Over the Wire
TAPPI
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The Institute of Paper Chemistry Foundation, Atlanta, Ga., USA, this week announced that it has selected The Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) at the Georgia Institute of Technology to receive a $1.8 million Legacy Grant. The award will support development of a professional master's degree in manufacturing leadership—forest bioproducts. It will also provide significant support for other elements of Georgia Tech's graduate education program in paper science and engineering, and forest biomaterials.
"Georgia Tech's proposal met our request for ideas that could create a lasting legacy for the Institute of Paper Chemistry educational mission," said Dr Jim Ferris of the Foundation Board of Trustees. "We were particularly attracted by the opportunity to enhance career growth opportunities for working professionals at paper industry manufacturing sites." IPST Director Norman Marsolan added that "we are very pleased and encouraged by this gift. The concept of the proposed degree springs from the future leadership needs expressed by the paper industry. We look forward to working with the Foundation, the industry, and key departments within Georgia Tech to realize the potential this grant presents." Transfer of the total award is contingent upon satisfactory progress against milestones to be developed soon. It is anticipated that the transfer will be completed in 2014. The Institute of Paper Chemistry (IPC) was founded in 1929 at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., to conduct research, develop leaders, and provide a library of pulp and paper technology. In 1989, IPC moved to the campus of Georgia Tech, where it operated as the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST), a private graduate school, until merging its programs into Georgia Tech in 2003. The Institute of Paper Chemistry Foundation (IPCF) was created as the successor-in-interest to the private IPST in 2004. The Legacy Grant is designed to disburse the residual funds of the IPCF for the benefit of the paper industry, which funded IPC and hired its graduates for 75 years. ##SHARELINKS##
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The Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G), Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, this past week announced new fiber sourcing goals for pulp it purchases for its tissue-towel, baby care, and feminine hygiene brands. The new goals are part of P&G's long-term environmental sustainability vision, which includes having all products and packaging made from 100% sustainably sourced renewable or recycled materials. The new fiber sourcing goals, developed in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), are published in P&G's 2012 Sustainability Report issued earlier this week (on November 12). The goals commit that by 2015:
"We believe that partnering is essential to deliver our long-term sustainability vision," said Len Sauers, VP of Global Sustainability at P&G. "World Wildlife Fund is an invaluable partner, as they have challenged us and collaborated to work through the complexities of achieving third party-certification for our pulp. We are very proud of this commitment, and we are confident we have the plans in place to deliver the goals by 2015." In 2006, P&G began requiring certification from all suppliers managing forests. In 2008, it joined WWF's Global Forest & Trade Network program, which assists companies with sourcing more of their wood and paper products from responsibly managed forests. As part of this WWF collaboration, P&G has engaged more closely with suppliers to encourage FSC certification, and established a baseline from which to set these targets. "We applaud P&G's commitment to responsible forestry, and its decision to publicize these robust goals around FSC certification," said Linda Walker, WWF's GFTN-NA program manager. "With increasing pressure on the world's natural forest to meet the growing global demand for wood and agricultural products, P&G's actions serve as an example that we would like to see from many more companies." These goals also reflect P&G's commitment as a member of the Consumer Goods Forum, a group of global companies that are committed to ensuring zero net deforestation by 2020. ##SHARELINKS##
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Asia Pulp & Paper Group, China, this past week announced that it has engaged Covington & Burling LLP, Washington, D.C., USA, an international law firm, and the head of its international practice, former Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, to ensure APP's trade and sustainability compliance in North America. The "partnership" follows site visits by the Covington & Burling team to APP's operations and briefings with APP leadership, government officials, and forestry experts.
Ambassador Eizenstat has more than four decades of experience in U.S. government, including (in the Clinton Administration): U.S. ambassador to the European Union; under secretary of commerce for international trade; under secretary of state for economic, business, and agricultural affairs; and deputy secretary of the treasury. He was chief domestic policy advisor to President Carter and head of the white house domestic policy staff. Ambassador Eizenstat is a noted expert on global sustainability issues and green business practices. He led the U.S. delegation that negotiated the Kyoto Protocol on global warming. He has worked with a coalition of environmental groups and corporations to raise awareness of the role of forests in sustainability and to encourage forest carbon credits. He has testified before the U.S. Congress on forestry and sustainability issues. The Covington team will include Ambassador Alan Larson, a senior international policy advisor at Covington and a career diplomat who also served as under secretary for economic, business, and agricultural affairs for two administrations and is currently chairman of the board of Transparency International USA. Anne Pence, a senior international advisor with Covington and former sustainable development and economic policy expert with the State Department and the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corp., will also be part of this advisory team. APP launched its 2020 Sustainability Roadmap this past June. The Roadmap encompasses a set of sustainability goals that includes a determination to become wholly reliant on tree plantations for raw materials sourced in Indonesia by 2015. The company also suspended all natural forest clearance on its plantations, with independent auditors now conducting assessments of APP's commitment to the internationally-accepted principles of High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF). ##SHARELINKS##
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SCA, Philadelphia, Pa., USA, this week announced that all of its Tork® brand of away-from-home tissue products in North America are now made from either 100% recycled fiber or from "fresh fiber" sourced from suppliers with Chain of Custody certification. The company is also committing to achieve Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or comparable certification on all Tork products made from fresh fiber in North America by 2014.
