. The greater part of the board was also replaced in conjunction with the AGM in March.

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Seats are filling for the 2013 TAPPI Introduction to Kraft Pulping and Bleaching course.  Save with the early-bird discount by completing your registration by July 5.

This efficiently, expertly planned course will be held August 5-6 at the TAPPI Training Facility in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, USA.

You can expect to network among your peers already registered from BTG Inc., Buckman, Domtar, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, Packaging Corp. of America, Weyerhaeuser, and others. You can also plan your trip ahead of time.

Meet our instructor:

Dr. Michael Kocurek is one of the world's most recognized educators in the pulp and paper industry. As Professor Emeritus of Paper Science & Engineering at North Carolina State University, Dr. Kocurek's focus is on pulp and paper technology, paper properties, and workforce and professional development. He has taught pulping and bleaching to both undergraduate and graduate students, and groups of technical personnel and operators for more than 40 years. He is active in teaching distance learning courses and has taught in-mill company classroom short courses on kraft pulping manufacture at more than 15 mill locations.

Dr. Kocurek is the editor of 11 books, including the recognized Pulp and Paper Manufacture series covering the entire field of pulp and paper. He has authored/co-authored six video courses, including the Introduction to Pulp & Paper series - again covering the entire field of pulp and paper. Dr. Kocurek received his B.S., M.S., and PhD degrees in Paper Science & Engineering from the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, and Syracuse University.

He has served as Paper Science Department head at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, an academic program he founde, and N.C. State University. His honors include TAPPI Fellow, TAPPI Distinguished Service Award, and induction into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame - an honor bestowed to recognize people who have made preeminent contributions to the global paper industry.

Course Curriculum:

The 2013 Introduction to Kraft Pulping and Bleaching course is "the kind of course that offers a view of the entire puzzle, so to speak, rather than a detailed focus on one or two operations," explains Dr. Kocurek. "There are few if any that combine this field of focus into one course."

You will learn how to:

•  Expand overall understanding of kraft pulp mill operations
•  Broaden awareness of how one part of the process affects other operations
•  Demonstrate the affect of processes on kraft pulp quality
•  Build confidence for effective interaction among process engineers and operators
•  Help with troubleshooting product quality problems.
 
Register soon to take part.  We look forward to seeing you here at the TAPPI headquarters in August.

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The Pulp and Paper Manufacturers Association (PPMA) has launched its first-ever Best Place to Work Award. The award is open to all companies in the forest products industry and will look not only at corporate life but also look at how employees feel about their work environments.

In conjunction with Majority Opinion Research Group, PPMA has started taking nominations for this award and will continue to accept nominations through July 1.

"This award is an exciting opportunity for PPMA to honor great companies. As an association that serves HR professionals, we know the value of the making your company a great place to work," said PPMA President Joe Thibaudeau, employee relations manager - Procter & Gamble - Green Bay, Wis., USA.

The award will be presented to the winner at the annual PPMA conference on October 23-25, 2013, in Milwaukee, Wis., USA. The winner will have the chance to speak with conference attendees about what makes his or her company the "Best Place to Work."

PPMA is a nonprofit association built around a community comprised of executives, managers, and human resource professionals from the pulp and paper industry. For its members, PPMA serves as a primary source of information on labor settlements and current human resource issues, governmenta,l and related operational issues.

To nominate your company for the Best Place to Work Award, use the online form.

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Are you ready to go further, faster in your safety career? The Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) class can take you there.

Your opportunity to attend the highly reputable
Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) Course
 is coming July 15-19, at the TAPPI Training Facility in metro Atlanta, Ga., USA.

Not only will you learn how to read and understand the OSHA 1910 and 1926 CFRs and help your company avoid OSHA citations that cost millions of dollars, but more importantly, by learning how to work safely on a job site, you can teach your company how to lower fatalities and near misses. Almost 47% of COSS graduates responding to our survey indicate that, since taking COSS, their company's injury rate and/or OSHA recordables have decreased by as much as 25% and others attest to as much as a 100% decrease!

