Over the Wire

Global Green USA, Santa Monica, Calif., together with Mountaire Farms, Millsboro, Del., and Interstate Container (Interstate Resources, Arlington, Va.), this week reported that they have completed a conversion of the largest poultry plant in the U.S. to recyclable, wax-alternative corrugated boxes, thereby reducing costs and environmental impact, and assisting its customers.

An estimated 1.5 million tons of un-recyclable, wax-coated corrugated boxes are discarded in the U.S. each year, according to Global Green, which adds that if coated corrugated boxes were designed for recycling and recycled, a greenhouse gas savings of 5 million mtCO2e, equivalent to removing one million passenger vehicles from the road, would be realized, and U.S. grocers and restaurateurs could save $63 million annually in avoided disposal fees (savings calculated using EPA's WARM tool, assuming 100% of boxes generated are recycled).

According to Annie White, director of Global Green USA's Coalition for Resource Recovery, "converting to transfer packaging certified as recyclable by the Fibre Box Association is a readily achievable step that industry and businesses can take to improve their environmental performance, enhance their service to customers, and improve their bottom line. Through dedication and perseverance, Interstate Container and Mountaire developed a cost-effective, high-performing offering that enhances service to its customers. Global Green calls on others in the poultry, meat, produce, and seafood industries, to develop solutions for all food and packaging types, rapidly accelerating their use."

These sentiments were echoed by Chris Moyer, manager of the National Restaurant Association's Conserve program, "The delivery of poultry, seafood, and produce in recyclable boxes helps divert potentially reusable materials from landfills. High performing, cost-competitive recyclable boxes also provide another way restaurateurs can improve their bottom line and meet environmental goals, which is what we advocate through our Conserve initiative. We encourage the use of packaging made of recycled materials and similar innovations that assist restaurants in greening their operations."

The full conversion of Mountaire's first facility and the largest poultry plant in the U.S.., located in Lumber Bridge, N.C., was completed in January.

Global Green is the American Arm of Green Cross International, which was created by former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future by reconnecting humanity with the environment.

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January U.S. containerboard price hikes ($50 East, $70 West) "were better than we expected," says Mark Wilde, senior analyst for Deutsche Bank. "It is hard to recall another hike being so readily passed through during a seasonally-weak period," he adds. "The attention now turns to downstream implementation in corrugated box prices. However, with recent cost increases, supply constraints, and the high level of indexing, the pass-thru to box prices has a lot going for it. While rising costs will remain a big issue for mill operators in the first half of 2010, we have received reports over the past several days suggesting that the short-term upward surge in OCC may be starting to ease. Chinese buyers have reportedly backed out of the OCC market and domestic purchases by one major player may be easing," Wilde says.

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In the uncoated free sheet arena, most producers announced $40/ton increases for late February or early March, Wilde reports. This was no real surprise, he continues, "as our conversations with merchants, importers and other players in the trade pointed to a healthier tone in the business." Players such as Domtar and Boise limited their efforts to cut-size paper, Wilde notes, adding that "however, others including IP, Glatfelter, and Finch extended the increase to offset rolls, cardstock, and other converting grades.

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The continued rally in pulp prices is pressuring margins at nonintegrated mills, according to Wilde. December shipment data show signs of improvement (+1.9% y/y), the first positive comp since April of 2007. Inventories appear lean, with mill inventories down 19% y/y and printer inventories down from 52 days of supply in December 2008 to 31.4 days of supply in December 2009.

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Meanwhile, coated free sheet prices remained flat in January m/m, Wilde reports, with No.3 60-lb rolls at $900 - $925/ton and No.3 50-lb rolls at the $960 - $1,000/ton range. However, action on the Asian trade dispute appears to be delayed. "We've also received reports that Asian producers may setup on-shore sheeting operations to get around any restrictions on importation of CFS. December shipment data show signs of improvement (+10.1% y/y). Much of this gain is due to a "lapping" of weak numbers from the fourth quarter of 2008, Wilde explains.

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AbitibiBowater, Montreal, Que., Canada, announced this week that its Bridgewater Paper Co. Ltd. (BPCL) subsidiary has filed for administration in the United Kingdom. The company noted that the BPCL Board of Directors made this decision only after all other options to keep the U.K. operations solvent were exhausted.

The AbitibiBowater creditor protection proceedings and the BPCL filing for administration are separate and distinct legal processes, the company added. The possible outcomes of its creditor protection filings will not necessarily reflect on the future of BPCL in its administration filing, and vice versa. AbitibiBowater's ongoing efforts to restructure and emerge from its creditor protection filings continue to progress in the normal course.

"We recognize the impact the filing has on our U.K. employees and business partners; however, these actions were necessary and represent the best course of action going forward," stated David Paterson, AbitibiBowater president and CEO.

AbitibiBowater owns or operates 23 pulp and paper facilities and 28 wood products in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and South Korea.

