Over the Wire
TAPPI
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Empresas CMPC, Santiago, Chile, will expand its Guaiba mill, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The project includes a new bleached eucalyptus pulp production line with a total capacity of 1.3 million metric tpy. The unit will be in addition to the existing bleached eucalyptus line at the site, which currently has an annual capacity of 450,000 metric tpy. The second line is expected to begin producing pulp by the first quarter of 2015.
"This investment is a milestone for CMPC, the largest in the company's history. The Guaiba II project will almost double our market share of global pulp and help us meet a growing demand for high quality wood pulp from clients in all of our markets," said Hernan Rodriguez, CEO of CMPC. "This important decision taken by the board of directors is another step in CMPC's internationalization, and takes our total investment in Brazil to $4.5 billion." The expansion increases CMPC's pulp production capacity to 4.1 million metric tpy, consolidating its position as a leading worldwide pulp manufacturer. Guaiba II will incorporate the latest technologies in the production of pulp, and will be 100% self-sufficient in terms of pulpwood supply. In this way, CMPC will be adding production scale while also maximizing efficiency, in keeping with its track record as a cost-advantaged producer. CMPC has obtained all state, municipal, and environmental permits and authorizations necessary to carry out the expansion of the Guaiba plant. "This investment demonstrates the company's capacity to grow via world-class, geographically diversified production facilities," Rodriguez said. The expansion of Guaiba involves a total investment in industrial assets of approximately $2.1 billion. In relation to the financing of this project, the company's board agreed:
Empresas CMPC produces pulp, paper, tissue, paper products, and other forestry products throughout Latin America. The company aims to deliver world-class products, from forestry to finished products, to its important global customer base. Its high quality timber and production facilities are strategically located in countries including Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Ecuador. CMPC sells more than 25 different product lines to some 20,000 clients in more than 55 countries, always seeking long-term relationships. ##SHARELINKS##
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Eldorado Papel e Celulose Ltda, Eldorado Brazil, has started up the world's largest single-line pulp mill at its Três Lagoas mill in the Brazilian province of Mato Grosso do Sul. The new 1.5 million metric tpy bleached eucalyptus kraft (BEK) pulp line reportedly came on-stream December 6. The estimated investment for the new line is BRL$6.2 billion (approximately $2.9 billion). Eldorado Brazil is said to be satisfied with the line, which was initially scheduled to startup in the third quarter of this year
The new line's raw material is wood from planted eucalyptus forests. Production is to be exported to paper producing markets in South America, North America, Europe, and Asia. The new plant will be responsible for 20% of all Brazil's exports, with revenue estimated at $1 billion a year. The key supplier for the new pulp line, Andritz, Graz, Austria, provided the following:
Following startup of the new line, the company plans a $3.225 billion, two-phase expansion that will add a production line in 2017 and 2021, creating, by far, the world's largest pulp mill. The 2017 phase will double the mill's capacity to 3 million metric tpy, and the 2021 phase will increase total production capacity to 5 million metric tpy of eucalyptus kraft pulp. The mill uses Best Available Technology (BAT) and is "focused on the sustainability of industrial and forestry processes," Eldorado notes. The company also points out that the new mill has been designed to optimize energy. It is self-sufficient in electricity produced from biomass and "will contribute to the conscientious use of natural resources." This will help improve production costs, which will be among the most competitive on the market, the company adds. The characteristics of the municipality of Três Lagoas, with its relief, soil, climate, infrastructure, and logistics, combined with the welcoming attitude of the local people and support offered by the First Sector, contributed to the choice of where the mill is located, Eldorado emphasizes. The mill will enjoy unique logistics for incoming raw materials and shipping production. Transport benefits include highways, railroads, and the Tietê-Parana waterway, all of which allow production to be shipped to the port of Santos, in São Paulo state. Eucalyptus fiber for the new mill and its expanded operations in 2017 and 2021 will be supplied by eucalyptus plantation operator Florestral Brasil S.A. In November 2011, the incorporation of Florestal Brasil by Eldorado was approved "by way of a material fact," the company explains. The decision on the incorporation was taken in view of the fact that the unification of the operations would optimize the companies' activities and result in efficiency gains. "Considering that Florestal Brasil's core business was the production of eucalyptus forests, and that Eldorado Celulose e Papel produces and sells pulp, the incorporation raises the prospect of better results," Eldorado says. Florestal Brasil was founded in July 2007 and began its forestry operations by planting eucalyptus and producing seedlings in its own nurseries, with a capacity to produce 3 million cloned seedlings a month. ##SHARELINKS##
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At its largest quarterly meeting to date on November 27 in Knoxville, Tenn., USA, the Agenda 2020 Technology Alliance reviewed R&D priorities and federal funding opportunities for projects of interest to the forest products industry. The session was held in conjunction with the TAPPI International Research Management Committee (IRMC) annual meeting. Participating in the meeting were 50 people from 9 countries, representing 14 pulp and paper companies, 7 supplier companies, 12 universities, and 5 research centers.