"We've been leaders in sustainable practices since SCA began 80 years ago," said Don Lewis, president of SCA Americas. "The majority of our Tork products are made from 100% recycled content. We've extended our industry-leading sustainability approach to our recently launched Tork premium products in North America by initially ensuring the fresh fiber comes only from non-controversial sources through suppliers with Chain of Custody certification. And by 2014, the premium products will also have earned FSC or similar certification." SCA is the largest owner of private forests in Europe. All SCA forests are certified under the FSC standard and SCA is the world's largest supplier of FSC certified forest industry products. Globally, since 2005, SCA has mandated that all of the company's fiber comes from only non-controversial sources. "SCA plants three trees for every tree we harvest in our forests," Lewis said. "In 2012, we've grown 100 million seedlings at our nursery in the Swedish forest. It's this understanding and respect for nature that drives SCA's sustainability practices in North America and around the world." All of SCA's Tork products made from 100% recycled content in North America have earned EcoLogo and/or Green Seal certifications. Most are made in mills certified to ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems. Globally, SCA has earned inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Index 2012, the WWF Environmental Paper Company Index 2011 as Best in Tissue, and has been among Ethisphere's world's most ethical companies for five years. "We developed our new line of premium products with sustainability in mind," Lewis said. "We offer customers the best of both worlds – products made from either 100% recycled or fresh pulp – all with environmental credentials that ensure customers are making solid sustainable choices for their businesses. ##SHARELINKS##
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The WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) this week announced winners of the 2012 WWF Environmental Paper Awards in the categories "Transparency" and "Best Environmental Performance Paper Brands." Awards were presented to seven paper producers and 46 paper brands published on WWF's Check Your Paper database of eco-rated papers.
The WWF Environmental Paper Awards 2012 for "Transparency" went to Arjowiggins Graphic, Lenzing Papier, Metsä Board, Mondi, SCA, Steinbeis Papier, and UPM for providing public information on the environmental footprint of the majority of their papers in one or more product categories on WWF's Check Your Paper website. The WWF Environmental Paper Awards 2012 for "Best Environmental Performance Paper Brands" went to 46 third-party audited papers that scored at least 90% of achievable scores in WWF's eco-rating and/or the maximum five stars in all performance categories—forest, water, and climate. The award-winning 46 brands cover coated, uncoated, newsprint and tissue papers, and come from 10 producers/merchants: Arjowiggins Graphic, Lenzing Papier, Mondi, SCA, Steinbeis Papier, UPM, Antalis McNaughton, Kimberly-Clark, Leipa, and Van Houtum. Award details are available online. WWF created the WWF Environmental Paper Awards 2012 to give credit to manufacturers and suppliers that post their brands on Check Your Paper, using WWF's eco-rating method for measuring the environmental footprint of papers. WWF's Check Your Paper is a global benchmark tool for transparency and understanding the total value chain sustainability of paper. It enables paper producers and merchants to list their products online and buyers to search transparent information on the environmental footprint of pulp and papers. "Supply chain transparency is increasingly a vital tool for more and more buyers of raw materials and finished goods," said Emmanuelle Neyroumande, manager of WWF International's global pulp and paper work. "WWF encourages responsible buyers worldwide to choose suppliers who provide transparent information on the environmental footprint of their paper production." ##SHARELINKS##
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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 technical sales reps, process and electrical engineers, engineering intern, research specialist, and manager of technical services. 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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North American market pulp prices for NBSK (northern bleached softwood kraft) in October averaged $850 per metric ton, up $20 per ton from September's average, according to Mark Wilde of Deutsche Bank. NBSK prices in October ranged from $600 per metric ton to $1,100 per metric ton. ##SHARELINKS##
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North American linerboard prices in October, Mark Wilde of Deutsche Bank reports, averaged $690 per ton, which was flat compared with September. North American linerboard prices in October ranged between $310 and $700 per ton.
SBS (solid bleached sulfate) board in North America ranged from $570 to $1,200 per ton in October, Wilde reports. The SBS median price in October was $1,115 per ton, which also was flat compared with September. North American coated recycled board (CRB) prices in October ranged from $735 to $920 per ton, averaging $880 per ton, also flat compared with September, Wilde continues. ##SHARELINKS##
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Ahlstrom, Finland, this week announced a new initiative for recycling silicone coated paper release liners used by the pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) label industry. This sustainability initiative aims to collect silicone coated supercalendered papers (commonly known as "glassine") once they have been utilized as carriers of PSA labels by end-users, such as brand owners or retailers. Ahlstrom will collect the materials through one or more logistics partners and will recycle them into specialty paper production at its Osnabrück plant in Germany.
Glassine paper release liners will be picked-up at no cost from end-users anywhere in Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, and the Netherlands, provided a minimum quantity of two tons per load. Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials Division will support this initiative and use its contacts across the value chain to make label printers and brand owners aware of the new opportunity. Ahlstrom's recycling capacity will be sufficient to absorb release liner waste from a significant number of end-users. The initiative increases the recycling options available in the market and will help divert paper liner waste from landfill or incineration, while increasing the quantities recycled into paper. "Thanks to Ahlstrom Osnabrück's convenient location in northwestern Germany and the support of Avery Dennison, we trust this program will offer PSA label end-users an opportunity to increase their overall environmental performance" says Daniele Borlatto, EVP, Label and Processing. "Such programs also reinforce the position of paper as a uniquely sustainable material for the PSA industry." Ahlstrom operates five release papers production sites in Europe and South America. ##SHARELINKS##
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BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany, will build a new production plant for emulsion polymers at its integrated "Verbund" site in Freeport, Texas, USA. The new plant will allow BASF to better serve the coatings, construction, adhesives, and paper industries by expanding the network of manufacturing locations and improve the backward integration of raw materials used in production. To startup in mid-2014, the new plant will create some 25 new jobs at the Freeport site.
"The new plant strengthens our position as a leading supplier of emulsions in North America and demonstrates our commitment to customers in the coatings, construction, adhesives, and paper industries," said Derek Fairclough, SVP, Dispersions and Pigments, for BASF in North America. "This investment further supports our business growth strategy, especially in architectural coatings, where we are targeting significant growth with our range of innovative products and solutions." The plant will manufacture acrylic emulsion polymers used for architectural coatings, construction chemicals, adhesives, and the paper chemicals industry. "This investment demonstrates BASF's commitment to the regional market demand by paper and board manufacturers for these materials and supports our global strategy to be the preferred supplier of polymer emulsions for the coated paper and board markets," said Chuck Schmidt, SVP, Paper Chemicals, for BASF in North America. BASF currently operates three emulsion polymer plants in North America: Monaca, Pa.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Altamira, Mexico. Building a plant in Texas broadens the supply network to better serve all of the company's customers from a manufacturing location in the central-southern U.S. ##SHARELINKS##
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Catalyst Paper, Richmond, B.C., Canada, reports that it has received partial pre-payment of the $8.6 million purchase price for its Elk Falls site in Campbell River, B.C., from Pacifica Deep Sea Terminals Inc. The transaction includes Catalyst's 400-acre industrial site and adjacent properties.