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The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), a new U.S. federal program intended to increase the use of renewable energy by covering some of the costs related to the collection of woody biomass and agricultural residues, has been in effect for a few months and has created much interest, as well as confusion, within the forest industry, according to a new report by Wood Resources International (WRI), Seattle, Wash., USA.

The exact amount of funding the program will have this year has not yet been determined. So far, $517 million has been allocated for the period January 1 through March 3, according to WRI. Other questions include whether or not the program will be extended after two years, which biomass categories (e.g. black liquor) will be eligible, and how wood fiber costs for pulp mills and composite board mills may be impacted.

There have been loud protests from both North American and European forest industry organizations who are concerned that the BCAP program will unfairly favor U.S. energy companies and that sawdust and wood chip costs will go up as the result of the program, the report explains. The first payments from the government were distributed in mid-December, and it is still too early to conclude how much the biomass energy subsidy will impact prices for wood chips, shavings, sawdust, and hog fuel in the coming months.

WRI says that in the end, it may very well be that the BCAP program will not add as much biomass to the market as was intended. In fact, most of the biomass supply that will enter the market in the coming years would likely have been available even without the subsidy. The only difference is that biomass consumer may benefit from lower fiber costs and suppliers will increase their profits from the sales of forest and agricultural residues.

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Domtar Corp., Montreal, Que., Canada, will rebuild its existing fine paper machine at Plymouth, N.C., USA, for fluff pulp production. The rebuild project, to be handled by Metso, will be completed in the fourth quarter. The cost of the project was not disclosed. However, according to Metso, the value of these types of rebuilds ranges from EUR 15 to 25 million, depending on the scope of the delivery.

Metso's delivery will include a new wet end and a rebuild of the finishing equipment needed for fluff pulp production. The scope of supply includes a new wire section, a headbox equipped with a profiling system, a steambox, a new press section, and dryer modifications (including a new hood as well as reel and winder rebuilds).

Domtar is the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated free sheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity, and is also a manufacturer of paper grade, fluff, and specialty pulp. The company employs nearly 10,500 people.

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Georgia-Pacific, Atlanta, Ga., USA, reports that it has joined the Mother Nature Network (MNN), a web site for environmental news and information viewed by more than 5 million people last year. G-P is the new sponsor of the Business channel - Building, Products, Supplies, and the Home channel - Building & Remodeling of MNN. The new G-P-sponsored sections include news and feature articles and videos about commercial buildings and construction, home building and remodeling, and the products and supplies that make them all more sustainable. Ads, videos, and feature stories on the company's products within these market segments, along with general information on its sustainability, also are included.

"We believe Mother Nature Network will be an effective way of letting people know about Georgia-Pacific's sustainability efforts, including how we help our customers and suppliers improve their sustainability performance," said Bill Frerking, VP and chief sustainability officer.

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NewPage Corp., Miamisburg, Ohio, USA, has uploaded two new episodes in its "On Paper" sustainability podcast series. In these episodes, Arlin Wasserman of Sodexo and Chris Lloyd of Verizon discuss how their respective companies aid communities and consumers alike in making informed decisions for global good.

Wasserman, VP of corporate citizenship, discusses the unique ability of Sodexo, the world's largest provider of institutional food and facilities, to support sustainability practices on the farm while driving energy, water, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions out of the food supply chain. In the Verizon episode, Lloyd, executive director of public policy and strategic alliances, discusses Verizon's involvement with the group Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI). He outlines four areas where the group believes that information communication technology (ICT) can play a role in promoting more energy efficient behavior, using ICT and broadband to facilitate the development of smart grids, smart buildings, smart transportation, and travel substitution.

The "On Paper" Podcast Series, presented by NewPage, is an ongoing solutions-based dialogue that provides a platform for professionals to share how their organizations implement sustainable practices. It has dozens of episodes featuring representatives from the most innovative of corporate America, across a variety of industries. More information about the "On Paper" podcast series, including free downloads, are available online.

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The Georgia Mining Foundation, Macon Ga., USA, has established a scholarship fund in the memory of Rick Colvin, who recently died following a brief illness. Colvin worked in the kaolin industry for 32 years having been with Engelhard, Nord, Dry Branch Kaolin, and Thiele Kaolin. The Georgia Mining Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is encouraging companies to make tax deductible contributions to the scholarship fund. Checks should be made payable to: Georgia Mining Foundation, C/O Georgia Mining Association Office, 113 Arkwright Landing, Macon, Ga., 31210.

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Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings subsidiary mills in China will rebuild two fine paper machines. The total value of the orders, placed with Metso, is approximately EUR 10 million. The orders are a continuation of Metso's earlier deliveries to Shandong Chenming Paper.

Metso's delivery to Wuhan Chenming Hanyang Paper in Wuhan, Hubei province, will include a film size press, an air dryer, and an upgrade of the after-dryer section. A rebuild of the press section with a shoe press and an upgrade at the BCTMP (bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp) plant will be supplied to Shouguang Chenming Art Paper in Shouguang, Shandong province. The rebuilt paper machine at Wuhan is scheduled to startup late this year, and the rebuilt machine at Shouguang will startup in 2011.

