Over the Wire
TAPPI
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The shuttered NewPage newsprint and coated papers mill in Port Hawkesbury, N.S., Canada, has restarted, following final sale of the facilities to Vancouver-based Pacific West Commercial Corp. The newly restarted mill in Cape Breton has some 260 people working in different shifts, operating one of two paper machines. Port Hawkesbury Paper external affairs manager Marc Dube says the company plans to send the paper to customers soon.
The mill shut down last September, throwing some 600 people out of work and affecting another 400 forestry contractors. At the time, NewPage cited the high Canadian dollar and increased rates for shipping and electricity as the reasons for its closure. ##SHARELINKS##
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SCA, Stockholm, Sweden, has divested its 50% shareholding in the U.K.-based newsprint facility Aylesford Newsprint to the private equity company Martland Holdings. Martland Holdings has now acquired all of Aylesford Newsprint, which was equally owned by SCA and Mondi. The company has 280 employees and its annual capacity is approximately 400,000 metric tons of recovered fiber-based newsprint. Total sales for 2011 were approximately SEK 1.6 billion (GBP 150 million). The operations have been loss-making for the past several years.
The sale of shares was carried out on a debt-free basis for a symbolic amount. The transaction involved a book loss of SEK 850 million (GBP 80 million) and a negative cash flow effect of SEK 140 million (GBP 13 million) for SCA. The loss will be booked in the third quarter of 2012. ##SHARELINKS##
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Georgia-Pacific, Atlanta, Ga., USA, reports that its Bucket Brigade grant program has recently awarded $165,000 in grants to 25 U.S. fire departments to purchase equipment necessary to protect lives and property of residents, and keep firefighters safe. The grants are aimed particularly at helping departments that lack funds to purchase specialized gear and replace outdated equipment.
"We have tremendous respect and appreciation for firefighters who put themselves in harm's way to keep our communities safe," said Jim Hannan, CEO and president of G-P. "The Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade program is dedicated to helping local fire departments with the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively." Since 2006, the Bucket Brigade program has supported local fire departments in Georgia-Pacific facility communities through more than $1 million in grants, safety education materials for schools, and memberships for all grant applicants to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). The program is meeting critical needs particularly for fire departments in small and rural communities with a large volunteer base. In fact, of the one million firefighters in the U.S., 70% are volunteers, according to the NVFC. "Safety is a top priority of the NVFC, and the Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade program enables resource-constrained fire departments to purchase needed gear and equipment to protect their first responders," said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. "Finding funding is a constant struggle for volunteer departments. Georgia-Pacific is a terrific example of a company giving back to the community by supporting the local fire/EMS departments that protect its facilities and employees." This year, fire departments across 15 states were selected, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Washington, and Wisconsin. Grants ranged from $2,500 to $10,000 and were awarded based on critical need to ensure firefighter safety and proximity to a Georgia-Pacific facility. ##SHARELINKS##
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Clearwater Paper Corp., Spokane, Wash., USA, this week announced that Linda K. Massman will become the company's next CEO, succeeding Gordon L. Jones, who will be retiring from his roles as CEO and chairman of the board of directors on December 31.
Massman, currently president and COO, will begin as president and CEO on January 1, 2013. She will also join Clearwater Paper's board of directors at that time. Additionally, vice chairman and lead director of the board, Boh A. Dickey, has been appointed chairman of the board, also effective January 1. "Linda has been an integral part of the company's ability to design and execute its strategy from the beginning," said Dickey. "She came to Clearwater Paper as one of the company's original leaders after a rapid succession in finance and strategy development, and is now making the natural progression from COO to CEO. She is the right person to lead Clearwater Paper as we enter our next phase of growth and development." Jones added that "I have had the pleasure of working closely with Linda since the company's spin-off in 2008 and she has been an integral part of Clearwater Paper's success. Since that time, we have executed on our growth strategy and successfully transformed our company into one of the largest and most successful premium private label tissue and bleached paperboard producers in North America. Under Linda's leadership, I am confident Clearwater Paper will continue to build on this track record of success." Massman was appointed VP and CFO of Clearwater Paper in 2008, then named president and COO in November 2011. Before joining Clearwater Paper, she was group VP, finance and corporate planning, for SUPERVALU Inc. Prior to this, she worked as a business strategy consultant for Accenture. Massman has more than 20 years of corporate finance and business strategy development experience and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota and an MBA from Harvard Business School. "I am honored to take on the role of CEO of Clearwater Paper at this time of great opportunity," Massman said. "Given the market dynamics within private label, our track record of success and strategic plan for growth, I believe we are well positioned to continue to enhance stockholder value. We remain focused on expanding the geographic and channel reach of Clearwater Paper while executing on our cost efficiency and integration synergy goals. I look forward to working with the board, management team, and our dedicated employees to continue Clearwater Paper's achievements for customers and investors." Clearwater Paper produces consumer tissue, away-from-home tissue, hard roll tissue, machine glazed tissue, bleached paperboard, and pulp at 15 manufacturing locations in the U.S. and Canada. The company also produces bleached paperboard. ##SHARELINKS##
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UPM, Helsinki, Finland, reports that it is one of 250 Finnish companies participating in Motiva's Energy Saving Week. For UPM, taking part in Energy Saving Week for the third time is "a natural choice." Markku Taavitsainen, director, Operations Support, UPM Paper Business Group, notes that "during the past year, UPM has focused especially on material efficiency by producing more with less energy, water, and waste, and with a lower carbon footprint."