Catalyst has also agreed to grant the purchaser an extension to complete the sale. Progress continues to be made on all outstanding terms and conditions, the company notes. Sale of the property is the final step in a comprehensive site preparation and sales process that began following the permanent closure of the paper mill in 2010. Catalyst Paper produces specialty mechanical printing papers, newsprint, and pulp. With three mills in British Columbia, Catalyst has a combined annual production capacity of 1.5 million metric tons. ##SHARELINKS##
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The HengAn Group in China has awarded Metso, Finland, a repeat order for four complete tissue production lines. Two of the lines will be located at Shandong HengAn Paper Co. in Weifang City, Shandong Province, and two at HengAn Wuhu Paper Co. in Wuhu City, Anhui Province. Startups are planned to be successive, with the first in December 2013 in Weifang City. The values of the orders were not disclosed.
The new lines will add another 240,000 metric tpy of facial, toilet, and towel grades to HengAn Group's total production. This will consolidate the company's position as China's leading tissue producer. The raw material for the new machines will be virgin pulp. The order follows the successful startups of four similar tissue lines at the company's Anhai mill in Fujian Province and Weifang mill in Shandong Province in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Metso's delivery will include four tissue production lines featuring Metso's stock preparation equipment and Advantage DCT 200 tissue machine. Each machine will include an OptiFlo II TIS multi-layer headbox, a Metso yankee cylinder with deep rib for highest energy efficiency, an Advantage AirCap hood, an Advantage WetDust dust management system, and an Advantage SoftReel P reel. The tissue lines will also feature Metso's new MicroBar refiner segments for short fiber refining and VacuFox polyurethane roll covers for tissue machine press sections. The new lines will have a width of 5.6 meters and an operating speed of 1,900 m/min. HengAn is a fully-owned subsidiary of HengAn International, whose turnover in 2011 was approximately EUR 1.7 billion. It has 20,000 employees. ##SHARELINKS##
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Metsä Tissue, Finland, Metsä Group's tissue and cooking paper business, reports that it has finished statutory negotiations in its Finnish units, which it announced and launched this past September. The negotiations were part of Metsä Tissue's on-going company-wide organizational restructuring to improve profitability. As a result of the statutory negotiations, the reduction of personnel will be 19 people. Metsä Tissue's operations in Espoo and Mänttä, Finland, employ approximately 480 people.
"By restructuring and reorganizing our operations, we aim to secure our future competitiveness on the growing tissue and cooking paper market," said Metsä Tissue's CEO Mika Joukio. ##SHARELINKS##
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NewPage Corp., Miamisburg, Ohio, USA, reports that the disclosure statement for its fourth amended Chapter 11 plan has been approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The Court's approval of the Disclosure Statement allows the company to begin the plan voting process, leading to a confirmation hearing scheduled for mid-December and the company's expected emergence from bankruptcy before the end of the year.
The company also was authorized to enter into a commitment letter and related fee letters for its exit financing, consisting of a $500 million term loan facility led by Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC and a $350 million revolving credit facility led by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. "The approval of our disclosure statement represents a significant achievement and another important step for the company and its stakeholders," said George Martin, president and CEO of NewPage. "We look forward to implementing the Plan upon emergence later this year with the financing and liquidity needed to support our operations." The company filed the fourth amendment to its plan and related disclosure statement last week (on November 7). A copy of the plan and disclosure statement is available online. Votes on the Plan must be received by the company's voting agent, Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC, by December 10, unless the deadline is extended. Solicitation materials are expected to be mailed to all creditors entitled to vote on the plan by November 15. A hearing to consider confirmation of the plan is currently scheduled for December 13, at 12:00 noon ET. NewPage is a producer of printing and specialty papers, with $3.5 billion in net sales in 2011. The company owns paper mills in Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with a total annual production capacity of some 3.5 million tons of paper. ##SHARELINKS##
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 The Canadian province of Nova Scotia is negotiating exclusively with Resolute Forest Products Inc., Montreal, Que., Canada, to acquire most of the assets of the shuttered Bowater Mersey Paper Co. Mill in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, according to reports this week by the Chronicle Herald, Halifax, N.S., Canada. The deal would allow Resolute to make good on pensions for more than 500 former workers at the plant, and could be inked before the end of the year, the newspaper reported.
Resolute had permanently idled the newsprint mill this past June. When Resolute's CEO Richard Garneau was in Brooklyn at that time to announce the mill closure, he said that there were sufficient assets in Bowater Mersey to cover its liabilities. At the time, he indicated they were worth about $120 million, according to the Herald. Sources quoted in the article said that the province believes that the assets will cover a deficit in the pension plan for former employees, which is "at least $60 million." The province reportedly has hired a national consulting firm to examine the pension and environmental liabilities that may accompany the purchase of Bowater Mersey's assets. The 220,000 hectares of timberlands belonging to Resolute make it the largest private landholder in Nova Scotia. If the province does make the deal on the other Bowater assets, it won't operate the 24-MW Brooklyn Power Corp. facility Resolute now controls, according to the Herald source. It will "have to figure out a way to dispose of Brooklyn Power to the most sensible producer that can continue to provide that energy to the grid," the source noted. Resolute has told the province the Bowater Mersey paper mill, if sold, cannot be used to make paper because it would compete with the company's other facilities. The province is talking to other parties that want to use it to conduct research into high-tech fossil fuel alternatives that can be made from wood, the newspaper's source said. ##SHARELINKS##
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SCA, Sweden, is implementing a new cost cutting program in its global hygiene products operations, in addition to its program launched last year. Jan Johansson, president and CEO of SCA, explained that "our efficiency program from 2011 goes according to plan and to date we have achieved more than half of the expected annual savings of EUR 80 million. A new efficiency program has been initiated within the hygiene operations to further reduce costs and increase productivity."
