Over the Wire

Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Ga., USA, this week announced a broader research mission, additional resources, and a new name for the Institute of Paper Science and Technology [IPST], one of Georgia Tech’s 10 interdisciplinary research institutes.

 

The 2014 Marcus Wallenberg Prize of SEK 2 million is being awarded to Professor Magnus Berggren at Linköping University, Sweden, for his pioneering research that has made it much easier to print electronics, such as sensors and displays, on paper and cardboard.

 

According to FutureMark Paper Group, Westport, Conn., USA, a school’s commitment to green initiatives is vital to developing environmental consciousness in the minds of future generations.

 

The Paper and Paper-based Packaging Board, Washington, D.C., USA, this week announced the selection of Mary Anne Hansan as executive director of the Paper Check-off program.

 

Robert F. Vokes, a TAPPI Fellow and founding member and charter president of the Syracuse Pulp and Paper Foundation (SPPF), passed away May 18, at 99 years of age.

 

Total U.S. printing and writing (P&W) paper shipments decreased 3% in April compared with April 2013, with increases in year-over-year shipments of uncoated mechanical, coated mechanical, and coated freesheet grades, according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) April 2014 Printing-Writing Paper Report released this past week.

 

U.S. April 2014 boxboard production decreased 3% compared with April 2013, and decreased 3.4% from last month (March 2014), according to the AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) April 2014 U.S. Paperboard Report published this past week.

 

Nippon Paper Industries Co., Japan, reports that its new cellulose powder production facility at the Hokkaido Yufutsu Mill (Tomakomai-shi, Hokkaido) began commercial operations this week.

 

Orient Paper Inc., Baoding, China, a producer and distributor of diversified paper products in North China, this week announced it has begun the final commercial production phase of its PM 1 renovation project, producing insulation liner paper.

 

P.T. OKI Pulp and Paper Mills, Jakarta, Indonesia, has awarded Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., Pasadena, Calif., USA, a contract for the design and supply of an integrated chlorine dioxide plant for its pulp mill project in South Sumatra, Indonesia.

 

Rayonier Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., USA, has approved the separation of its Performance Fibers business, which will be known as Rayonier Advanced Materials, and declared a special dividend distribution of all outstanding shares of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock to Rayonier’s shareholders.

 

Resolute Forest Products Inc., Montreal, Que., Canada, says that it is pleased with employee support for renewal of collective agreements in Canada.

 

Siam Cellulose Co., Ltd. (SCL), Thailand, has ordered from Valmet, Finland, part of a major chemical pulp mill rebuild at its mill in Wangsala, Kanchanaburi province of Thailand.

 

Stora Enso, Helsinki, Finland, has acquired 405 shares in Bergvik Skog, a Swedish forest company, from SPP Livförsäkring for SEK 2.2 million per share, or in total SEK 891 million (EUR 99 million).

 

Bohui Paper, China, reports that following a rapid startup, its new Voith (Germany) supplied BM 3 is running highly satisfactory and producing board of "perfect quality.

 

Benjamin N. Cardozo High School from Bayside, N.Y., USA, has been named the grand prize winner in Evergreen Packaging's Made By Milk Carton Construction Contest.

 

Graphic Packaging Holding Company, Marietta, Ga., USA, a provider of packaging solutions to food, beverage, and other consumer products companies, this week announced that that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of the business of Benson Group, a food and healthcare packaging company based in the U.K.

 

Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Europe, Franeker, the Netherlands, a producer of packaging material such as egg cartons, fruit trays, and cup carriers, has expanded its FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) certification to include its entire European operations, driven by its policy of sourcing 100% recycled fiber from pre-and post-consumer sources, including its own used products.

 

Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., USA, this past week opened its new Display and Packaging office in Bentonville, Ark., which will provide point-of-purchase displays and fulfillment services.

 

Bosch Rexroth, Charlotte, N.C., USA, reports that its GoTo Focused Delivery Program, originally launched in the U.S. in 2009, is now expanding throughout North America into a single program, with identical product offerings and lead times for customers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

 

Cynergy Ergonomics, St. Louis, Mo., USA, reports that its vacuum lifter has proven to reduce back strain and the workers comp claims that accompany them for a manufacturer of water softeners.

 

The latest generation of Konecranes’ (Springfield, Ohio, USA) reach stackers was designed based on many years of development work and close partnerships with customers, the company notes.

 

The Voith LSC TecoSens sensor and Voith LSC TecoScan scanner for non-radioactive measurement of fiber weight and moisture content are now installed around the world, Voith, Germany, reports.

 

Greif, Delaware, Ohio, USA, reports that Lawrence A. Hilsheimer has joined the company as EVP and CFO. Hilsheimer will report directly to President and CEO David Fischer.

 

Metsä Board Corp., Finland, announced this week that CEO Mikko Helander will resign from Metsä Board to join Kesko Corp., effective December 1.

 

The annual scholarship tournament will be held June 13 and has an entry deadline of June 6. The individual/team entry/and sponsorship form is now available for download.

 

This text is available to TAPPI members for a discount of $40 off list price. While this is a technical book, no special background is required. The reader only needs a working knowledge of terminology and concepts that are common in web manufacturing and converting.

 

TAPPI and NCSU are partnered to offer this second of three introductory courses for industry professionals that cover the entire pulping and papermaking process.

 

Registration is now open for the return of this popular course that will take place August 11-12 in metro Atlanta, Ga., USA.

 

Focus on training for improved financial foresight at this July 30 workshop.

 

TAPPI Journal and Divisions awarded best papers for PaperCon 2013.

 

Marshall was a TAPPI member since 1957 and chairman of the 1986 Polymers, Laminations & Coatings Conference.

 

The 5th edition continues a tradition as the premiere industry text on bleaching technologies but focuses on the modern industrial processes with less emphasis on fundamental science. This text is now available to TAPPI members for a discount of nearly $80 off listed price.

 

Program focuses on pioneering strategies for reliability and innovation.

 

Membership Delivers Value to Industry.

 

This comprehensive volume details all aspects of extrusion coating and is available to TAPPI members for a $47 dollar discount off the list price.

 

PPSA, partially sponsored by TAPPI, will hold this three day conference June 22-25 in St. Petersburg, Fla., USA.