Request a Course Outline & Syllabus for more information.

COSS curriculum is updated every year for the highest integrity of accuracy because safety rules and OSHA standards are often changing. The cost of this nationally-known program is minimal if you compare it with the potential cost of even one accident.
This course is designed for all job levels so that anyone can become a leader in safety management on the job. COSS instructors are Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainers, a highly complex level of commitment - meaning these trainers are passionate about safety.  You'll learn from the best in the profession. This class also addresses the psychology of safety, the true cost of an accident, hazard recognition, how to start up a health and safety program, behavior based safety, system safety, and much more!

What Will You Receive?
Upon successfully completing the class, you will obtain your national Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) designation, your OSHA 10-hr. card of completion in construction, and your OSHA 10-hr. card of completion in general industry.

National Program Recognitions
COSS is currently one of only 37 programs in the world recongnized and accredited by the American Petroleum Institute (API). In addition, the certifying body for construction education for colleges, universties and technical/trade schools, American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), has also recongnized our program. COSS is the only non-degree program to receive this national endorsement. Lastly, COSS has been established as a mandatory course for students in the Construction Management Program at Louisiana State University.

Program Content
The program consists of 40 hr. of hands on, face-to-face learning, which is delivered by an Authorized OSHA outreach trainer in both construction and general industry. Case studies and workshops are used extensively to bring learning objectives into focus. Guest speaker from areas such as OSHA and other governmental agencies are used to enhance the learning experience. Student presentations, daily quizzes, practical reviews, and a comprehensive final exam will allow you to demonstrate your competency.

Prerequisites
The only prerequisite for the COSS class is you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. In each class, we tend to have a mix of non-experienced, first time safety persons, as well as safety professionals who have been in the safety field for 20+ years. But, we have learned that regardless of the numbers of years of experience you have in safety, everyone leaves the COSS class with a wealth of knowledge!

Visit the COSS website for FAQs, testimonials and a list of clients that have taken COSS.

Register now.

If you would like more information on the COSS program, contact Beth Gordon at 877-610-2677.

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Alabama Southern will host a one-day-only Operator Training Conference & Workshop. This complimentary event, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in conjunction with NPT2, will help HR professional and mill leaders add value to their existing operator training programs and provide practical advice on how to create a more competitive and better trained workforce.

Date: Friday, July 18
Location: Alabama Southern, Thomasville, Ala.
Time: 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m  CST

Discover new tools, learn best practices, and better equip your operator workforce. For more details or to register for the event, please contact Martha Wynn by email or by phone at 334.637.3194.

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The Pulp and Paper Safety Association (PPSA) will award John Sunderland, of Buckeye Technology, the first ever PPSA Distinguished Service Award. The PPSA Distinguished Service Award was established in 2013 to recognize Sunderland for his voluntary leadership and service and will be awarded to anyone who has performed outstanding service to the association.

"We were honored to be able to present John with this award. He has shown a dedication for this association and has helped us through challenging times," said Pete Masias and Monty Batchelor, PPSA Awards Committee and Board of Directors members.

Sunderland has served on the PPSA Board of Directors for a number of years and in that time he took an association that was heading for financial disaster and stepped in to provide the needed administration that literally saved the association. It is that dedication to PPSA that allows PPSA to remain the most respected safety association in the pulp and paper industry.

The award will be given to Sunderland at the 70th Annual Health and Safety Conference in Williamsburg, Va. Registration is currently open for this event. More information is available online.
 
The Pulp & Paper Safety Association is a non-profit, non-political, international organization, devoted to the continuous improvement of safety throughout all aspects of the paper industry. From forest products to paper mills, to converting plants, to recycle collection centers, our membership is grouped by category to ensure a fair and appropriate basis for comparison.

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The Forest Products Society (FPS) has announced it will utilize TAPPI for the delivery of a wide range of association management services. FPS, a non-profit association based in Madison, Wis., USA, is a leader in providing information to advance the sustainable use of renewable cellulosic resources through science and technology.