The new efficiency program, according to Johansson, will provide annual cost savings of some EUR 300 million, with full impact in 2015. Some 1,500 employees will be affected and costs are expected to be around EUR 100 million. ##SHARELINKS##
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Tembec, Montreal, Que., Canada, this past week inaugurated a new steam turbine at its Tartas mill in France. The green energy investment of EUR 16 million was originally announced in December 2010 as part of the company's strategy to make this mill a key facility in its core specialty cellulose business. The new turbine has been in operation since June.
The project will generate significant benefits in terms of energy production, environmental performance, and economic growth. The new turbine, driven by a biomass boiler, will increase the Tartas mill's production of green electricity and improve its energy self-sufficiency, while surplus green electricity will be sold to the EDF utility, benefiting the community at large. All of this will reduce costs for the Tartas mill, improving Tembec's competitive position in the high-growth specialty cellulose industry. Tembec notes that the high-purity specialty cellulose manufactured by the Tartas mill is in great demand by such industries as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, personal care, food, and construction. Specialty cellulose is used in various applications as a binder, texturizer, splatter-control agent, and strengthening agent. In an address to dignitaries and employees who gathered for the event, Tembec President and CEO James Lopez said that "Tembec is a world leader in specialty cellulose production and we intend to remain a preferred supplier to sophisticated, demanding customers everywhere on the planet. Our total investment in the Tartas mill of more than EUR 100 million in 10 years demonstrates our commitment and our confidence in the management, personnel, and partners of our business in France." ##SHARELINKS##
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Atlantic Packaging Products, Scarborough, Ont., Canada, plans to re-open its Whitby Ont., Canada, mill in March 2013, upgraded with technology that will allow it to produce 100% recycled lightweight containerboard used to manufacture high performance corrugated packaging products. Atlantic Packaging had closed the unprofitable recycled newsprint mill at Whitby, the first recycled newsprint mill in Canada (started up in 1991), in March of this year.
The converted newsprint machine at Whitby reportedly will to produce 300,000 metric tpy of containerboard.
The company notes that recycled lightweight paper has been around in Europe for many years, adding that it is made using less fiber and is enhanced for strength. The result is a much lighter, stronger, and more sustainable product. President of Atlantic Packaging, Dave Boles pointed out that "in North America, the term lightweight has been primarily used in reference to the basis weight of the paper, with little or no emphasis on strength. What we're talking about is a disruptive technology that is capable of producing low basis weights (lighter paper) with sustainability and strength characteristics unlike anything in corrugated packaging today. Sustainability objectives from large retailers are driving the industry forward, and soon Atlantic will be in a position to provide our customers with the most sustainable corrugated packaging option available in North America." The Whitby Mill is Atlantic's second paper mill to open in the past six years. In 2006, the company opened the New Forest Mill as part of a joint venture with Mitchel-Lincoln, a leading corrugated packaging company in the province of Quebec. ##SHARELINKS##
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Metsä Board's Kemi mill in Finland reports that it recently established a major milestone with the production of its three millionth metric ton of Kemiart coated white top kraftliner. New double coated Kemiart Graph+ and Kemiart Lite+ grades were launched earlier this year, following a rebuild of the coating section and installation of a second coating unit at Kemi. Kemiart Ultra completes the coated product range, which includes a suitable coated liner for each printing method.
Metsä Board notes that the basis for development of its coated grades has always been feedback from its customers and end-users upon their needs. "The current product family is based on innovation, enabling the corrugated industry to meet brand owners' and retailers' demands for higher quality packaging regardless of their chosen print technology," the company stated. Kraftliner production started at Kemi in 1971. In 1990, the company upgraded its processing and invested in a coating unit, with production of coated white top kraftliner starting the same year.
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Metsä Board, Finland, has opened a new Express Board service center at its Gohrsmühle mill in Germany, offering shorter lead times for all of the company's folding boxboard grades. Sheeting at the center is already underway, with full service for all grades scheduled from the end of November.
Sheeting capacity at Gohrsmühle will be 60,000 metric tpy, with the potential for future expansion. The Express Board center is located to serve European customers, and will offer service all year round. The company notes that "quality and accurate cutting are assured, benefiting from the expertise of Metsä Board's other sites." The Simpele mill in Finland is already the largest sheeter of folding boxboard in the world. "We know there is more demand for our sheeted folding boxboards and we have made significant investment to improve their availability," says Markku Romano, VP Cartonboard Sales in Europe and MEA. "There are many more short-term promotions and special occasion packs in today's market, all of which need extra flexibility and fast response. The new Express Board Service is also ideal at other times of peak demand and for just-in-time delivery." Metsä Board continues to recommend direct mill orders for customers who know their product specification and volume well in advance of delivery. The Express Board Service is designed for orders with short delivery lead times and for smaller orders. The move represents a further step in Metsä Board's ongoing efforts to provide more folding boxboard in sheets for customers. Two sheet cutters at its Äänekoski mill came on stream in September, providing sheeting capacity of 70,000 metric tpy, with further potential for growth. In addition, Metsä Board's sheeting partners continue to serve other geographical locations. ##SHARELINKS##
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KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp., has ordered from PMT Italia, Italy, an upgrade of No. 3 paper machine at its North Charleston, S.C., USA, mill. The scope of the rebuild, planned for a first quarter 2014 startup, includes replacement of the existing 6.2 meter press section and extension of the first dryer section.