For several years now, UPM has been improving overall energy efficiency at its mills with the help of energy saving campaigns and investment programs targeted at energy savings. Today, energy saving is a key part of the mill's everyday routine. More than 200 energy investments to date reflect the success and excellence of the company's efforts as well as the commitment of its employees. With the help of these investments and energy efficient methods recently implemented, UPM has been able to significantly decrease its mills' energy consumption. Last year UPM Paper Business Group started the Material Efficiency program, with the goal of reducing both process water consumption and raw material losses as well as improving the effectiveness of process chemicals. During the first wave, 17 investments were started with an average pay back time of 0.7 years. The material efficiency program lasts for three years. "The cornerstones for a successful Energy Saving Program have been the strong commitment of our employees. We have also been able to apply the best energy saving ideas to other UPM mills. The same successful concept has now been applied to our Material Efficiency Program, and we are hoping to see similar engagement and results," saidTaavitsainen, who is responsible for the programs. ##SHARELINKS##
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Mika Viljanmaa, development manager at Metso's Järvenpää unit in Finland, has been awarded the 2012 Marcus Wallenberg Prize for his ground-breaking development of metal belt calendering technology, resulting in better paper print surfaces with less fiber materials and higher production efficiency. Viljanmaa's invention also paves the way for applications in other paper machine sections with the opportunity of becoming a wider platform technology expected to substantially enhance production efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability of paper and board making.
As shown in the photo below, Viljanmaa was recently presented the award by H.M. Carl XVI Gustaf, the King of Sweden, in a ceremony in Stockholm. In the background is the chairman of the Foundation, Marcus Wallenberg. Viljanmaa, M.Sc., joined Valmet Corp. (now Metso) in 1996 as a development engineer at its Järvenpää unit, where he also completed his Master's thesis at the Helsinki University of Technology. Since 2003, he was in charge of calendering research and development at Metso Paper and since 2009 has been responsible for R&D in surface treatment technology.
The Marcus Wallenberg Prize is an international prize established in 1980. Each year the prize recognizes a single research breakthrough by one scientist or a small group of collaborating scientists. The selected breakthrough will have a significant effect on the forestry and forest products industries. In addition to rewarding the winner, the prize is also intended to encourage further research around the world. The prize sum is SEK 2 million. ##SHARELINKS##
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Viljanmaa is a highly prolific innovator, with a total of 120 protected inventions, 57 of them being related to metal belt technology. He is the sole inventor for 12 of them. |
Below is the latest listing of job openings in the TAPPI Career Center. The current listing includes job openings for a variety of positions, including safety coordinator, process and electrical engineers, technical service manager, maintenance supervisor, director of research, production supervisor, mill coordinator, and operations specialist. Current, specific job openings at companies and locations in the TAPPI Career Center include:
More information about these jobs is available online. ##SHARELINKS##
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 New TAPPI member and bell ringer John McGee (in photo, right) is in the industrial segment of Viridity Energy, Philadelphia, Pa., USA. Viridity works with large energy users to create a customized demand-side management solution that is based upon the unique operations of their clients.
More information about Viridity is available online. ##SHARELINKS##
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The candidates are: chair, Thomas J. Garland; vice chair, Chris Luettgen, Kimberly-Clark; and directors, Daniel D. Cappell (AstenJohnson), Kirt J. Cuevas (International Paper), and Robert A. Feeser (MeadWestvaco Corp.). Voting begins December 1. Per the TAPPI Bylaws, members of the organization have until November 1 to review the slate.
More information about the slate and election process is available online ##SHARELINKS##
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The pulp market is rallying with a flurry of price hike announcements on softwood and hardwood grades, according to Mark Wilde of Deutsche Bank. In softwood, most producers announced a $20/metric ton price hike on U.S. NBSK, (northern bleached softwood kraft), effective October 1 (list price = $850/metric ton). NBSK prices are also rebounding in China as well as Europe.
In hardwood, producers have announced a $30/metric ton price hike in key regions, Wilde reports. While prices may continue to rally in the near term, pending capacity additions loom over the market, he adds. ##SHARELINKS##
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In the North American coated groundwood arena, a $40 - $60/ton May/June price hike has gained traction, Wilde of Deutsche Bank says. September estimated prices on No. 5, 40-lb offset rolls rose $5/ton to $855 - $895/ton. In August, prices increased $15/ton.
The two key drivers are recent capacity reductions (˜12% of the market—Verso's 180,000 tpy Sartell PM 3 and Resolute's 150,000 SC PM 1 at Catawba) and better-than-expected catalog demand (mostly No. 5, 40-lb grade, Wilde explains. "With prices on non-contract business even higher, we may see further price gains in October. The key downside risk is competition from lower priced SC grades," he notes. ##SHARELINKS##
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Pellet exports from the two primary pellet-producing regions on the North American continent, the U.S. South and British Columbia, have continued to grow, reaching a new record high of 760,000 tons in the 2Q/12, according to data from the pellet industry and customs statistics compiled by the North American Wood Fiber Review (NAWFR), Seattle, Wash., USA. Total Canadian exports to Europe in the 2Q rose 14% from the 1Q/12, with reports of British Columbia pellet plants running at full capacity thanks to European demand. Pellet plants in Eastern Canada also continued small but frequent shipments over the Atlantic.
In the U.S. South, pellet export volumes rose 13% in the 2Q/12 from the previous quarter, in spite of some temporary slowdowns at Green Circle Bio Energy in Florida and Georgia Biomass in Georgia due to fires at a U.S. port and at a pellet consumer in the U.K. Shipments from Enviva's new port facility in Virginia, additional volume from Fram Renewables, and new volumes from Low Country Biomass in South Carolina have all contributed to the growth in exports over the past 15 months, so that the U.S. has now surpassed Canada to become the world's largest exporter in 2012. Three companies announced plans for constructing pellet plants in the state of Georgia in the 3Q/12. With six other pellet export plants already under construction and scheduled to begin operating in regions as widespread as Virginia to Texas, it is possible an additional 4.2 million tons of wood pellets will be crossing to Europe in 2015. This can be compared with an estimated 1.5 million tons likely to be exported from this region in 2012, NAWFR reports. Exports from both Eastern and Western Canada are also on schedule to grow, though not at the explosive rate being witnessed in the U.S. South. Several new Canadian pellet facilities, such as Holbrook Forest Products in Roddickton, N.F., have expressed their intentions to export pellets, but have yet to do so for various reasons, including inadequate export dock facilities. More information is available online. ##SHARELINKS##
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China will continue to see rising wood pulp production along with rising imports of wood chips to make that pulp, according to a new report by RISI, Boston, Mass., USA, titled 2012 The China Pulp Market: A Comprehensive Analysis and Outlook. The study also concludes that large-scale paper grade market pulp production in China is not a sustainable business over time.