"We're very excited about the benefits of this partnership. The administrative support provided by TAPPI will allow FPS to provide a higher level of member services in a cost effective manner as well as help FPS expand and promote its brand and services," remarked Stefan A. Bergmann, EVP, FPS. "Since both associations serve complementary industries, TAPPI can appreciate and understand the issues that are important to our membership and this will make for a very effective partnership."

TAPPI President and CEO Larry Montague said that "we look forward to working with the Forest Products Society to support the important information network and services they provide for the advancement of sustainable use of our industry's cellulosic   resources. "The synergy provided by working together will serve our industries well by using the strengths of the two organizations to better educate the public, promote the exchange of technical information, foster innovative product development, and open up new applications for renewable materials."

Founded in 1947, the Forest Products Society's vision is to be the international leader for advancing the sustainable use of renewable cellulosic resources through science and technology. The international not-for-profit technical association convenes technical conferences, produces several journals including the peer-reviewed Forest Products Journal, and publishes books. Society members represent a broad range of professional interests including private and public research and development, industrial management and production, marketing, education, government, engineering, and consulting.

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The 2014 PLACE Technical Program Team is actively seeking technical presentations, panels, tutorials, roundtables, and case studies from the packaging and academic community to be presented at this year's conference. Interested in being a session chair or know someone who would be a great presenter? Extended abstracts will be accepted anytime before August 1. Space is limited so submit now! Final papers will be due on or before March 17, 2014.  

View the list of suggested topics and an extended abstract example.  
 
The 2014 PLACE Conference is the premier North American event for the flexible packaging industry and will have something for the whole supply chain, including suppliers, converters, extruders, retailers, and brand owners.

Join us for this comprehensive event with more targeted content, topic variety, and program ideas than ever before. This event will use traditional content delivery methods like primers/tutorials, panel discussions, and interactive content delivery methods.

Submission Deadline is August 1, 2013.
 
 Feel free to contact Kristi Ledbetter if you have any additional questions.
 
 Kristi Ledbetter
 Converting Division Manager
 TAPPI
 15 Technology Parkway South
 Peachtree Corners, GA  30092
 Phone:  770-209-7319
 Fax:  770-446-6947

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What do buggy whips and TAPPI membership have in common? If you ask member Jim Atkins, he'll tell you it is change – revolutionary, fast-moving, and ever constant change. But that's where the similarities end.

To keep ahead of the advances occurring every day in our industry, you need to have an advantage," Jim says, "and the best place to jump in with both feet is with membership in TAPPI." And, Jim talks from experience.  He's been a member since 1975, joining shortly after receiving his degree in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina. For him, being prepared has been the best way to turn change into opportunity. "Embracing change is key to future success. You can continue to make buggy whips or you can embrace the opportunities that change offers." And TAPPI, he says, is the best way to do that.

Find out more by reading this month's Member Spotlight. Spotlight participants are recommended by fellow members and staff.  If you would like to nominate a member just send their name (or names) to MemberSpotlight@tappi.org.  We will forward a spotlight questionnaire to fill out and return.  

We look forward to seeing you in the Spotlight!

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TAPPI is an official media partner of the NPIRI 2013 Printing Ink Technology Course.

This means huge savings for TAPPI members now eligible to register at NPIRI member prices to attend the only course in the industry that covers:

• Where, how, and why raw materials are used

• Formulation, testing, and application of printing inks linked to raw material characteristics

• First hand exposure to printing presses (offset, flexo and digital).

 Register online today.

2013 NPIRI Printing Ink Technology Course Preview:

The Printing Ink Technology Course is one of the joint efforts presented by ink companies and Technical Associate Members (TAMs) through NPIR. It is intended to provide a platform that encourages a common understanding of fundamentals, and from that, a more effective working relationship with your suppliers and customers.

The course will provide comprehensive, in-depth yet flexible coverage of the subject matter and is intended for those involved in the technical and sales side of the ink industry. The course is designed to bring new employees up to speed quickly, as well as provide more experienced employees the fundamental understanding necessary to improve, update, and expand their skill sets.