Agenda 2020 is the industry's unique forum in the U.S. on science and technology issues. Its mission includes voicing the industry's technology needs, enabling development of new technologies, leveraging industry resources with external funding, and supporting company technology interests. Agenda 2020's participation was cited as a critical success factor in the DOE funding of a $2.6 million research project to develop sacrificial coatings for membrane-based concentration of weak black liquor. The project's kick-off meeting was held in November. If successful, the technology could be an alternative for the first two evaporator stages. Conducting assessments of the potential economic benefits possible to a typical pulp and paper mill is a key project task for Agenda 2020. Responses to government requests for information from Agenda 2020 presented industry perspectives in regard to the proposed $1 billion National Network for Manufacturing Innovation and the DOE Biomass roadmap for conversion technologies for advanced biofuels. Both entries can be viewed online. Recently, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack requested information on opportunities for the U.S. government to support development of nanocellulose applications. Agenda 2020‘s response outlined a plan for a national R&D program. Federal leaders are suggesting inter-departmental/inter-industry executive briefings to highlight the commercial potential for nanocellulose. The Knoxville meeting included a review of the industry's evolving research priorities. Members and guests also acknowledged the need to increase the visibility of the industry's research needs and of emerging areas of investigation at research institutions, including government labs and agencies, to attract scientists and funding to industry opportunities. Several opportunities emerged to increase international research collaboration on pre-competitive topics in the industry. One, for example, involves the European COST Action 1150, featuring working groups undertaking fundamental studies of the cell physics in tree growth, impacts of cell structures on pulping, bleaching, and papermaking processes, and mechanisms of biopolymer self-assembly processes. A president from a European research institute commented on how similar the challenges in working with government funding agencies are in the U.S. and Europe and how similar the way we organize to face them. ##SHARELINKS##
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 This past Thanksgiving week, Georgia-Pacific's Plattsburgh, N.Y., USA, mill employees filled a truckload of the company's Quilted Northern Ultra Plush™ bath tissue, worth $25,000, for delivery to people in New York affected by Hurricane Sandy. Just last year, the Plattsburgh area and other parts of upstate New York were themselves heavily damaged by Tropical Storm Irene.
"People from all over the state came to our aid, so it's only right that we help our New York neighbors devastated by Hurricane Sandy," said Kirk Stallsmith, VP of operations at the Plattsburgh mill. "Especially this Thanksgiving, our employees wanted them to know we're still thinking of them. The damage people have experienced is far greater than most realize and we want to continue doing our part to help." In the aftermath of a disaster, sometimes even the most basic, everyday items are needed, so Georgia-Pacific works through aid organizations such as Convoy of Hope and Feed the Children to distribute products to people who need it most. Convoy of Hope delivered the shipment of more than 1,000 cases of donated bath tissue during Thanksgiving week. Since November 1, Georgia-Pacific has donated 11 truckloads of products including paper plates and towels, napkins, cups, cutlery, food wrap, and hand sanitizer, totaling more than $180,000. ##SHARELINKS##
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The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), Ottawa, Ont., Canada, says that it is pleased about this week's announcement by Jason Kenney, Canada's minister of Citizen, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, concerning a new Federal Skilled Trades Program to help address labor shortages in skilled trades. The forest products sector in Canada has been struggling to find skilled workers including millwrights, engineers, pipe fitters, truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, technologists, and more, FPA notes.