PMT will supply a new single ÆGO™FLX SHOE module with mated ÆGO™FLX ROLL as part of the new press configuration. The project is expected to improve the capability and efficiency of No. 3 paper machine in producing ultra high performance (UPL) lightweight linerboard grades. PMT will also supply startup and commissioning services. This is the second shoe press project for PMT in North America. ##SHARELINKS##
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China Shengda Packaging Group, Hangzhou, China, reports that its board received a letter from its chairman, Nengbin Fang, withdrawing a preliminary non-binding proposal that he submitted last month to acquire all of the company's shares of common stock not currently owned by him and his family. However, Fang says that he intends to continue pursuing a going-private transaction with the company.
Fang stated in an amendment to his Schedule 13D filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that he is in preliminary discussions with a number of company shareholders and potential debt financing sources, including VStone Investment Management Ltd, regarding their participation in a going-private transaction, and that he may approach one or more other shareholders for such purpose. China Shengda Packaging designs, manufactures, and sells flexo-printed and color-printed corrugated paper cartons. It also produces corrugated paperboards. ##SHARELINKS##
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UPM Raflatac is investing in new hotmelt adhesive mixing and coating technology at its self-adhesive labelstock factory in Changshu, China. With this in-house hotmelt manufacturing capability, the company will be offering label converters cutting-edge technology and expertise to develop cost-effective and high-quality label products. The new technology will be in use during the first quarter of 2013.
UPM Raflatac explains that the latest hotmelt coating technology allows it to expand standard paper and film product ranges, particularly in the food, retail, and tire industries as well as in variable information printing (VIP), where hotmelts provide advantages such as high initial tack and reliable adhesion on chilled, moist, or rough surfaces. The new technology also enables the development of special products designed for niche markets as well as shorter runs, meeting the individual needs of brand owners. In addition to a wider product range, UPM Raflatac's customers will benefit from a hotmelt pilot-coating facility and strengthened local R&D capabilities. An accelerated development process will bring regionally adapted new products faster to market. "This investment in the latest technology and local R&D development shows that UPM Raflatac is committed to developing solutions that help labelstock converters in the region build their businesses and grow," says Arto Tuomi, GM, UPM Raflatac China. "It also opens new opportunities for us to continually serve the market better." The investment is one of the biggest investments at the Changshu factory since its inauguration in 2007, and it further strengthens UPM Raflatac's position in the competitive Asian labelstock market. ##SHARELINKS##
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 Construction of the world's first biorefinery producing wood-based renewable diesel in Lappeenranta, Finland, is progressing according to schedule, reports project developer and owner UPM, Helsinki, Finland. The foundation stone of the UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery was encased this past Monday (November 12). Construction began last summer and the biorefinery will start producing renewable diesel made from tall oil in 2014.
"The EUR 150 million investment in Lappeenranta is UPM's spearhead project and the first step on our way to becoming a significant producer of advanced second generation biofuels. The Biorefinery is also a focal part in the realization of our Biofore strategy, combining the bio and forest industries," says UPM President and CEO Jussi Pesonen. The UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery is the first significant investment in a new and innovative production facility in Finland during the ongoing transformation of forest industry. It will be realized without public investment grants. The Lappeenranta Biorefinery project is important for the local economy and employment, UPM notes. Construction of the biorefinery will offer work for nearly 200 people for approximately two years. When production commences, the biorefinery will directly employ nearly 50 people and indirectly about 150 people. The biorefinery will produce 120 million liters of advanced, renewable diesel fuel annually. "UPM is executing the company's renewal strategy persistently and expects that the operation possibilities and competitiveness of industry is maintained rather than hindered with short-sighted decisions. UPM is still the biggest and most versatile wood refiner in Finland. In the past 10 years, the company has invested nearly EUR 700 million in Eastern Finland," Pesonen says. "One of the greatest features of the Lappeenranta project is that it combines the know-how of many UPM'ers. By utilizing our own development work, a sustainable wood-based raw material is converted into high quality transport fuel that truly decreases emissions and is suitable for modern cars. The quality of our end product and its environmental characteristics has gained significant interest among a wide range of customers. The seamless cooperation of UPM'ers is needed in the future, too, to enhance the growth of our biofuel business," Pesonen adds. ##SHARELINKS##
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Mike Baker has been appointed executive director - Publishing Papers for Appleton Coated LLC, Combined Locks, Wis., USA. He will be responsible for maintaining publisher relationships, setting business strategy, and managing the profitability of this segment. He will retain his current responsibilities, which include managing the pricing and customer service functions for the company. Baker has been with Appleton Coated for 26 years.
Greg Savage, currently responsible for Appleton Coated's commercial and specialty sales, now will assume responsibility for publishing sales, consolidating all sales functions under him in his role as VP of sales. He has led Appleton Coated's commercial sales organization for seven years and has been with the company since 1996. Prior to coming to Appleton Coated, Savage was employed by Westvaco Corp. and has been involved in the paper industry for more than 20 years. "The book publishing business is very important to Appleton Coated and we are fortunate to have two very experienced people to lead this segment forward. We are committed to be a leader in coated publishing papers, delivering best-in-class products for both traditional and digital printing," said Appleton Coated President and CEO Sandra Van Ert. ##SHARELINKS##
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FutureMark Paper Group, Westport, Conn., USA, has named paper industry veteran Paul E. Bradshaw VP of sales and marketing for the group's uncoated paper products. FutureMark's 100% recycled uncoated printing and packaging papers, made at the group's plant in Manistique, Mich., are used by "sustainability-minded companies" such as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, JPMorgan Chase, L.L. Bean, and McDonald's, the company notes.