View the 2013 syllabus for all the technical topics that will be covered.

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The Improving Paper Machine Performance Course, one of TAPPI's most popular intermediate to advanced courses, is back by popular demand. To be held August 20-22 in Peachtree Corners (metro Atlanta), USA, the three-day course is designed to teach attendees about measuring and improving performance and efficiency of paper machines. The course features four of the industry's most experienced and respected instructors: TAPPI Fellows Jim Atkins, Dick Reese, Chuck Klass, and Ken Hill.

"The course is ideal for engineers and manufacturing managers who need a better understanding of paper machine operations from the wet end through the dry end, including coating, sizing, and calendering," notes Scott Springmier, manager, Pulp and Paper Division, TAPPI. "The course not only covers the key technologies, it covers performance evaluations of each paper machine area against industry standard benchmarks to identify opportunities for improvement."

Topics covered include: how to establish a paper machine performance audit; measuring efficiency; and analysis of individual components/operations (head box, press section, forming section, wet end additives, dryer section, size press, and calendar). New to this year's course is a session on energy reduction strategies.   

Process engineers and manufacturing managers will find this course beneficial, along with service technicians and sales engineers from  chemical and equipment suppliers. A degree in engineering or other technical field is suggested but not required. A good working knowledge of the paper machine is recommended.

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As TAPPI is getting ready to celebrate its 100th Year Anniversary in 2015, we were wondering how much industry expertise we have in this great group of professionals.

So, we decided to post a discussion question on our TAPPI Social Media outlets. We asked, "How many years of paper and/or packaging experience do you have?"
 
Who knew such a simple question would have such an impressive response.

With more than 7,000 TAPPI members, all over the world, we have counted 650-plus years of industry experience! And that's just counting the first 30 people who have responded. Now you probably can't find that anywhere else . So why don't you join us?

From those "born" into the industry to third generation professionals. From paper to packaging, to sustainability, environment, tissue, converters, and consulting. This TAPPI network has something for everyone.
 
Become a part of this unique community of paper and packaging professionals, and add your expertise to our group, and network with others to learn something new.

Visit our website to learn more today!

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The Lake States TAPPI/North Central PIMA golf outing will take place August 13.

For more information, see the event announcement.

This year's kick-off Golf Outing is being held at Mid-Vallee Country Club in De Pere, Wis..An afternoon shotgun scramble golf outing is planned with dinner to follow. Prizes will be awarded and individual pin events will be held.

Those submitting their registration with their fee, postmarked by August 9, will be assigned holes on a first-come, first-served basis. Later registrations will be assigned as space is available. Foursome sponsors and all singles will be notified of their hole assignment at the course on the day of the event.

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The soon-to-be-published, "Production and Applications of Cellulose Nanomaterials" is the latest TAPPI Press product to broaden the industry knowledge regarding who is researching nano technologies as well as leads on successful applications.

Anyone working in the nanomaterials field, or needing to understand the production and standards of the field, will want to add this volume to their reference material. Cellulose nano-crystals and cellulose nano-fibrils have been known for 20-50 years, but recent research suggesting very high strength properties and other unique physical properties have generated extensive interest in these materials.

 
Pre-order your copy today and save!

This new book will include:

• A collection of two to three page summaries on recently completed and on-going research with these high strength materials
• A list of who's-who of research as well as leads on successful applications
• Topics on subjects such as production and modification, composites, other applications, modeling, and standards.
• Special feature: Actual cellulose nanocrystals included within the overcoat varnish of the cover.
  
  
  Pre-order Price:
  Member: $149
  Nonmember: $149
  
  After July 15:
  Member: $189
  Nonmember: $259
  
  Product code: 0101R332

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Make plans to attend the 2013 Building Sciences Committee Fall Meeting September 18-20.

The Building Sciences Committee has designed a strong technical program for production managers and engineers to provide firsthand knowledge to improve their fiberglass mat process with practical production-targeted papers.

This year's program will include papers on: Process Variation Reduction, Glass Sizing Basics; Burner Safety and Efficiency; Biological Treatment Case Study, Operator and Mechanical Training to Enhance Operational Effectiveness; IT Systems to Manage Roll Goods and Reduce Waste.