Wuhan Chenming Hanyang Paper Co., and Shouguang Chenming Art Paper Co. are subsidiaries of Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings Limited, one of the largest paper producers in China. In 2008, the company's paper production capacity was more than 3 million metric tons.

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Weyerhaeuser, Federal Way, Wash., USA, announced this week that it has signed a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mitsubishi Corp. of Japan to explore the possibilities of collaborating in the biomass-to-energy business. The companies say they are specifically interested in assessing the feasibility of jointly investing in and operating a commercial-scale bio-pellet production facility in the U.S. by 2011. Depending on the success of the joint feasibility study, more facilities could follow in addition to the initial production facility. The bio-pellets will be produced using wood based biomass, targeted from U.S.-sourced sustainably managed forest resources or by-products and sold to utilities and industrial users for energy production.

The agreement brings together Weyerhaeuser's capacity to produce renewable biomass at scale from its sustainably managed forests and Mitsubishi's worldwide network and experience in the energy sector and bio-pellet manufacturing business. Mitsubishi currently operates two bio-pellet facilities in Japan and is also actively involved in the management of Vis Nova Trading, a producer of bio-pellets in Germany.

"Weyerhaeuser is committed to developing sustainable and renewable energy solutions for a carbon-constrained world," said Dan Fulton, Weyerhaeuser president and CEO. "This opportunity has the potential to offer a significant renewable energy option here in North America and beyond while also creating green jobs in our operating communities. At the same time, we have the opportunity to enhance the value of Weyerhaeuser timberlands by converting residuals from our forest management activities into a new revenue stream."

"This opportunity with Weyerhaeuser will enable us to establish a bio-pellet production facility in the U.S., adding to our existing investments in Japan and Europe and thereby creating a stable worldwide supply," Yorihiko Kojima, Mitsubishi president and CEO, said.

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Amcor, Melbourne, Australia, announced this week that it has completed the acquisition of Alcan Packaging businesses. The acquisition provides Amcor with global market positions in flexible packaging and folding carton packaging for tobacco. Amcor's Managing Director and CEO Ken MacKenzie said that "we are delighted to finalize the acquisition of the Alcan Packaging assets and have their talented team join Amcor. From a strategic perspective, the businesses we have acquired are strongly aligned with our nominated growth segments, and provide the ability to substantially improve the value proposition for our customers. We are now focused on ensuring seamless integration of these businesses and on achieving the synergies and opportunities offered by this acquisition."

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Smurfit Stone Container Corp., Chicago, Ill., USA, received bankruptcy court approval this past week to put its reorganization plan to a vote by creditors, setting up a showdown with shareholders who will be wiped out in the restructuring. According to a Reuters news report, Smurfit overcame or resolved 28 objections to its disclosure statement, which it must provide to creditors along with its proposed plan. Many of the creditors reportedly have indicated they favor the reorganization. The most vigorous objections came from shareholders and their arguments indicated the company could face a drawn-out fight to confirm its plan, Reuters noted.

Attorneys for two groups of shareholders, Reuters continued, attacked what they considered a lack of information about how Smurfit valued the company and the timeliness of the information that was used. "On the central issue of this case, which is valuation, this is as clear as mud," said Rachel Strickland, whose firm, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, represents two funds that hold preferred stock. Shareholders believe the company is underestimating its value and therefore wrongly denying them a recovery.

Smurfit disclosed this week a study done by the investment bank Lazard that estimated there was up to $3.3 billion that could be distributed to Smurfit claimants. The company has proposed paying $1.4 billion in cash to secured creditors and swapping its equity for bond debt. Judge Brendan Shannon said that many of shareholders' concerns relating to the company's estimated value would be addressed during the discovery process leading up to the confirmation hearing, which is scheduled to start on April 14, according to the Reuters report.

The hearing also gave parties affected by the closing of plants in Missoula, Mont., and Ontonagon, Mich., a chance to plead for more information about efforts to keep the mills open, the news report explained. Brian Schweitzer, the governor of Montana, had written the court to vent his frustrations over Smurfit's lack of disclosure about its plant in Montana. Smurfit buys 80% of the 2.5 million tons of residual wood material produced annually in the state, according to Schweitzer.

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Vyborg Cellulose, Russia, will revamp its board machine (linerboard and wallpaper base paper) at Sovetsk, in the Leningrad region of Russia, according to a RISI news report. In April/May, the mill will replace the machine control system with a new Siemens system, and install a new 250 metric tpd OCC line, a suction roll, and a wire cylinder supplied by Voith Paper, Germany. The board machine's capacity is expected to increase by 50,000 metric tpy to 150,000 metric tpy after the upgrade.