A steady upward trend in wood growing costs in southern China will keep China's pulp producers purchasing ever-increasing volumes of wood chips from greater distances, including North and South America, at very high costs, the report notes. "Wood costs in China are already almost the highest in the world, and account for as much as 70% of cash costs for bleached hardwood kraft (BHK) market pulp producers in China. Market BHK producers in China have some of the newest and largest pulp lines in the world, and yet are still the high cost producers, even in their own market," said Kurt Schafer, VP of Pulp & Recovered Paper at RISI. "Our research indicates that wood growing costs in southern China will probably outpace growing costs in Brazil by a wide margin over the next decade, and this suggests that large-scale paper grade market pulp production in China is not a sustainable business over time." ##SHARELINKS##
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Andritz, Graz, Austria, this week acquired Allied Environmental Solutions Inc. (AES), Columbia, Md., USA. AES has some 40 employees and generates annual sales of approximately EUR 30 million. The purchase price was not disclosed.
AES, now renamed Andritz Environmental Solutions (AES), is a supplier of air quality control systems for utilities and various power generating industries (e.g. fossil-fired power stations) in the U.S. AES provides a comprehensive product and service range of flue gas cleaning technologies, including circulating fluid bed (CFB) scrubbers, fabric filters, wet and dry electrostatic precipitators, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. With the acquisition, Andritz Energy & Environments (AE&E) strengthens its flue gas cleaning portfolio and has entered the U.S. market. ##SHARELINKS##
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Arctic Paper Munkedals AB, Sweden, has acquired 50% of Kalltorp Kraft HB, Sweden, a water energy company running two water power stations in western Sweden with a total annual output of 5.0 to 5.5 GWhr/yr. At the same time, Arctic Paper Munkedals is projecting an increase in output at the current hydro power plant located close to the mill.
"The acquisition of Kalltorp and expansion of the hydro power station at the mill in Munkedal, Sweden, is in line with the earlier communicated strategy of Arctic Paper SA—to increase the independence of purchased energy by increasing internal production," said Michal Jarczyński, CEO of Arctic Paper. "Arctic Paper has a strong focus on modern and environmental-friendly energy generation. Already today, Arctic Paper Grycksbo runs a biofuel power plant. Arctic Paper Kostrzyn runs a cogeneration gas-fired power station with efficiency over 93%," Jarczyński continued. Arctic Paper produces and markets graphic fine papers at the Munkedals mill and the Grycksbo mill in Sweden, the Kostrzyn mill in Poland, and at the Mochenwangen mill in Germany. ##SHARELINKS##
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Dr. Robert Graham, chairman and CEO of Ensyn Corp., Wilmington, Del., USA, and Marcelo Castelli, CEO of Fibria Celulose S.A., Brazil, this week announced the creation of a strategic alliance between the two companies. The alliance includes the establishment of an equally-owned joint venture for the production of cellulosic liquid fuels and chemicals in Brazil, as well as a $20 million equity investment in Ensyn Corp. by Fibria.
The goal of the Ensyn-Fibria joint venture is to combine the strengths of each party to create a major producer of renewable liquid fuels from cellulosic feedstocks. Fibria, one of the world's leading pulp producers, has considerable industry expertise in fiber production as well as a significant Brazilian fiber resource and a substantial corporate presence in Brazil. Ensyn and its affiliates have developed the commercially-proven Rapid Thermal Processing™ (RTP) technology, which converts wood and other non-food biomass into renewable liquid fuels and chemicals. Ensyn's key renewable liquid fuel, Renewable Fuel Oil™ (RFO), is a multi-purpose petroleum replacement fuel with uses in many applications, including heating, conversion to transportation fuels, and power generation in diesel engines. Fibria's $20 million investment will provide Fibria with ownership of approximately 6% of Ensyn and also provides Fibria certain rights, which, if exercised, would allow Fibria to invest additional capital and increase its holdings to as much as 9% of Ensyn. In addition, Fibria will be granted one seat on Ensyn's board of directors. This transaction is targeted to be closed by the end of October, including the signing of definitive documentation and payment. Fibria Celulose is the world's top producer of wood pulp, with production capacity of more than 5 million metric tons of pulp per year. Fibria's production is supported by a forest base covering more than 1 million hectares, spread across seven states in Brazil. The company owns and operates three pulp mills in Brazil and also owns 50% of Veracel, a joint-venture with Stora Enso, also in Brazil. Fibria's workforce totals approximately 18,900 professionals. Ensyn is a producer of liquid fuels and chemicals from non-food biomass. Ensyn bases its production on its RTP technology and has historical production of more than 30 million gal. Ensyn is currently executing a significant build-out of RTP capacity in North America and internationally for the production of Renewable Fuel Oil (RFO), its principal renewable liquid fuel product. ##SHARELINKS##
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Holmen Paper, Stockholm, Sweden, reports that it is starting work to concentrate production at its Hallstavik mill to two paper machines with strong positions in their respective product segments—MF magazine and book paper. As a result, the mill's oldest machine, PM 3, is being shut down. At the same time, the company plans to invest in energy efficiency measures that, together with the closure, will considerably reduce the mill's future investment needs. These measures will strengthen the mill's competitiveness, Holmen says.
"The restructuring program will ensure that Hallsta Paper Mill continues to play an important role in the switch towards becoming a specialty paper company, a process that has been under way at Holmen Paper's Swedish units for a long time. It will help improve our chances of growing in the areas of importance to us," said Henrik Sjölund, head of Holmen Paper. The goal is to close down PM 3 during the second half of 2013. The paper machine produces 140,000 metric tpy of SC paper annually for a market with excessive overcapacity. The closure is expected to reduce the mill's workforce by about 230. ##SHARELINKS##
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Lenzing AG, Austria, has now acquired a 100% shareholding of the Czech pulp producer Biocel Paskov A.S. Until now Lenzing has held a 75% stake in the company. The seller of the remaining 25% of the shares is the Austrian Heinzel Group, which had already disposed of its 75% majority stake to Lenzing in April 2010.