We are pleased that Tim Worms of 3M will return by popular demand to present his updated Roofing Market Overview and Forecast.

The meeting will be held at The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Fla. USA. TAPPI has negotiated a very economical room rate of $109.00 per night per guest. This rate is good for TAPPI members for stays of any length from Wednesday, September 18, through Sunday, September 22. Group dinners Wednesday and Thursday evenings will provide opportunities to meet other manufacturing personnel and suppliers, and their cost is included in the cost of the meeting. These will be excellent networking opportunities.

Thursday's afternoon recreational activity (also included in the registration price) is a choice of golf, coastal fishing, or an afternoon at the spa. Non-registered spouses and guests are welcome to participate in the activities and dinners for the following costs: $60 per dinner and $95 for golf, fishing, or the spa treatment. They do not have to pay the conference registration fee.

Click here for additional meeting information.

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Paper Machine Wet Press Manual, Fourth Edition
Edited by: Richard A. Reese

Paper Machine Wet Press Manual provides an introduction to wet pressing technology in the paper industry and includes information on practical press section considerations on paper machines. The book provides an overview of press section equipment and key factors in optimizing press section performance. In addition, checklists are included to evaluate press section performance.

The book will be particularly useful to paper company personnel including paper machine superintendents, foremen, paper machine operators, process engineers, etc. Employees of suppliers to the paper industry involved in supplying press section equipment and evaluating press section performance will also find the book beneficial. The Paper Machine Wet Press Manual, Fourth Edition is a project of the Water Removal Committee of TAPPI's Engineering Division.

Item Number: 0102B042 • List Price: $124 • Tappi Member: $83
                  
Starch and Starch Products for Wet End Application
By: Hans W. Maurer

Starch and Starch Products for Wet End Applications is a complement to Maurer's previous book, Starch and Starch Products in Surface Sizing and Paper Coating. His new book, Starch and Starch Products for Wet End Application, addresses issues in the preparation and application of starch and starch products for use in the wet stages of the papermaking process. This publication covers a wide range of subjects in starch utilization, ranging from the preparation of specific starch products to their use in papermaking for flocculation, retention, drainage, strength, and sizing control. Environmental issues in the use of starch and analytical procedures for starch analysis and charge characterization are also addressed.

Item Number: 0101R319 • List Price: $185 • Tappi Member: $125
       
    E-BOOKS COMING SOON
      
Roll and Web Defect Terminology - E-Book
By: Jerome M. Gess and Paul H. Wilson

This book takes the reader through the process of making paper, pointing out where interruptions can occur and where elements that are added to the system can cause problems in that part or subsequent parts of the papermaking process. The aim of this book is to give papermakers and those involved in the papermaking process the information required to allow them to understand how to track down and solve problems at their source rather than where the problems surface.

Paper Machine Quality Control Systems - Volume 1: Measurement Systems and Product Variability - E-Book
By: Quality Control Systems Education Common Interest Group of the Process Control Division

This book describes in detail the measurement technology used in Quality Controls Systems (QCS). Individual chapters are devoted to the five most prevalent QCS measurements (basis weight, moisture, caliper, ash, and color) in the paper industry. Each of these chapters covers the physical principles involved in each measurement, sensor designs, various methods of implementation, and influence factors. A somewhat lighter coverage is given to 10 other QCS measurements that do not have such a broad installation base. Common issues that impact all sensors are explained, including how sensor performance is measured and reported, the impact of scanning processes, filtering, scanner designs and construction, and sensor calibration and correlation. Statistical methods are covered in depth from discrete one-dimensional variability to multi-dimensional variability. Guidance is provided for using these statistical methods to locate the sources of variability in the paper process. This book was written by the Quality Control Systems Education Common Interest Group of the Process Control Division.  
      