To address this shortage, FPAC has set an ambitious goal under Vision2020 to recruit an additional 60,000 workers by the end of the decade with the emphasis on women, Aboriginals, and new Canadians. "This is excellent news for our sector considering the shortage of qualified labor in many parts of Canada that is expected to only get worse," says David Lindsay, CEO and president of FPAC. "The changes announced today may help many of our member companies fill critical job openings so that their mills can operate at an optimum level and contribute to further job creation and economic growth for Canada." Lindsay says that the forest products industry will be launching a new human resources campaign in 2013 called "the Greenest Workforce" to try to attract more skilled workers to the sector. FPAC is also working with Aboriginal groups to increase their participation in the industry. "Right now we are competing with other industries, especially in the resource sector, to fill essential positions. We need to work together with other industries and governments on a comprehensive national strategy to address the acute labor and skills shortage," says Lindsay. "The dedicated program announced today is one step in that direction." FPAC also believes this week's announcement builds on the work being done by governments on foreign credential recognition. That includes the need to ensure foreign trade worker skills are assessed in a timely fashion. FPAC provides a voice for Canada's wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $57-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2% of Canada's GDP and is one of Canada's largest employers operating in hundreds of communities and providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country. ##SHARELINKS##
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The newly formed TAPPI Process & Project Engineering Committee is conducting a survey to better determine what capital project strategies today's pulp and paper mills are implementing to stay in-tune and competitive under progressively lean operating conditions. To participate anonymously in this survey (no participant/mill information requested), please use the online link below. This survey will take only a few minutes to complete.
Online Capital Projects Survey If you are interested in learning the results of the survey or would like more information on the new TAPPI Process & Project Engineering Committee, please contact Craig McKinney at TAPPI. Your participation is very much appreciated. ##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 director of operations, maintenance training manager, sales managers, safety manager, shift supervisor, papermaking technology manager, engineering intern, and technical sales rep. 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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The Canadian paper and paperboard market had total revenues of $6.1 billion in 2011, representing a compound annual rate of change (CARC) of -15.2% between 2007 and 2011, according to a new report issued this week by Research and Markets, Dublin, Ireland, titled Paper and Paperboard in Canada.
Market consumption volumes decreased with a CARC of -12.6% between 2007-2011, to reach a total of 4.8 million metric tons in 2011, according to the new report. The performance of the market is forecast to decline further but with a slower pace, with an anticipated CARC of -2.2% for the five-year period 2011 - 2016, which is expected to drive the market to a value of $5.4 billion by the end of 2016. ##SHARELINKS##
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The declining prices for softwood pulp during much of 2012 have forced many pulp mills to try to cut wood fiber costs to remain profitable. As a consequence, the wood fiber price index (SFPI) has continuously declined the past year and, during the 3Q/12 was at its lowest level since 2010, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ), Seattle, Wash., USA.
Prices for softwood market pulp (NBSK—northern bleached softwood kraft)) have trended downward for more than a year from their record highs of over $1,000 per ton in the summer of 2011. In the 3Q/12, prices had fallen to between $750 and $800/ton in Europe and were about 50 dollars higher in the U.S. This relatively long-lasting price decline seems to have come to an end this fall, as there are now pulp producers negotiating higher prices again. List prices for December are in the range of $820 - $870/ton, depending on if the deliveries are to Europe or North America. The lower pulp prices have resulted in downward price pressure on wood fiber prices in many high wood cost regions around the world as pulp companies have seen product prices approach production costs. When profit margins for pulp mills are being squeezed, one of the first steps taken to improve profitability is often to try to reduce the wood costs, since those costs typically account for 60% - 70% of the production costs when manufacturing pulp. Prices for pulplogs and wood chips fell in the local currencies in most of the key regions worldwide in the 3Q/12, according to the WRQ. However, because the U.S. dollar weakened against most currencies, wood prices in U.S. dollar terms did not decline as much in the third quarter. The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI), which is based on U.S. dollars, was down another 0.5% from the 2Q/12 to $100.05 per oven-dry metric ton (odmt). This was the fifth consecutive quarterly decline, and the index has now fallen 8.7% since early 2010. The biggest price declines were seen in the Northwestern U.S., Germany, Spain, and Russia. Hardwood fiber prices started to increase in some regions around the world in the 3Q/12, which resulted in the first increase of the Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) in over a year, as reported in the WRQ. The Index increased by $1.56/odmt from the 2Q/12 to $106.44/odmt in the 3Q/12. Hardwood fiber prices increased the most in Russia, Eastern Canada and Brazil. The price outlook for wood prices in the fourth quarter is mixed, with a stabilizing of prices in most softwood pulp-producing countries but also continued price declines in a few regions. More information is available online. ##SHARELINKS##
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Softwood pulp prices are rebounding in North America, up $20/metric ton in November for a second consecutive month, according to Mark Wilde with Deutsche Bank. North American NBSK (northern bleached softwood kraft) pulp rose to $870/metric ton. The key drivers are seasonally stronger demand, increased shipments to China, lower mill inventories, and autumn maintenance outages, Wilde explains.