Bradshaw will direct all aspects of sales and marketing for FutureMark uncoated products, which include printing and writing grades such as Future Book™ UC, Future Mystique™, and Future Office™, and packaging papers such as Future Bag™, and Future Pack™. Bradshaw will also spearhead FutureMark's continued expansion into high-end publication paper markets, including book and digital papers. "Having Paul join the FutureMark team is a boon for our business," said FutureMark Paper Group President and CEO Steve Silver. "Paul has proven experience building market-leading positions in high-end publication and digital papers. His deep expertise and relationships in our customer markets will generate many new opportunities for FutureMark with companies that value the environmental benefits of our 100% recycled uncoated papers." Bradshaw previously served as the SVP for publishing papers at Appleton Coated LLC, overseeing relationships with major publishing customers and leading the company's entry into coated inkjet papers. He had held various sales and management positions at Appleton Coated and its predecessor companies since 1988. ##SHARELINKS##
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"I first learned about TAPPI at South China University of Technology," Ying explains. "I was working on a project utilizing biomass and most of our characterizations were performed using TAPPI Standards." When she moved on to grad school, Ying says the TAPPI acronym showed up in many research papers, course packs, and nearly every chapter of her thesis. It was at that point she realized, "I need to be a member." "That meeting convinced me that this was the field for me," and at that very moment she decided to switch her degree from a Master's to a Ph.D. She believed then, and does even more firmly now, that the P&P industry generously supports young professionals when they make the decision to pursue their careers in it. Her advice to new careerists and current students? "TAPPI is a helpful resource, not only for learning knowledge at school and finding a job, but also to obtain new thoughts and ideas from annual conferences." She calls her current position as a research associate in the Fiber Technology Solutions Group at International Paper's Cincinnati Technology Center her "dream job" and credits TAPPI and its NCSU chapter with helping her find it. ##SHARELINKS##
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  One of TAPPI's highest rated and best-attended courses, the Kraft Recovery Course, is scheduled again for January 7-10, 2013, in St. Petersburg, Fla., USA. View this year's full course schedule. The intermediate-level course covers every phase of the complex kraft pulp mill recovery process and is designed for those new to the recovery area and the industry, as well as technical staff looking to better understand the process in order to take back new ideas to improve mill operations. "The kraft recovery process is a fundamental reason that kraft pulping is the most widely used chemical pulping processes in the world and used to produce a large number of bleached and unbleached products," notes Course Chairman Honghi Tran. "The recovery process is highly complex and composed of many different unit operations and technologies. This course, taught by world-renowned experts in their field, provides attendees an excellent review of each part of the process, as well as the opportunity to interact with experts in each area to have their specific questions addressed." The Kraft Recovery Course is taught by an internationally recognized faculty composed of 15 experts who delve into each key area. Course Chairman Honghi Tran is Professor, the Frank Dottori Chair in Pulp and Paper Engineering, and the director of the Pulp & Paper Centre, University of Toronto. Honghi was named a TAPPI Fellow in 2000. The faculty panel of 15 Kraft Recovery experts will provide practical day-to-day information through traditional workshops and team-based training exercises. Participants are encouraged to share their real-world problems and questions with the faculty during the course. The TAPPI Kraft Recovery Course provides practical day-to-day information in both traditional workshops and in team-based training sessions that will provide attendees with information on how to improve production efficiency, minimize operating costs, and reduce environmental impact. Among the many topics covered are recausticizing, lime kiln operations, black liquor evaporation, recovery boiler operations, corrosion, energy optimization, and energy and cost reduction. The course is one of TAPPI's most popular and highly rated technical courses. The TAPPI Introduction to Pulp and Paper Technology Course is co-located with the Kraft Recovery Course. This introductory course is designed for anyone new to the industry or those needing a better understanding of mill-wide operations. The course covers the entire papermaking process from raw materials and the wood yard through pulping, papermaking, and finishing operations. Attendees will learn about the pulp and paper industry's products from industry experts, and will gain knowledge that will help them increase their contribution to improving mill operations. About the instructors: The faculty includes experts who are recognized leaders in their field and veteran instructors: Bob Bartholomew, Jim Brewster, David Clay, Doug Foran, Thomas Gencarelli, Tom Grace, Glenn Hanson, Mikko Hupa, Paul Johnson, Richard Manning, Jean-Claude Patel, Dale Sanchez, Sandy Sharp, Honghi Tran, Arie Verloop. Register now before December 6th and you will save more than $900 on this popular and comprehensive course! ##SHARELINKS##
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 The premier issue of NANO360, the only newsletter dedicated to global developments in nanotechnology from renewable and sustainable materials, has been launched by TAPPI. NANO360, the official newsletter of TAPPI's International Nanotechnology Division, will cover news, resources, research, and technology of nanocellulose and other renewable materials. "The global market for products using nanotechnology could reach an estimated $1 trillion by 2015 with wood products potentially accounting for 20%," notes TAPPI President & CEO Larry N. Montague. "TAPPI's Nanotechnology Division serves as a platform for helping this growing industry respond to the rapidly changing field of nanotechnology, especially as commercialization develops. NANO360 will be a key resource for professionals interested in all aspects of this fast-paced field." "NANO360 will keep you up to speed on all that is going on in this dynamic industry by highlighting new research, publications, reports, and events going on around the world in sustainable nanotechnology," comments Division Chair Sean Ireland, Verso Paper Corp. "Our focus will be on nanocellulose, but not exclusively, and we welcome and encourage contributions from others working with renewable materials." A range of topics and types of information will be covered including: nanocellulose and other nanomaterial research, newly published reports, new peer-reviewed publications, resources such as peer-approved databases, Nanotechnology Division activities, websites, and other tools and global nanocellulose news. The mission of TAPPI's International Nanotechnology Division is to serve as the leading global forum for the community of individuals, organizations, and institutions seeking to collectively advance the responsible and sustainable production and use of renewable nanomaterials. Contact: Nano360@tappi.org ##SHARELINKS##