Since 2010 Lenzing has been restructuring the Biocel Paskov facility to become a "swing capacity" producer of pulp, involving total investments of about EUR 100 million. Starting next year, Biocel Paskov will be able to produce both paper pulp and dissolving pulp. A total of 60,000 metric tons of dissolving pulp were already produced in the previous year, with plans calling for a production volume of about 115,000 metric tons of the product this year. In 2013, Biocel Paskov notes that it will be operating one of the world‘s most advanced dissolving pulp mills, thanks to a further debottlenecking program, increased energy efficiency, and new recovery facilities. The nominal capacity of the plant will increase to 260,000 metric tpy of dissolving pulp at that time. The pulp will mainly be used by the Lenzing Group for its fiber production operations. This vertical-backward integration, the Lenzing Group says, represents an important means for safeguarding its raw material base, both in terms of prices and volumes. Biocel Paskov started up in 1985 and was modernized and expanded during the 1990s in line with ecological standards. The Group, led by the Austrian industrialist Alfred Heinzel, acquired the plant in 2001 and continued the modernization drive. Since 2004, Biocel Paskov has been cooperating with the neighboring sawmill operating by the Austrian Mayr-Melnhof wood industry group, which contributes part of the wood chip raw materials used to produce pulp. Biocel Paskov employs some 400 people. ##SHARELINKS##
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Wingate Partners, a Dallas, Texas, USA-based investment firm, this week announced that it has partnered with Paul Charapata and other management to acquire Nekoosa Coated Products LLC, based in Nekoosa, Wis. Nekoosa produces specialty paper products for use in a variety of printing applications.
Nekoosa Coated Products, formerly part of 3M and Imation, has been a leader in the carbonless and specialty paper markets for more than 50 years. It became an independent company in 2005 and has successfully strengthened and diversified both its product portfolio and distribution network over the past several years. "This investment by Wingate Partners will help us to accelerate our growth as we strive to provide even more value added products and services for our customers through a shared vision of strategic partnerships, including acquisitions," said Nekoosa Coated Products CEO Paul Charapata. "This is an exciting time for all Nekoosa employees and customers as we build upon the foundation of success we have created together with a fantastic new partner. Nekoosa is an ideal situation for Wingate—a strong, innovative management team which leads a very well positioned business in vital markets," said Brad Brenneman, principal at Wingate Partners. "We are honored to partner with Paul and the Nekoosa team, and look forward to supporting Nekoosa's growth." ##SHARELINKS##
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NewPage Corp., Miamisburg, Ohio, USA, this week reported that it has filed an amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan and Disclosure Statement with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan and Disclosure Statement are available online.
"The filing of our amended Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure Statement is an important step toward exiting bankruptcy this year with a strong balance sheet," said Jay Epstein, SVP and CFO of NewPage. NewPage is a producer of printing and specialty papers, with $3.5 billion in net sales in 2011. It owns paper mills in Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with a total annual production capacity of approximately 3.5 million tons of paper. ##SHARELINKS##
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Tembec, Montréal, Qué., Canada, this past week inaugurated a new anaerobic treatment facility that will produce methane biogas and significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels at its high-yield pulp mill in Matane, Qué. Dignitaries from the surrounding region and members of Tembec's senior management joined together with employees to inaugurate the new facility. The project was originally announced Jan. 10, 2011.
Funding for the investment was provided mainly by the Government of Canada with $19.7 million and the Government of Québec with $6.3 million. The overall project represents a total investment of $29 million—$26 million for the anaerobic facility and $3 million for the installation of the new electric boiler. The project has two main components. The first is a new anaerobic treatment facility that treats effluent and collects methane gas produced by the treatment process. This biogas will be used as fuel in the mill's pulp-drying process, in place of the light oils currently used. The second component is the installation of a new electric boiler, which replaces a heavy oil fueled boiler. These two initiatives together will reduce by approximately 90% the use of oil as fuel sources for the generation of the Matane mill's various process steam and pulp drying requirements. "This investment means better environmental, energy, and economic performance for our Matane mill," said James Lopez, president and CEO of Tembec. "By substantially reducing operating costs, this project will help assure the competitive position of our high-yield pulp on the global market. Tembec recognizes the support of the Government of Québec and the Government of Canada in the project, and we appreciate their confidence in helping us ensure the future of the mill." The Matane mill, which has 140 employees, exports its high-yield pulp to the U.S., France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Korea, and China. Tembec produces lumber, pulp, paper, and specialty cellulose. Its principal operations are in Canada and France. The company has some 4,000 employees and annual sales of approximately $2 billion. ##SHARELINKS##
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The Terrace Bay pulp mill in the Thunder Bay District in northern Ontario, Canada, is approaching restart sometime this month, according to a report by The Chronicle Journal newspaper in Thunder Bay. Workers, however, are still waiting for an exact startup date, union officials say. About 350 people, union and management combined, worked in the mill when it was idled and put up for sale nearly a year ago.
The idle mill, formerly operated by a Buchanan Group subsidiary that became insolvent, was taken over in July by India's Aditya Birla Group. Birla plans to resume making traditional bleached market pulp, while spending $250 million over the next three years to convert the operation to produce dissolving pulp for rayon manufacture. Birla said when the operation resumes production, it will carry a long-term workforce of 275. The company has reportedly been spending significantly more in pre-production efforts than the usual $5 million allotted for maintenance when the plant is idle. ##SHARELINKS##
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The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), Reston, Va., USA, reported this past week that shipments of U.S. packaging machinery grew 19% in 2011, reaching $7.7 billion. PMMI's 2012 Shipments Study also shows total consumption in the U.S. climbing by 23% to $8.8 billion.