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NewPage Corp, Miamisburg, Ohio, USA, this week introduced its new EcoPoint Plus bottle label paper with 10% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled fiber. EcoPoint Plus is third-party chain-of-custody certified to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) schemes. Available in 70, 75, and 80 gsm basis weights, EcoPoint Plus features a bright, white, high-fidelity print surface for artwork reproduction in offset and rotogravure printing. It is suitable for high-speed converting and labeling processes and features reverse-side coatings that are engineered for hot-melt adhesives.

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NewPage Corp., Miamisburg, Ohio, USA, this week also introduced its new HP Indigo certified OptiPrime Digital label paper. Designed for printing high-quality pressure sensitive labels, OptiPrime Digital is pre-optimized, allowing converters to skip traditional digital print surface pretreatments that are both expensive and time-consuming. The new label paper has undergone testing by HP and the Rochester Institute of Technology School of Print Media (Rochester, N.Y) for HP Indigo ws4500 and ws6000 presses. It features a smooth semi-gloss finish, premium brightness, and high strength for die-cutting and matrix stripping during pressure sensitive label converting, and is also available as a NewPage tri-certified grade (FSC, SFI, and PEFC).

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Stora Enso, Finland, is launching a new Ensocoat SBS board for high-end packaging. The board is produced according to a "new recipe" that provides improved whiteness, brightness, smoothness, and unique printability on both the top and reverse sides, the company says.

"The development of new Ensocoat shows our strengthened focus and dedication to the highest end of packaging, such as cosmetics, perfumes, and exclusive chocolate, wine and spirit brands. Ensocoat used to be the challenger in these segments, but now we are reaching for the top," says Hervé Vue, sales director France, Stora Enso Carton Board. "In a tough economic situation, brand owners are looking for options. We have responded to this demand by putting all of our effort into the development of new Ensocoat. We are pleased with the results and enthusiastic to be going to the market with the product." In addition to the quality upgrade, Stora Enso is developing its brand portfolio by introducing Ensocoat 2S instead of the former Ensogloss. "Ensocoat 2S has all the same advantages as the new Ensocoat, but on both sides," Hervé Vue says. Ensocoat's grammage range is: Ensocoat 170-380 gsm, Ensocoat 2S 190-500 gsm. The board is produced on Board Machine 2 at Stora Enso's Imatra Mills, Finland.

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PakSense, Inc., Boise, Idaho, USA, this week announced its new PakSense Ultra Wireless Label in European markets. The PakSense Ultra Wireless Label enables users to wirelessly download time and temperature information and analyze data before unloading a perishable product from a container. PakSense is currently taking pre-orders for labels, with projected delivery in March. The labels are activated and applied to product or product packaging prior to shipping. At any point during distribution, the PakSense Ultra Wireless Reader can collect data from any label within a 100-m/300-ft line of sight range or approximately 20-meter/60-ft obstructed range with the simple touch of a button. Information from up to 30 labels can be downloaded at one time. Time and temperature data can be examined on the screen of the Ultra Wireless Reader immediately after download, which improves reaction times and helps users make quick decisions on product quality. Detailed information from the reader, including temperature summary information and alert notifications, can then be downloaded to a PC for emailing and permanent storage. The labels are flat, about the size of a credit card, and are encased in packaging that is safe for food contact. They can also be used to easily monitor cold cases in retail stores. More information is available on the company's website.

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Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, Wash., USA, reports that its Cellulose Fibers business segment has introduced a new grade of kraft pulp for specific segments of the cellulose derivatives market. Cellulose derivatives are used in various products, including lacquers, paints, inks, and thickening agents. Known as Pearl429, the new pulp offers tailored reactivity and viscosity compared with traditional kraft pulps. As a result, it can be blended with other pulps and has the potential to partially replace traditional chemical grade dissolving pulps for many chemical applications. Specifically, Pearl429 pulp's characteristics allow it to be used in a variety of applications using cellulose esters and ethers. The new pulp is produced using a continuous kraft process versus a batch process used to make many other specialty pulps. It is more efficient to produce, generates higher yields from the same amount of raw materials, improves product uniformity, and has a better environmental footprint when compared with typical dissolving pulp manufacturing processes.

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Pregis Corp., Deerfield, Ill., USA, reported this week that its Hexacomb business unit will increase the price on all grades and sizes of its paper-based product line, effective with shipments on or after March 1. Hexacomb pricing will increase 8% in the eastern U.S. and Canada and 11% in the western U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The company notes that many of Hexacomb's raw material suppliers increased their pricing in January, with the rest announcing upward pricing adjustments effective in February. The increases are due to constrained supply, expanding export demand, and upward pricing pressure from wood, recycled content, and chemicals.

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RockTenn, Norcross, Ga., USA, announced this week that effective with shipments on or after February 22, it will increase corrugated box prices by 10% and corrugated sheets by 12%. RockTenn is a producer of paperboard, containerboard, and consumer and corrugated packaging. The company has operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Chilé, and Argentina.