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 If you're planning a career in the pulp and paper (or packaging) industry, this event will put you on the cutting-edge of some groundbreaking technology. Make plans now to attend the 2013 TAPPI-PIMA Student Summit, January 19-31, 2013, in Raleigh, N.C., USA. This is a rare opportunity for advanced undergraduate and graduate students to meet face-to-face with industry leaders and gain valuable information on what forces are shaping the industry today - plus the added bonus of the inside track on employment and career development. Program Session Topics:
The 2013 TAPPI-PIMA Student Summit includes:
 Sponsorships are available. For more information, contact David Bell. ##SHARELINKS##
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  Invitation to Present PaperCon 2013 Presents this year's theme - "Innovation Generation" Papermaking, Tissue making, and Recycled Paperboard Topics Available A Call for Papers has been issued for the Papermaking, RPTA (recycled paperboard), Tissue 360o Forum programs at PaperCon 2013. The deadline for abstracts for techical papers and posters is Nov. 20, 2012. Paper company personnel, suppliers, students, and academics are strongly encouraged to submit abstracts. TAPPI is interested in providing a forum for new concepts and new speakers. Your abstract can be submitted here. Paper Machine Performance Evaluations and Techniques:
. Read the full Call for Papers. ##SHARELINKS##
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 Take Advantage of some special opportunities for you and your organization to stand out at the 2013 TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials, June 24-27, 2013 on the KTH Royal Institute of Technology Campus in Stockholm, Sweden. Be Part of the program - Share research findings with industry experts, scientists, health and safety specialists, legal and government policy makers, and leading researchers from around the globe. View the Call for Papers. Abstracts are due by December 10, 2012. Participate as a Sponsor or as an Exibitor - There are several ways in which your organization can participate with a range of prices and benefits to meet your business objectives. View the Prospectus. ##SHARELINKS##
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More than 60 entries were received for the CorrPak Competition held recently at TAPPI/AICC SuperCorrExpo, Atlanta, Ga., USA, October 1-4. Open to all corrugated manufacturers worldwide, the competition is held on even years and features entries in two main categories: Structure and Printing. The CorrPak Competition is open to all corrugated manufacturers worldwide. TAPPI's Corrugated Packaging Division sponsors this distinguished event to select and recognize the finest commercially produced corrugated package products manufactured between Aug. 1, 2010, and Aug. 1, 2012. Beginning this year, and continuing for the next decade, the coveted Attendees Favorite Award will be presented in honor of George G. Maltenfort. Dr. Maltenfort was a highly respected, long-time member of TAPPI who made innumerable contributions to the industry. He distinguished himself in advancing pulp, paper, and converting technologies particularly in the corrugated shipping containers arena. Dr Maltenfort published 50-plus works for TAPPI and served on numerous TAPPI boards and committees relating to corrugated containers and served with other international organizations as well. The "Corrbie" is awarded for Best in Show. This year the Corrbie for Structure was awarded to Ardent Displays & Packaging for its Martha Stewart Home Office Standee entry. The Corrbie in Printing was presented to RockTenn Fresno for their Lemon Bin Sleeve entry. Arvco Container Corp. won the Attendees Favorite in Structure for its Rear Window Suspension Pack. RockTenn MD Adams won the Attendees Favorite in Printing for its Point Special packaging. The complete list of winners can be found on the TAPPI Corrugated Division website. ##SHARELINKS##
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 Towel and Tissue Papermaking is the last of the 15 CD-ROMs in the Making Pulp and Making Paper CD-ROM Series. Through this highly interactive, self-paced CD-ROM, participants learn towel and tissue papermaking terms, concepts, and processes. Learning outcomes After completing the Towel and Tissue Papermaking CD-ROM, participants should be able to:
The series is designed for anyone who would benefit from a working knowledge of the pulping and papermaking process, including:
The complete set of 15 Making Pulp and Paper CD-ROMs is also available. Product code: MPP-15 Member Price: $78.00 Non-member Price: $119.00 ##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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TAPPI's Corrugated Packaging Division members have elected three individuals to serve on the Division's Corrugated Packaging Council, the governing body for the Division. The Corrugated Packaging Council gives TAPPI suggested direction on strategic development and planning for projects and products for the corrugated division. It is made up of eight appointed members from the major integrated companies and independents, the chair of the two TAPPI technical committees, and four elected positions that each serve a three-year term. The balance of the council includes the division chair, vice chair, and past chair. Newly elected members include: Paul Hrubesky, Fosber America; John Kohl, Harper/Love Adhesives; and Steve Woodard, ARC International. Their term will run through the corrugated packaging division conference in 2015. ##SHARELINKS##
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 Registration is now open for the TAPPI Introduction to Pulp and Paper Technology Course scheduled for January 7-10, 2013 in St.Petersburg, Fla., USA. This is one of TAPPI's longest running courses. Why is this course one of our most popular? Intro to Pulp and Paper Technology is unique in that it provides information on how each individual part of a paper mill influences another. This course allows you to understand how materials, pulping, and paper-making processes affect paper and board properties. You will also be delivered a broad overview of pulping and paper-making technology, including the entire pulping and paper-making process from raw materials and wood prep. to pulping and mill operations. Four Reasons to attend Intro to Pulp and Paper Technology:
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In each section, Hayzlett shows business leaders and owners how to develop the necessary mental, emotional, and (yes) physical toughness they must have for smart, strategic, and lasting change. Through this book, Hayzlett will force leaders to really get up in their own businesses – to take them over from the inside and drive change – gaining customers and profits in the process. Readers will be able to efficiently assess what kind of change their business needs and then summon the vision, courage, and passion to enact it. View the Table of Contents and Preview. Hard cover. 256 pages. Item #: 11RUNN ##SHARELINKS##