"Positive growth is always good news," said Jorge Izquierdo, VP, market development, PMMI. "And within that 19% jump in U.S. packaging machinery shipments, we saw 20% growth domestically and 16% in exports." Imported packaging machinery sales also increased, by about $500 million, Izquierdo pointed out, noting that: "U.S. companies spent 35% more on imported packaging machinery in 2011." The distribution of sales among market segments, however, did not shift much, if at all. Food (36%) and beverage (24%) accounted for the vast majority of sales, as they have since PMMI began conducting this study in the mid-1990s. In 2011, the two categories combined to account for 60% percent of shipments. Converting machines — container/material manufacturing had the greatest dollar sales in 2011, according to PMMI's Shipments Study, with $760 million, about 10% of the total market. "Coding, printing, marking, stamping, and imprinting (not on a label)" followed, with $520 million (7% of the market). As of December 31, 2011, the backlog on orders was $2.3 billion, PMMI reports. While the dollar figure for backlogs increased by 28% from 2010 ($1.8 billion), it was actually a smaller share of the total shipments figure — 30% in 2011 versus 33% in 2010. ##SHARELINKS##
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Holmen AB, Stockholm, Sweden, reports that the company's paperboard mill in Iggesund, Sweden, has inaugurated its new recovery boiler. The ceremony was conducted by Lars G Sundblad, who was managing director of the company at the end of the 1950s, when the decision was made to begin manufacturing paperboard.
The new recovery boiler makes it possible for Iggesund to increase production of its paperboard Invercote, and also enables the mill to operate on 100% biofuel and be self-sufficient in energy, both thermal and electric. Construction of the recovery boiler took two years and cost SEK 2.3 billion (EUR 240 million). The company is also building a biofuel boiler at its mill in Workington, England. That investment, for the production of the paperboard Incada, will cost SEK 1.1 billion (EUR 123 million) and involves a radical change of energy source from today's fossil natural gas to bioenergy. The new biofuel boiler at Workington is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2013. ##SHARELINKS##
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 MeadWestvaco Corp., Richmond, Va., USA, received Robinson EN 1230-2 sensory analysis approval for its Printkote® paperboard for chocolate and confectionary packaging. This analysis, required for all confectionery packaging and paperboard, tests the paperboard's ability to maintain product quality without a trace of taint or odor from the packaging.
MWN notes that Printkote's approval on the Robinson test confirms its ability to maintain product integrity and value, and provides brand owners with confidence in packaging solutions for their luxury confectionery products. MWV explains that Printkote meets the high standards of packaging seen in the European chocolate and confectionery market and is safe for direct food contact. Without the addition of optical brighteners, a light creamy warm shade supports color intensity. Therefore, this premium paperboard enables high quality, eye-catching graphics to stand out, MWV points out. The superior "dead fold" performance of Printkote, it adds, results in a squarer and tighter package, "helping to elevate brands in the minds of consumers." In addition to Printkote, earlier this year MWV's Crescendo® paperboard received its Robinson certification for chocolate and confectionery packaging. ##SHARELINKS##
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Smurfit Kappa, Ireland, in recognition of its "responsibility to society," has set up an independent foundation with charitable status to invest in corporate social responsibility activities. The initiative is in addition to other activities at national and local levels where the company already has many long-standing programs in place.
The Smurfit Kappa Group Foundation was established when the company's board decided to donate a total of EUR 3 million over the following three years. It was stipulated that EUR 500,000 could be invested in Corporate Social Responsibility activities each year. The other half would be invested to finance future CSR activities. At the end of the third year Smurfit Kappa will review the activities of the Foundation and decide whether to invest further. Smurfit Kappa emphasizes that it is committed to act as a good corporate social citizen. "These values underline that good social citizenship, reflected in the manner in which it interacts with its employees, business partners and local communities, is an essential ingredient in creating and maintaining a sustainable future. Many Smurfit Kappa companies are already involved in community-based activities. The Foundation fills a gap in terms of what might reasonably be expected of a company of Smurfit Kappa's size and its ability to contribute to sustainable community development on an international basis," the company said in a news release issued this week. The Foundation was set up to invest in and support appropriate sustainable projects with implementation by the local operating units. The funding should address, in particular, the millennium goals of the United Nations. Activities will focus initially on projects involving young, disadvantaged children in the areas of health/nutrition, basic care, and early education. The Foundation aims to support projects that are capable of becoming self-sufficient in the long term, thus educating people in practical ways to assume responsibility for their own issues over time. Brendan Tuohy, external board member of the Smurfit Kappa Group Foundation, and a former Secretary-General of the Irish Government's Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, noted that "the creation of the Foundation is strong evidence of Smurfit Kappa's clear commitment to the local communities in the countries where it operates and, as a leading Irish multinational group, a recognition of the important role that it must play in the field of corporate social responsibility." ##SHARELINKS##
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 ABB, Dundalk, Ireland, recently launched its new High-Performance Infrared and Fiber Weight (HPIR-FW) sensor that provides precise, high resolution moisture and fiber weight measurement. The HPIR-FW sensor directly measures the most critical parameters of MD and CD control using a single sensor module, allowing tissue makers to precisely control two of their most expensive costs—fiber and energy.
The ABB HPIR-FW sensor measures fiber weight, web moisture and web temperature simultaneously, with just one infrared instrument. Its simple and proven design delivers safe and reliable performance. Especially important, the HPIR-FW sensor measures without radiological isotopes and the many regulations associated with them. "The HPIR-FW sensor helps tissue makers meet today's profitability and sustainability challenges because it gives them the ability to respond more quickly and flexibly to global customer demand," says Steven St. Jarre, global sales and marketing manager for ABB Quality Control Systems. ##SHARELINKS##
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Mondi Release Liner, Vienna, Austria, reports that it has developed a new service concept for tape converters that enables a secure supply of smaller orders. Nowadays, the challenges for converters are manifold as for instance the minimum order quantities or the lead times, Mondi explains. With the new tape service concept, tape converters not only can rely on the delivery but also have greater flexibility, as the release liners are available from a minimum order quantity of 5.000 square meters.