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Appleton, Appleton, Wis., USA, reports that Jim Tyrone has joined the company as senior VP, responsible for the company's thermal paper business unit and its paper manufacturing operations. He most recently was senior VP of sales and marketing for NewPage, and served in the same capacity with MeadWestvaco prior to its spinoff of NewPage. Appleton also announced that Sarah Macdonald will serve as VP of its carbonless business unit, responsible for carbonless and security papers. She has been serving as Appleton's VP of global sales and GM of international operations.

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Burrows Paper Corp., Little Falls, N.Y., USA, reports that Steven Ford has joined the company as Food Service Distribution sales manager. Ford most recently was director of national sales distribution for Bagcraft-Papercon, Chicago, Ill., and has 20 years of experience in food and industrial packaging. Burrows is the fourth largest lightweight specialty paper and lightweight specialty packaging producer in the world.

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Holmen, Stockholm, Sweden, reports that its current CFO, Anders Almgren, will leave and take new employment outside of the Group. Anders Jernhall has been appointed new CFO. Jernhall has been Group controller at Holmen for the past five years, and before that was treasurer in the Group for four years. He has been with the company since 1997. He will assume his new position April 15.

"Anders Almgren has been highly appreciated and has done excellent work in developing Holmen's financial operations," Magnus Hall, president and CEO of Holmen, noted. "Our new CFO, Anders Jernhall, is experienced and has good knowledge of the Holmen Group. He will contribute to the business in a very good way."

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RockTenn, Norcross, Ga., USA, has appointed Linda Leone VP of recovered fiber procurement - Containerboard and Coated Recycled Board (CRB) Mills. Leone will manage the fiber procurement groups for six of the company's 10 recycled board mills in the U.S. RockTenn consumes approximately two million tons per year of fiber. Leone's experience in buying fiber, developing procurement support systems, and implementing effective long-term sourcing strategies will continue to optimize RockTenn's recovered fiber procurement systems and practices, the company notes. While continuing to direct purchases for the Solvay mill, Leone also will be in charge of supplying recovered fiber to RockTenn's coated recycled paperboard mills in Stroudsburg, Pa., Missisquoi, Vt., St. Paul, Minn., Battle Creek, Mich., and Dallas, Texas. This reorganization of the recovered fiber procurement effort will better align the company's overall recycled fiber procurement strategy.

Additionally, RockTenn has named Bob Carpenter fiber procurement manager for the Solvay mill, John Carpenter fiber procurement manager at the Stroudsburg and Missisquoi mills, Tom Troskey recycling operations manager at the St. Paul mill, John Kneeland fiber procurement manager at the Battle Creek mill, and Alfred Gallegos fiber buyer at the Dallas mill.

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SFK Pulp Fund, Longueuil, Que., Canada, has appointed Jean-Pierre Benoit to the position of VP Operations. Benoit will oversee the operations at the company's three virgin and recycled pulp mills located in Saint-Felicien, Que., in Fairmont, W.Va., USA, and Menominee, Mich., USA. As part of his new duties, Benoit will participate in the implementation of SKF's new operational excellence management model in all of its mills. Before joining the SFK Pulp team, he was GM, East Paper Division of Fraser Papers. Benoit, who has 25 years of overall experience in the pulp and paper industry, will begin his new job February 15.

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Just imagine that you are a Vice President-General Manager of a paper mill, a lumber mill and other related operations and are asked: "Is it okay if we bring 110 college students plus 30 adults to tour your paper mill on a federal holiday?"And, oh yes, would you also agree to feed them lunch and would you mind sitting on a mill manager's round table on a Saturday at TAPPI's 13th annual Student Summit?"

How would you have answered the question? If you were Bruce Hoffman, Vice President and General Manager KapStone Charleston Kraft, LLC, you would have said "yes."

On Monday January 18, 2010, TAPPI's 13th annual Student Summit finished up with a tour of KapStone's Charleston, SC, paper mill.

As busy as they are, the following KapStone employees took time out of their schedules to accommodate around 130 of our group from TAPPI's Student Summit:

• Bruce Hoffman -- Vice President & General Manager
• Tim Keneally -- President, KapStone Kraft Paper Corporation
• Ann Elish -- Operations Manager
• Larry Cobb -- Public Affairs & Communications Manager
• Sherry Dixon -- Health & Safety Manager
• Courtney Smyth -- Communications Coordinator
• Donna Hansen & crew -- Utility/Labor/Cartage Supervisor
• Drivers -- David Himmel, Gene Barnett, Craig Todd, Johnny Hardee, Alice Mueller, Greg Ackerman, Ardith Rossignol, Taylor Yarboro, Mickey Butler
• Guides -- Joe Kovarik, Tim Covell, Steve Baughman, Kathleen Pizarro, Curt Ledbetter, Duane Mummert, Greg Burns, Jim Koches, Louis Manigault
• Stations -- Richard Gnegy, Andrew Mohr, Phil Ramsey, Bill Helwig, Gary Smiley, Dan Toeppner, Wes Kosin, Andres Navia, Albert Newton
• Security Personnel

On behalf of all of the attendees and TAPPI, I wanted to thank all of you for your hospitality during our visit. Your willingness to help guide the future of our industry is appreciated.