    COMING SOON IN PRINT   
      
Production and Applications of Cellulose Nanomaterials
By: Alan W. Rudie, USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory,
Michael A. Postek, National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Robert J. Moon, USDA Frost Service, Forest Products Laboratory,
Michael A. Bilodeau, University of Maine

Cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanofibrils have been known for upwards of 50 years, but recent research suggesting very high strength properties and other unique physical properties have generated extensive interest in these materials. The book will be a collection of summaries on recently completed and on-going research with these high strength materials. This book will highlight cutting-edge research as well as leads on successful applications. Topics will include: production and modification, composites, other applications, modeling, and standards.

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Nominations for the major TAPPI 2014 awards are due by August 1. The awards that may be presented in the upcoming year are:

Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award - The Association's highest technical honor may be presented annually to recognize an individual or individuals for preeminent scientific and engineering achievements of proven commercial benefit to the world's pulp, paper, board, and forest products industries and the other industries that TAPPI serves.

Herman L. Joachim Distinguished Service Award - The Association's highest award for service may be presented annually to recognize leadership and service that have significantly and demonstrably contributed to the advancement of the Association.

Paul W. Magnabosco Outstanding Local Section Member Award - The highest honor for Local Sections may be presented annually to recognize an individual for outstanding leadership and exceptional service to one or more Local Sections, which have resulted in significant and demonstrable benefits to the Local Section members.

TAPPI Fellow - TAPPI Fellows are individuals who have been members of TAPPI for not less than 10 years prior to the nomination, and who have contributed meritorious service to the Association and/or the paper and related industries. Retiring members of the TAPPI Board of Directors become Fellows automatically at the end of their term.

The TAPPI Awards and Honors page has links to these awards that will show the qualifications required and links to the nomination forms that must be completed. You may submit all nomination forms by email to standards@tappi.org, or you may fax them to the attention of the awards department at +1-770-446-6947, or send them by mail to TAPPI, Awards Department, 15 Technology Parkway South, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092, USA.

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The 2013 TAPPI PEERS Conference, September 15-18, in Green Bay, Wis., USA, has announced the detailed technical program focusing on sustainable manufacturing and other pressing business and technical questions faced by pulp and paper companies as they manage raw materials, assets, regulatory requirements, and production assets.  Register now and save.

In addition to the peer-reviewed technical program, Keynote Speaker Robert Feeser, SVP of Packaging with MWV, will share his insights on the day-to-day challenges he faces as he oversees the company's primary mill-based manufacturing businesses in the U.S. and Brazil. PEERS will also offer exclusive networking opportunities and insight into new technologies that can help you optimize your mill operations.  

For 2013, PEERS will be co-located with the 10th Research Forum on Recycling and the International Bioenergy and Bioproducts Conference, creating a value-added opportunity for you to expand your learning, networking, and resources by attending all three events.  

Learn more about the TAPPI PEERS Conference.

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The 67th annual International Convention of the Forest Products Society (FPS), was held June 9-11 in Austin, Tex., USA. This year's convention was held in collaboration with the Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST). It is the first time that the Forest Products Society and the Society of Wood Science and Technology have joined forces to convene a joint International Convention—the 67th International Convention for FPS and the 56th International Convention for SWST.

"The convention has been an astounding opportunity for all of the attendees to become exposed to the wide range of timely forest products issues facing the industry worldwide," said Rich Vlosky, chair of the International Convention Planning Committee. "The theme for FPS's 2013 convention program was ‘Forest Products in a Global Sustainable Economy' with particular emphasis on wood technology, forest products and the environment, and human dimensions and policy."

The program led by SWST focused on Technology Advancement and Marketing Practices in Biomass, specifically in natural fiber-based products and biofuels.

Among the highlights of the convention program was a keynote luncheon on Monday, June 10, featuring Russell Taylor of International WOOD MARKETS Group Inc. as the keynote speaker. In his work with International WOOD MARKETS Group, Taylor conducts wood products marketing analysis and business assessment/investment projects for numerous global industry partners. He discussed trends in global wood product markets, and highlighted the history and current status of markets, as well as future opportunities for wood-using industries.