The markets for release liner are wide spread and range from automotive, hygiene, electronics, building, and medical, to the paper and plastic industry as well as aerospace. Tape converters, Mondi points out, sometimes are required to buy release liners for their converting steps and then face the fact, that their order quantities are far too low to have priority at various suppliers. Customers expect short lead times. Mondi has six release liner production sites within Europe, offering an exceptional supply security for instance, especially in case of force majeure. "The new tape service concept addresses various challenges of tape converters and ensures a supply security," Tom K. Schaebinger, CEO Fiber Packaging, explains. "We offer the advantage of a ‘one-stop-shop' that supplies converters with small order amounts, in appropriate lead times, and furthermore offers market support," he concludes. The seven standard grades are either on stock or produced on a regular basis. Other grades are also available on demand, with regular MOQs and delivery times. ##SHARELINKS##
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NewPage Corp., Miamisburg, Ohio, USA, this week reported that it is strengthening the company's commitment to the uncoated freesheet market segment and broadening the reach for its Ideal® products. In the regard, Kris Morrow, commercial product manager for NewPage uncoated grades, noted that "NewPage continues to diversify into new market segments to meet the evolving needs of our customers, as well as position us as a long-term, sustainable supplier."
According to NewPage, Ideal attributes include a 92 brightness, brilliant blue-white shade, excellent ink holdout, and optimal opacity. Ideal meets the exacting needs of any print application while remaining within a tight budget. It is recommended for end use such as annual reports, brochures, catalogs, coupons, direct mail, financial documents, newsletters, and manuals. It is designed to perform in heatset web, coldset web, and sheetfed printing applications. Morrow added that "Ideal is known for its top tier properties that meet rigorous printing and finishing demands. Its smooth, even surface yields a high-quality look and feel for a printed piece, and its consistency and reliability allows printers and converters to feel confident in their ability to maximize operational efficiencies." Samples are available by calling the NewPage sample department at 800-638-3313. ##SHARELINKS##
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Ence-Energía y Celuosa, Spain, reports that it will increase the price of its paper pulp to customers from the current price of $750 to $780/metric ton. The increase, Ence notes, reflects an upward trend in the price of BEK (bleached eucalyptus kraft) pulp—a short-fiber paper pulp that Ence produces—in the market worldwide as a result of recent changes in demand.
Ence says that the estimated average annual demand for BEK pulp will increase from 26.7 million metric tons in 2012 to 30.5 million metric tons in 2016, representing an increase of 14%. Ence has more than 15% of the market share in Europe and exports 85% of the pulp produced. ##SHARELINKS##
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Chemrec, Stockholm, Sweden, reportedly has put its black liquor gasification pilot plant at the Smurfit Kappa Kraftliner mill in Piteå, northern Sweden, up for sale. According to regional media, Chemrec will divest the pilot plant in Piteå, putting some 20 people out of work.
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 Rayonier, Jacksonville, Fla., USA, this week named H. Edwin Kiker VP, investor relations. In this role, Kiker will be the company's primary contact with the investment community with responsibility for executing the overall investor relations strategy. He will report directly to Hans E. Vanden Noort, SVP and CFO. Kiker assumes responsibility for the investor relations function from Carl Kraus, SVP, finance, who will retire December 31.
"Ed's thorough knowledge of our company and broad financial expertise will serve us well in this new role," said Paul Boynton, chairman, president, and CEO. "I would also like to extend my thanks to Carl for all he has done over the past seven years to strengthen our relationship with the investment community." Kiker joined Rayonier in 2002 as VP, internal audit, and became controller, real estate in 2011. Before joining Rayonier, he held audit positions with Great Lakes Chemical and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He holds a BBA in accounting from the University of Houston, an MBA from the University of Florida, and is a CPA. ##SHARELINKS##
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The only event dedicated to Specialty Papers returns to North America! Representatives from paper mills will present for the first time ever, combined with members from across the supply chain - this year's conference where we will truly complete the circle from raw material to end user! "We're very pleased to participate in Specialty Papers 2012. It will include presentations from members of the High Performance Paper Society from Japan. Professor Hiroshi Inagaki will provide an overview of the Society's research over the past 50 years and his views for future research. Other members will discuss advanced synthetic fibers for paper making and nanocellulose fiber for barrier coatings," said David Bell VP Corporate Relations, TAPPI. "Other key speakers include David Fortin, Economist - Fiber, RISI, speaking on the "Outlook for the World Pulp Market" and "Barrier Coatings for Packaging and Printing" by Frank Adamsky, Daikin America." Full Conference and Registration Information Available Online Questions? Email Stephanie Whitman at swhtiman@smithers.com ##SHARELINKS##
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 TAPPI Member Garnet Bremner describes TAPPI as a "mosaic" of individuals whose depth of experience and knowledge creates a wonderful atmosphere for finding outstanding mentors. Bremner now works as an industry consultant for an air, water, & energy solutions and services provider. He began his pulp and paper industry career in a mill engineering role in Canada. Eventually, he successfully worked into deinking supervisory positions, also working to rebuild recycling mills, and then finally serving as a mill manager himself. Bremner has been an active TAPPI member, participating in officer roles on various committees and as a program chairman. Currently, he is serving as the PMD program chair for the PEERS 2012 conference being held October 14-18 at the Marriott Riverfront in Savannah, Ga., USA. Learn more about the upcoming PEERS Conference. Bremner says that having a short list of contacts from mill operations, academics, R&D fields, equipment vendors, chemical vendors, automation vendors, and consultants of all types of expertise provided him with a support group to help with challenges. 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 name (or names) to MemberSpotlight@tappi.org. We will forward a Spotlight Questionnaire (click here) for you to fill out and return. We look forward to seeing you "In the Spotlight!" ##SHARELINKS##
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 See who all is attending the upcoming PEERS and IBBC conferences in Savannah, Ga., USA: About PEERS: PEERS is a "must attend" event for anyone seeking to make their mill run more efficiently. The Pulping Program focuses on ways to improve kraft pulping to afford pulps that are more uniform in quality and to afford higher pulp yields. The Engineering Program has added a focused one-day session focusing on OpEx Maintenance and Reliability. The Environmental Program will address the challenges and costs involved in keeping up with the regulations of the U.S. paper industry. The Recycling Program brings together experts from around the world to present new technological breakthroughs related to fractional pulping, absorption deinking and electrostatic deinking. Keynote Speaker Don Roberts will discuss why the pulp and paper industry should be open to change by presenting a case study in commercializing an emerging bio-energy technology and the key success factors as part of the Sustainability Program. Your investment of time and money will go far with the full program of both educational and career networking opportunities presented at PEERS 2012.  PEERS will be co-located with IBBC 2012, the only conference that is dedicated to examining applications of biorefineries in the pulp and paper industry - offering you a deeper analysis of technology and economics in commercializing biorefineries. See the Full Program. IBBC Keynote Speakers:
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Gain a better understanding of kraft pulping operations and the effect of process on quality. An encore, one-day presentation of the popular Intro to Kraft Pulping Workshop will be held in conjunction with the 2012 TAPPI PEERS Conference, October 14-17 in Savannah, Ga., USA. This workshop, held on Saturday, October 13, will be lead by Dr. Michael J. Kocurek, Professor Emeritus of Paper Science and Engineering at North Carolina State University. The Intro to Kraft Pulping Workshop is a condensed version of the pulping portion of the full course. The overall course objective is to give participants increased understanding of kraft pulping operations, awareness of how one part of the process affects other operations, and the effect of processes on kraft pulp quality. Learn more about this workshop. Pulp and Paper Companies Get Discounted Registration! TAPPI offers a discounted registration to pulp and paper mills and their corporate offices to attend the PEERS Conference. Bring an unlimited number from your mill or office to visit for one day, one hour, or just to drop in and see the Trade Fair! Learn more. Register Now for PEERS and Save! The 2012 TAPPI PEERS Conference will be co-located with the International Bioenergy and Bioproducts Conference, creating a value-added opportunity for you to expand your learning, networking and resources by attending both events. See you in Savannah! ##SHARELINKS##
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 TAPPI's International Bioenergy and BioProducts Conference, October 17-19, in Savannah, Ga., USA will focus on advancements and commercialization of bioconversions that leverage the forest products manufacturing infrastructure, providing you with a deeper analysis of the technology and economics involved in commercializing biorefineries. Click here to learn more about the IBBC full technical program. Keynote Speakers:
Exhibit and Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Shane Holt via e-mail or at 800.369.6220, ext. 3345 for more information. ##SHARELINKS##
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 The 2012 TAPPI Internatioal Bioenergy & Bioproducts Conference, taking place October 17-19 in Savannah, Ga., USA, offers you a deeper analysis of technology and economics in commercializing biorefineries. IBBC is the only event dedicated to advancing biorefineries in the forest products industry. Hear the latest on biomass development, as well as the thermochemical and biochemical-based technologies that can be profitably integrated into pulp mills. Program Highlights: Session 4: Bioenergy Policy: Three Perspectives Panel Moderator: Steve Betzler - Paper Segment Leader, Minnesota Power Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - 4:00-5:30pm Panel Themes: What role can government policies play in the development of bioenergy in the forest products industry in North America? Come and hear three policy experts assess recent bioenergy policy impacts and discuss future priorities for Canadian and US policies. Panelists include representatives of two forest industry public policy organizations (FPAC and AF&PA) and a representative of a major industrial forestland owner. A timely topic for the election seasons in North America... Panelists: Catherine Cobden - Executive VP, Forest Products Association of Canada Mike Jostrom - Director Renewable Resources, Plum Creek Paul Noe - Vice President for Public Policy, American Forest & Paper Association Learn more about IBBC. Click here to see the entire program. ##SHARELINKS##
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Don't miss out on the new Operating Excellence (OpEx) Maintenance and Reliability Seminar at PEERS 2012! This is a first-time program for the 2012 TAPPI PEERS Conference.
2012 TAPPI PEERS Conference, October 14-17 in Savannah, Ga., features a detailed technical program. Five programming tracks of peer-reviewed sessions, Pulping, Engineering, Environmental, Recycling and Sustainability, will answer the most pressing business and technical questions faced by pulp and paper companies as they manage raw materials, assets, regulatory requirements and production assets. The 2012 TAPPI PEERS Conference will be co-located with the 2012 International Bioenergy and Bioproducts Conference, creating a value-added opportunity for you to expand your learning, networking, and resources by attending both events. See you in Savannah! ##SHARELINKS##
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Attend the Fixed Equipment Maintenance Optimization System Workshop (FEMOS) Sunday, October 14, 2012; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mills annually spend millions of dollars inspecting, repairing, and recovering from unexpected leaks in boiler tubes, tanks, pressure vessels, exposed and buried pipes, stacks, bleach towers, etc. – learn how to substantially reduce those costs! Corrosion Probe Inc.'s FEMOS Workshop training shows maintenance staff how to rationally manage the mechanical (containment) integrity of all types of fixed equipment with a simple, rigorous system utilizing comparable disciplines and procedures promoted by vendors specializing in maintenance of rotating equipment. What will you learn? The workshop teaches attendees how to implement a mill-specific program by using a transparent and disciplined process to systematically design the right inspection plan for each major piece of fixed equipment based on its materials of construction, present condition and service conditions. The basic concept employs proven, high-value practices from refining and petrochemical industries for risk-based inspection, customizing inspection plans to possible damage mechanisms and using fitness-for-service engineering assessments to define damage limits. Who is leading the workshop? Corrosion Probe Inc.'s experienced and renowned TAPPI participants Dave Bennett, David Crowe, and Doug Sherman, will train up to 20 people in a one-day (6-hour) workshop. Training is presented so attendees can use their new knowledge to immediately implement FEMOS at their mill. Many working examples are provided and students are invited to bring their mill's costliest fixed equipment inspection/ maintenance concern for case analysis. The workshop takes place just before the TAPPI PEERS and IBBC conferences so those attending the FEMOS workshop can also attend these important events. Learn more about PEERS 2012... ##SHARELINKS##
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TAPPI's 2012 Nominating Committee presents a slate of candidates for two officer and three director positions on the TAPPI Board. The candidates are: chair, Thomas J. Garland; vice chair, Chris Luettgen, Kimberly-Clark; and directors, Daniel D. Cappell (AstenJohnson), Kirt J. Cuevas (International Paper), and Robert A. Feeser (MeadWestvaco Corp.). Voting begins December 1. Per the TAPPI Bylaws, members of the organization have until November 1 to review the slate. More information about the slate and election process is available online. ##SHARELINKS##
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On Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at 2:00pm EST the Binders & Additives Committee of the TAPPI NET (Nonwovens Engineers & Technologists) Division would like to invite you to participate in a free webinar on acrylic chemistry. This presentation will be given by Maureen Nunn and Melinda Einsla of Dow Chemical. It is appropriate for a diverse audience and attendance of previous TAPPI webinars is not needed, nor is a chemical degree. The presentation will cover a brief review of polymerization and focus on the use of Acrylic polymers in the textile nonwovens area. Register Today! ##SHARELINKS##
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Join us at this new lovely golf center near Memphis, Tenn., USA to hit a bucket of balls and enjoy food and fellowship at our Driving Range Fundraiser. Proceeds will support scholarships at Christian Brothers University Packaging Program. The event will be held in Cordova, Tennessee on October 22 from 5:30 - 9:30pm. Prizes all for a great cause!