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation was formed in 2005 to effect a business combination with a suitable operating business in the paper, packaging, forest products and related industries. On June 23, 2006, KapStone Paper, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, KapStone Kraft Paper Corporation, agreed to purchase the Kraft Papers business from International Paper Company. The unbleached Kraft paper mill acquired is located in Roanoke Rapids, NC. On July 1, 2008, KapStone purchased the Charleston Kraft Business from MeadWestvaco, which consists of a paper mill in North Charleston, SC; an on-site cogeneration facility; a lumber mill in Summerville, SC; and five chip mills. This acquisition added two paper grades to its portfolio, saturating Kraft (DuraSorb®) and Kraftpak®.

KapStone Paper offers a wide variety of grades that provide best-in-class uniformity, strength and specialized performance characteristics. They are a world leader in production of Saturating Kraft utilized by the decorative laminate industry.

For more information on KapStone, please go to www.kapstonepaper.com.

For more information on TAPPI, please go to www.tappi.org.

There are two types of people in our industry; TAPPI members and those who should be.

Until next time -- Larry

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What do you say when you lose a friend, relative or a loved one? Sometimes the pain seems unbearable, especially when those special times roll around the next year. Times such as holidays, meetings, conference calls or industry events that take place on a regular scheduled basis.

I am always amazed when someone you meet has an immediate and lasting impact on your job or life. It is normally an individual who you have known or grown up with for years. But every so often a person comes into your life that blindsides you with their passion and personality to the point that they make a definite impact on your life.

Unique, passionate, outspoken, dedicated, friend -- these are just a few of the accolades that people use to describe Rick Colvin.

I met Rick a little over three years ago when PIMA and TAPPI began their quest to become a part of each other. Rick's personality and passion quickly caught my attention during group meetings, conference calls and one-on-one meetings. I still chuckle when I recall how he always announced "this is Rick" when he would chime in on conference calls. The reason it was always funny is that no one on the call had any doubt, because his voice sounded like no other person in the world. With an accent that was a cross between Dennison, OH, where he is from, and Milledgeville, GA, where he lived for the past several years, the voice unmistakably belonged to Rick Colvin.

Rick began his love for this industry after graduating with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Muskingum College. He then went to work for Engelhard Minerals & Chemicals as a chemist. Later, he moved into field sales and product management for paper kaolin. Rick spent the rest of his 32-year career in this small, tightly knit industry in Middle Georgia.

Rick's touch reached from Georgia to all across this wonderful world in which we live, including Europe, South America and the Far East. "Kaolin Rick," as he was affectionately known, believed that kaolin, not blood, ran through his veins. Rick was always generous with his time to all who knew him and quick to lend a hand to those in need.

Rick was a very dedicated volunteer to PIMA for many years and served on PIMA's board during 2007-2008, which were the critical years in bringing TAPPI and PIMA together. Rick also was the recipient of the Thomas F. Sheerin Service Award in 2004.

I, along with many of you, will feel the void of Rick not being at our next industry gathering, conference call or one-on-one meetings in which Rick normally participated.

To Rick's family and long time friends, what do you say? Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as we all mourn the passing of one of the industry's true believers.

Larry N. Montague, TAPPI-President/CEO

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VoIPcare Technology has announced plans to proceed with pilot testing of the qMetrix for Transportation solution designed to help reduce instances of in-transit damage to rolls of paper. The system has been designed in collaboration with members of the Shipping, Receiving and Warehousing (SRW) subcommittee of TAPPI.

"We are very excited about the number of companies that have signed up for the pilot project," said Robin Mangold, Principal at VoIPcare Technology. "The companies represent a significant cross section of supply chain partners that are focused on the reduction of in-transit damage. We are confident additional forward-thinking companies will join the project as it progresses."

Find out more about the TAPPI-VoIPcare project here.

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TAPPI is pleased to announce the 2010 recipients of the Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award, Herman L. Joachim Distinguished Service Award, and the Paul W. Magnabosco Outstanding Local Section Member Award:

• Richard J. Kerekes, PhD., Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, will receive the 2010 TAPPI Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award.
• Willis J. Potts, Jr., retired from Temple Inland, Rome, GA, USA, will receive the 2010 TAPPI Herman L. Joachim Distinguished Service Award.
• Empire State TAPPI/NY Canadian PIMA Local Section Member Scott Frasca, Senior Account Manager, RohmNova, Sidney, ME, USA, will receive the 2010 TAPPI Paul W. Magnabosco Outstanding Local Section Award.