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 "The inclusion of the Tissue360 Forum at PaperCon 2013 will add comprehensive coverage of this dynamic segment to the industry's best technical program," notes TAPPI President and CEO Larry Montague. "The forum will provide business insights and peer-reviewed technical papers covering developments in one of the industry's most rapidly growing and technically innovative grade sectors." Tissue360 Forum topics will include an overview of hygienic product market drivers, raw material usage and supply, wet and dry end additives, latest hybrid tissue making technology and runnability/operational tips. All material will be selected and peer reviewed by TAPPI members with tissue expertise. The program is open to all full PaperCon registrants. An invitation to Present at the Tissue360 Forum has been issued. Industry professionals interested in presenting a paper, panel, roundtable, or poster on any of these topics should submit an abstract no later than November 20, 2012. PaperCon brings together CEOs, mill managers, superintendents, scientists, process engineers, and suppliers for the largest pulp and paper technical program in the world. No other event provides such a comprehensive program, networking opportunities and trade fair among such a distinguished group of industry leaders. ##SHARELINKS##
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  Joel Weldon, one of the most sought after corporate speakers in North America, will provide the keynote address on Monday, April 29 at PaperCon 2013. Weldon is an award winning speaker renowned for his well-researched, informative, and engaging presentations. At PaperCon, Weldon will be addressing "Innovation Generation," how industries like paper can adapt to changing consumer habits and cost containment pressures. Weldon has been an idea consultant, sales trainer, and executive speech coach for many of the world's leading organizations and businesses for well over three decades. He's widely known as one of North America's most highly respected and sought-after corporate speakers. His presentations are known for effectively and specifically addressing each audience and their unique business and industry challenges, fears, risks, and opportunities. Weldon is one of an elite group of speakers to have earned all four of the highest honors in the speaking profession. They include induction into the Speakers Hall of Fame, the coveted Communication & Leadership Award, The Golden Gavel, "for his profound impact on corporate America," and in 2006 being named "Legend of the Speaking Profession." He turned down a four-year college scholarship because he thought he wasn't "smart enough" to go to college. A former construction worker, he's living proof that human potential can be tapped, and your entire life transformed, when even one good idea is presented, accepted and acted upon. PaperCon 2013 will feature the world's largest paper industry technical program. It has been expanded to include both tissue and nonwovens programs in 2013. PaperCon takes place April 27 through May 1, 2013, in Atlanta, Ga., USA. Learn more about PaperCon. ##SHARELINKS##
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 The 360° Leader by Dr. John C. Maxwell People who desire to lead from the middle of organizations face unique challenges. They are often held back by myths that prevent them from developing their influence. Dr. Maxwell, one of the globe's most trusted leadership mentors, debunks the myths, shows you how to overcome the challenges, and teaches you the skills you need to become a "360° leader." If you have found yourself trying to lead from the middle of the organization, as the vast majority of professionals do, then you need Maxwell's insights. You have a unique opportunity to exercise influence in all directions-up (to the boss), across (among your peers), and down (to those you lead). The good news is that your influence is greater than you know. Practice the disciplines of 360° leadership and the opportunities will be endless... for your organization, for your career, and for your life. View the Table of Contents and Preview. Member Price: $25.00 Press Item #: 12LEAD ##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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 The Pulp and Paper Manufacturers Association's (PPMA) new website (ppmausa.com) offers access to labor contracts, salary data, surveys, and other human resource related material. "The look and feel of the PPMA website has remained unchanged for several years," said Dick Kendall, executive director for PPMA. "We have now revamped the site to be more user-friendly and to provide industry information to our members." PPMA members have access to a treasure trove of valuable information such as a labor database of information regarding union contracts, a 'library' of current labor agreements (union contracts), and custom survey results on a variety of topics tabulated by PPMA at the request of members. PPMA supplies human resource services to the pulp, paper, converting, and allied industries. Its membership includes union and non-union facilities involved in producing and converting products allied with the paper industry. Media Contact: Dick Kendall, executive director, dkendall@ppmausa.com, 920-731-4994. ##SHARELINKS##
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 The International Mechanical Pulping Conference, sponsored by PI, TAPPI, PAPTAC, SPCI and PTF, will be held on June 3-5, 2014, in Helsinki, Finland. IMPC 2014 is a major part of PulPaper, one of the world's most premier pulp and paper exhibitions, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of PI, the Paper Engineers' Association. The Conference Program Committee invites you to submit papers on the following topics:
Authors interested in presenting a paper or a poster on these topics should submit an extended abstract (˜500 words) to impc2014@vtt.fi. Abstracts are due by February 28, 2013. Authors will be notified of acceptance by May 31, 2013 and final manuscripts are due March 31, 2014. If you have any questions, please contact Sari Liukkonen, Chair of the Program Committee at +358 40 586 0384, or by e-mail at impc2014@vtt.fi. ##SHARELINKS##
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 The Secret, Second Edition What Great Leaders Know and Do By: Ken Blanchard & Mark Miller
At one time or another, everyone in a position of authority-whether in a multinational corporation or a local volunteer group-wonders what the key to great leadership is. And who better to answer that question than the team of Ken Blanchard, whose books on leadership have sold over 20 million copies, and Mark Miller, who worked his way up from line worker to vice president of one of the largest fast-food chains in the country. In The Secret, Blanchard and Miller use the uniquely accessible "business fable" format that Blanchard pioneered to get at the heart of what makes a leader truly able to inspire and motivate people. Debbie Brewster, recently promoted and struggling, finds herself about to lose her job due to poor performance. In an attempt to save her career, she enrolls in a new mentoring program offered by her company. Much to her surprise, Debbie finds her mentor is none other than Jeff Brown, the president of the company. Debbie decides that she is going to ask her new mentor the one question she feels she desperately needs answered: "What is the secret of great leaders?" Jeff's immediate answer-that great leaders serve their followers-completely flummoxes Debbie. Over the next 18 months, Jeff helps Debbie discover and explore five fundamental ways that leaders lead through service. The Secret puts what Blanchard and Miller have learned about leadership in a form that anyone can easily understand, embrace, and pursue. It is a book that will benefit not only those who read it, but also the organizations they work in an the people who look to them for guidance. The second edition includes revised and updated content including:
Item #: 12SECRET View the Table of Contents and Preview. Member Price: $23.00 ##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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