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Yankee drying experts from around the world are planning their fall meeting for November 5-6 in the heart of North American tissue making, Neenah, Wis., USA. The committee meets twice per year to share knowledge and best practices to increase safety and reduce delay that negatively impacts dryer operations and overall productivity. The fall meeting will include the development of standard practices and presentations on doctor setup/profiling and metalizing yankee dryers. More information and registration details are available online. The meeting will be held in conjunction with the Lake States TAPPI/North Central PIMA Energy Forum and is open to all TAPPI members and visitors (one time only). To attend as a visitor, please contact Scott Springmier. Immediately following the biannual Yankee Dryer Safety and Reliability Meeting, TAPPI will hold the popular Tissue Runnability Course November 7-9 at Miron Construction in Neenah. The course will provide an excellent knowledge base for process engineers, machine supervisors, reliability professionals, and suppliers responsible for maximizing uptime and saleable tissue production. Attendees will learn to:
The course includes two and one-half days of focused instruction from a dozen globally recognized tissue making experts. More information is available online. A registration discount is offered to TAPPI members. ##SHARELINKS##
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One of the most popular and essential educational programs, the 2012 Tissue Runnability Course, will be held November 7-9, 2012 in Neenah, Wis., USA. The Tissue Runnability Course offers skills training for paper industry professionals involved in tissue and towel production. The expert instructors will provide course participants with a thorough understanding of the entire tissue making process and current best practices from wet end operations through creping and process control. This three-day course was developed for engineers, machine and technical teams, or lead operators involved in the efficiency and quality of their plant's operations. The course material will be of great interest to new as well as experienced personnel. All attendees will learn how to improve the quality of their product, diminish waste, and increase output. You will learn from the industry experts! The TAPPI Tissue Runnability Course is taught by John Neun, John Tyburski, and technical experts from leading companies including Nalco, Metso, Albany International, BTG Americas, Jacobs Engineering, and Steve Waring of Process Applications. Participants will learn how to run tissue and towel production with optimum settings for peak performance on various systems. Learn more and register at the 2012 Tissue Runnability Course website. ##SHARELINKS##
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 This text, edited by Carlton W. Dence and Douglas W. Reeve, covers fundamentals and processes from the chemical composition of pulp to the technology, production, and the environmental impact of bleaching. Designed as both a textbook and a reference book, Pulp Bleaching: Principles and Practice explains what bleaching is, why pulp is bleached, and how bleaching is done. The book also features discussions on several "hot topics" in pulp bleaching, including elemental chlorine free bleaching, totally chlorine free bleaching, enzyme assisted bleaching, and bleaching of recycled fiber. In addition, the book is key-word indexed and each chapter contains extensive references. Pulp Bleaching: Principles and Practice Product code: 0102B061 Member Price: $124.00 Non-Member Price: $186.00 ##SHARELINKS##
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Why Whitewater Filtration Systems Fail Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST Wednesday, November 14, 2012 This free webinar from TAPPI addresses why whitewater filtration systems are often problematic and in some instances fail completely. The presentation will explain why filtration systems fail under certain conditions and offers the best solutions to improve the overall reliability of the process. Attendees will learn:
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 Deadlines for the PaperCon Call for Papers and Posters are fast approaching! PaperCon 2013 (April 27 - May 1 in Atlanta, Ga., USA) will welcome the Tissue360 Forum, NETInc (Innovative Nonwovens Conference), RPTA (Recycled Paperboard Technical Association) P-T Seminar and the OpEx Reliability Workshop. Each of these events is open to full PaperCon registrants and papers in these areas are welcome. The Coating and Graphic Arts Program will focus on The Future of Print and its Demands on Paper and Coatings. The deadline for extended abstracts for this program is Oct. 16, 2012. The Papermakers Program encourages topics on paper machine performance evaluations, papermaking fundamentals, product/process optimization, recycled paperboard, tissue making (Tissue360 Forum), and the RPTA P-T Seminar. The deadline for submission of this program's abstracts will be November 20, 2012. Abstracts for panel discussions and roundtables are welcome. See Papermakers Program Call for Papers. See the Coating and Graphic Arts Program Call for Papers. Authors are encouraged to include the theme "Innovation Generation" within their papers. Topics under consideration include mill management, papermaking, coating, tissue, nonwovens, and recycled paperboard. Paper company personnel, suppliers, academics, and students are strongly encouraged to submit their ideas for papers, posters, or roundtable discussions. ##SHARELINKS##
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 The 2013 TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials will be held July 24-27, 2013, on the KTH Royal Institute of Technology campus in Stockholm, Sweden. Industry experts, scientists, health and safety specialists, legal and government policy makers, as well as the field's leading researchers will discuss the latest in nanotechnology research and development.The 2013 Technical Program Committee has issued a Call for Papers inviting contributions from participants working in research, development, and deployment of renewable nanomaterials. Abstracts are due by December 3, 2012. ##SHARELINKS##
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Make your plans now to join a host of professionals from industry, universities and research institutes at the 14th TAPPI European PLACE Conference, which will be held May 6-8, 2013, at the Swissotel in Dresden, Germany. The Call for Papers is now officially open. Submit your abstract and take an active role in this not-to-miss event! ##SHARELINKS##
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