In addition, the following nine individuals have been named 2010 TAPPI Fellows:

• Gerald M. Dykstra, Retired Buckman, Bartlett, TN, USA
• Martin A. Hubbe, PhD., Associate Professor, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
• John C. Husband, PhD., Lead Scientist, IMERYS Minerals Ltd., Cornwall, United Kingdom
• Cheryl M. Lamb, Retired from Buckman, Ellenton, FL, USA
• Patrice J. Mangin, PhD., General Director, Centre Integre En Pates Et Papiere, Trois-Rivieres, Canada
• Frank J. Sutman, Global R&D Platform Lead, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Wilmington, DE, USA
• Jukka H. Tiitinen, President, Metso Paper North America, Atlanta, GA, USA
• Ronald L. Van Gilder, Research Fellow, Sappi Fine Paper N.A., Westbrook, ME, USA
• Mark T. Watkins, Senior Vice President, MWV(MeadWestvaco) Corporation, Glen Allen, VA, USA

The 2010 award winners will be honored at the Tuesday evening, May 4, 2010, awards dinner during the 2010 PaperCon Conference at the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta, GA, USA. The new TAPPI Fellows will be honored at the TAPPI Fellows Luncheon, Sunday, May 2, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta, GA, USA in conjunction with the 2010 PaperCon meeting.

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Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Location: Dreyfus University Center, Stevens Point, WI, USA

In this one-day program, twelve sessions will provide insight on innovative technologies in stock preparation and wet end chemistry. A special segment will be devoted to research and development at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The overall focus of this meeting will be on new or emerging technologies to promote value added grade development, cost optimization, and quality improvements.

Who should attend? Product Development Engineers, Paper Machine, Stock Prep, Coating Prep, Operators, Process Engineers, Superintendents, Supervisors, Lab Personnel, Suppliers, and Students, as well as others interested in learning more about technology, and process troubleshooting.

Session Chairs include:

• Don Guay, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
• Kelly Klaas, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
• Danielle Mortag, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
• Nancy Ross Sutherland, USDA Forest Service

The pre-registration fee is $110.00; on-site registration is $135.00. Students and retirees qualify for reduced rate if pre-registered: $25.00 / $45.00 on-site. Send pre-registration fees by February 12, 2010, to Membership Services Administrator: Clark Schabo, W5562 Center Valley Rd., Black Creek, WI, 54106. Phone: 734-5073; Fax (credit cards only): 920-830-9610.

For further details on this program, call Don Guay at 715-346-4746 or visit Lake States TAPPI website.

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Long-time TAPPI members may already know some of the many treasures available from the TAPPI bookstore. A new hard copy catalog for 2010 is coming out that will highlight some of our more popular offerings.

The 2010 TAPPI Catalog features:

• Over 8 new releases
• Best seller items categorized by industry segment
• Web and Computer based training
• Sale/ Discount items
• Complete index of all TAPPI PRESS products

The 2010 Catalog is included in the Jan./Feb. issue of Paper360° and can be pulled out as a stand-alone publication. If you want to get a sneak peek, it is also available online at www.tappi.org/bookstore.

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The Association of Suppliers to the Paper Industry (ASPI) invites all ASPI members to reconnect with peers at the 2010 Spring Meeting, scheduled for February 18-19, 2010 in Naples, Florida, USA. This meeting delivers meaningful business content while providing a unique forum for senior business leaders to meet and interact with their peers serving the pulp and paper industry supplier community.

A key reason that business leaders attend is that they learn directly from guest speakers who represent their customer base. The speakers are senior executives who address pressing issues that affect how participants conduct business today and tomorrow. The connection is direct without any filtering layer of analysts or intermediaries. This meeting's presenters include J. Patrick Maley III, President, COO, and Director for Temple-Inland; Mike Edwards, SVP Pulp & Paper Manufacturing for Domtar; and Butch Johnson, CEO of Flambeau River Biofuels.

ASPI meeting attendees will also hear industry and market segment overviews by Stephen Atkinson, Managing Director for Paper & Forest Products for BMO Capital Markets. Joining him is Paul Leclair, VP and Chief Economist with the Pulp and Paper Products Council. ASPI is also pleased to announce that Tim Mescon, President of Columbus State University will be speaking. Mescon has an outstanding reputation as a speaker on management and leadership issues.

The ASPI 2010 Spring Meeting offers opportunities for informal networking, an ASPI Golf Tournament on Friday, February 19th, and a Spouse/Guest program. The venue is The Inn on Fifth in Old Naples, Florida  ASPI has negotiated preferred hotel registration rates for ASPI attendees.

Prospective participants are encouraged to make reservations. They can visit the ASPI website, www.aspinet.org for full details now and can visit the site periodically for program updates. Further background is available from Colleen Walker, ASPI Director of Member Relations, at cwalker@aspinet.org or by phone at +1 770 209-7349.

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Date: March 15-19, 2010
Location: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina

Need to know more about pulping, bleaching, chemical recovery, recycling, papermaking and converting to do your job better? Gain an excellent overall view of the basic concepts in pulp and paper manufacturing while increasing your understanding through hands-on laboratory exercises.