"A tightening in the supply-side dynamics for timber and lumber is expected as the log supplies from Russia and Canada become more constrained," said Taylor. "Over the next five years, recovering demand in U.S. and other export markets is expected to grow steadily, not to mention the huge new impact of China and its need for massive imports."

The sessions throughout the convention program covered a variety of important topics including Engaging Family Woodland Owners, Environmental Regulation Impact, U.S. Export Trends, and Trade Policy. The program also included a jointly held annual Excellence Awards Luncheon at which leaders in the industry were recognized for their achievements and contributions to each of the organizations.

The convention drew 250 attendees from nearly 20 countries. More than 125 scientific posters were presented, and a plenary session on forest and forest product certification brought together three certification organizations—Forest Stewardship Council, Sustainable Forestry Initiative®, and the American Tree Farm System—to discuss the focus of each certification system.

Next year's International Convention will be held in Quebec City, Que., Canada, in conjunction with the World Conference on Timber Engineering on August 10-12, 2014. Information is available online at www.fpsconvention.org. 
 
The Forest Products Society is managed by TAPPI.

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The 2013 TAPPI Linerboard/Medium Manufacture Course, August 13-15 at the TAPPI Training Room, in Peachtree Corners, 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 day Introduction to P&P on Monday afternoon, August 12, prior to the beginning of the main course on Tuesday. This supplemental session is intended for corrugators, new P&P 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.

There are only 25 seats are available for this course. Register now to reserve your spot.

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The corrugated packaging and converting industry is heading for Indianapolis, Ind., USA, October 7-9, 2013, for TAPPI CorrExpo 2013. The JW Marriott is the waypoint where ideas turn into innovation. Join your colleagues to take advantage of highly-sought-after speakers, seminars, workshops, exhibits, and programs you don't want to miss:

• There will be two keynote presentations - Bob Chapman, CEO and chairman of Barry-Wehmiller, and Alexander Toeldte, president and CEO of Boise Inc.
• Extensive networking and sales opportunities on the sold-out exhibit floor
• Training and insight from the best in the industry
• A cutting-edge technology showcase exhibit of innovative trends and design
• Opportunity for one-on-one meetings with top-level attendees
• Problem solving with industry experts
• Numerous special events, including a welcome reception, golf tournament, gala at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and spouse/guest program
• Eye-opener sessions tackling timely topics affecting box plants today, with plenty of time for questions and interaction with the speakers
• Complimentary workshops on Wednesday afternoon for all registered exhibit visitors.

View the full program to see what's in store for you this October.

Register today.

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The TAPPI Centennial Celebration will be a multi-year long series of outreach events and educational offerings showcasing the proud history and promising future of the global pulp, paper, packaging, and related industries. This once-in-a-lifetime event will expand public awareness, foster further connection, and provide outstanding opportunities for collaboration, growth, and investment in our future for all of those involved. Goals for the TAPPI Centennial Celebration are:

• To honor TAPPI's 100 years of connection, education, and advancement as a foundation for the sustainable success of our members, our industries, and the world we share
• To recognize the achievements of those who built our industry and to inspire those who seek to build its future
• To celebrate the contributions and innovations of the global pulp, paper, and packaging industries to human culture, commerce, health, and social advancement
• To sustain the industry and support its growth, vitality, and future through the TAPPI Foundation.

We invite you to be a part of this momentous event. The sooner you join us the more opportunities there are for recognition of your company, its products, and key innovations. Keep in mind that an early commitment allows you to spread your investment over multiple years' budgets.

For more information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities please contact dbell@tappi.org.

The sponsorship prospectus can be downloaded online.

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Do you have a history book gathering dust on your shelf? TAPPI's 100th year is coming soon and we are looking for donations to the TAPPI Library. Specifically, we are interested in histories of companies and mills in the paper and packaging industry (both producers and suppliers). Each donated book will have a bookplate in the front cover recognizing the donor. For more information please contact David Bell.

Please send books to:
c\o David Bell
TAPPI
15 Technology Parkway, South
Suite 115
Peachtree Corners, Georgia 30092

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