Using a combination of balanced lectures and laboratories, this workshop will provide you with an easy-to-learn and lasting introduction to pulp and paper technology, operations, and markets, including:

• Overview knowledge of the entire pulping and papermaking process
• How different processes affect paper properties
• Hands-on lab experiments to enhance your understanding of process
• Run a pilot plant paper machine
• Close interaction with Pulp and Paper Professors in small groups

Learn more about the course and register to attend here. You can also download the complete course brochure.

CEUs available. This course will also be held June 7-10, 2010; and October 4-8, 2010.

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The upcoming Best Practices in Corrugator Operations Short Course is sold out and has surpassed capacity for TAPPI's training facility. The course will now be held February 16-19, 2010, at the Holiday Inn Select in Norcross, Georgia, USA. Last held in 2004, this course is back by popular demand and teaches participants how to understand each element in the corrugating process, which will lead to higher productivity, better quality, and waste reduction.

Participants will learn the basics of how each component in the corrugator system works and how to run each component with optimum settings for peak performance. Both old and new equipment will be covered. Participants will develop an understanding of the critical properties of the raw materials that are vital to guarantee acceptable quality board. The course instructors will teach participants how the "Centerline Process" can be adopted in their plant and achieve a product that is consistent every day and on all shifts. Learn more.

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The Texas Tech University (TTU) System has awarded the Chancellor's Council Distinguished Research Award to Seshadri Ramkumar, an associate professor of nonwovens and advanced materials at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at TTU. The Chancellor's Council Distinguished Research Award is the highest award given by the TTU System to a faculty member who has excelled in research. The TTU System awards a top researcher at each of its three component universities, TTU, TTUHSC and Angelo State University with this highest research award. The award is highly competitive and candidates are evaluated at several levels by committees before the final award is made.

Ramkumar's award was announced by TTU University System Chancellor Kent Hance in December 2009. With the distinguished research award, Dr Ramkumar received a medallion and cash award for his research on nonwovens and technical textiles.

Dr. Ramkumar manages the Nonwovens and Advanced Materials Laboratory at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at TTU, Lubbock, USA. The special focus of his laboratory is to find value-added applications for cotton and other natural fibers using emerging technologies such as nonwoven technologies, plasma, and nanotechnology. Dr. Ramkumar has been playing a leadership role for the past five years in promoting the technical textiles sector in India.

Dr. Ramkumar is an active member in TAPPI's NET (Nonwovens Engineers and Technologists) Division. He can be reached at (806) 445-1925 or s.ramkumar@ttu.edu.

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TAPPI has announced the dates and location for its 13th European PLACE Conference as 30 May - 1 June, 2011. It will be held at the internationally famous Festpielhaus on Lake Constance in Bregenz Austria. This biennial European event brings together professionals in the flexible packaging industry. It attracts managers, packaging engineers, technical personnel, technical directors and other key decision makers.

"We are excited to bring the same caliber of information and experts to Austria as we drew to our successful 12th European PLACE event in Budapest Hungary in 2009," said TAPPI President and CEO, Larry N. Montague. "The high quality of programming and the convenient location on Lake Constance bordering Switzerland, Austria and Germany promises to attract attendees from all over Europe."

The Invitation to Present will be extended in the coming months. Continue to check www.tappi.org for new details.

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A Call for Presentations/Posters has been issued for the 2010 TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for the Forest Products Industry, 27-29 September, 2010, in Espoo, Finland. This annual, internationally recognized event brings together leading researchers, industry experts, government representatives, and other stakeholders to share  advances and perspectives on nanotechnology-based products for the forest products and related industries.

To leverage research advances and offer participants new opportunities for knowledge sharing, the 2010 Technical Program Committee invites contributions from participants working with nano-enabled bio-materials, products, and their processing. Analysis of challenges and trends in emerging markets for forest products that are based on nanotechnology are sought to provide a foundation for new research and industrial activities. The organizers also  encourage submissions on other aspects of nanotech products including law, policy, economics and environmental health and safety. View the Call for Papers.

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TAPPI and Pira International are collaborating to provide key insight into the future of the paperboard industry with the Paperboard Packaging Conference, 22-24 June, 2010, in Budapest, Hungary.

The event will bring together leading minds in paperboard and associated industries, creating a forum where the current challenges and opportunities facing converters, mills and end users involved in paperboard will be discussed and real solutions proposed.

In this forum you will hear:

• Market forecasts by geographic region, material type and end use over the next five years
• Consumer, retailer and brand owner future requirements and expectations
• Sustainability challenges and opportunities for paperboard packaging
• Latest innovations in printing and decoration technologies
• Regulatory and legislative landscape for the future Advances in paperboard manufacture and converting

Learn more about the Paperboard Packaging Conference, including the Draft Program at www.paperboardpack.com.

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