North American hardwood pulp prices were essentially flat m/m in November, except NBHK (northern bleached hardwood kraft) pulp, which was up $5-$10/metric ton, Wilde says. ##SHARELINKS##
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AstenJohnson, Charleston, S.C., USA, has acquired the assets, intellectual property, and order backlog of VIB Systems Inc, Tucker, Ga., USA, and VIB Systems GmbH, Maintal, Germany. The U.S. group will be integrated into Paperchine as a separate product line and will continue to market the VIB brand. It will be headed by Jack Audas, the current GM of VIB Systems.
In Germany, AstenJohnson has formed Paperchine Germany. This company will continue to operate at the current VIB site in Maintal. The German company will be led by Jürgen März and Johann von Asten as temporary GMs. VIB Systems engineers and designs steamboxes, moisturizers, and provides service and spare parts to the paper and corrugated industries. This acquisition is in-line with AstenJohnson's goal to strengthen the Paperchine business, the company notes. ##SHARELINKS##
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Domtar Corp., Montreal, Que., Canada, this week announced the culmination of a precedent-setting, two-year partnership process that saw 55 landowners in the Texarkana, Texas, USA, area achieve Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC) group certification. With support of the company's Ashdown, Ark., mill, the Four States Timberland Owners Association (FSTOA) was successful in receiving FSC Forest Management Certification on 70,000 acres of forestland.
Since Domtar's first FSC certification of forestland in upper New York State in 2000 and the subsequent formalizing of a collaboration with Rainforest Alliance in 2005, the company has maintained an industry-leading position that now sees it offer North America`s broadest range of FSC certified paper through the EarthChoice® line of papers. In addition, Domtar has set an ambitious goal of eventually procuring 100% of its fiber from sources that are certified to the FSC standard. "Working together, we have achieved 'gold standard' certification from the 'gold standard' certifier, the Rainforest Alliance," said Bob Grygotis, GM of the Ashdown mill. "This is not the end but in fact the beginning for us in continuing to expand the availability of FSC wood for Ashdown and FSC certified paper for our customers." Lewis Fix, Domtar's VP of pulp sales and until recently the company's VP of Sustainable Business and Brand Management, added that "we have raised the bar for private land certification in the south, and we look forward to seeing the model built in Ashdown being replicated and expanded on throughout our mill system. This is a perfect example of how our longstanding collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance continues to help us deliver on our promise of socially and environmentally responsible paper manufacturing." Tensie Whelan, president of the Rainforest Alliance, said that "we applaud Domtar and the Four States Timberland Owners Association for their hard work over the past two years as they strove towards certification. This achievement reflects the Association's true commitment to responsible forest management and we look forward to helping them expand on their efforts. ##SHARELINKS##
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The EU Commission has completed the first phase in its investigation of the proposed merger of Finland-based Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business and Munksjö AB, and also opened an in-depth (second phase) investigation into the proposed combination with respect to abrasive backings and pre-impregnated decor paper. The Commission now has 90 working days, until April 29, 2013, to make a final decision on whether the combination would significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.
Ahlstrom and Munksjö AB continue to work closely with the Commission to allow it to complete its review as quickly as possible, aiming at a completion of the demerger of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business in Europe and other related measures forming the first phase of the planned transaction during the first quarter of 2013. It is, however, possible that the completion of the first phase of the planned transaction will not take place until the second quarter of 2013. On Nov. 27, 2012, Ahlstrom's Extraordinary General Meeting approved the demerger of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business in Europe and the demerger of Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business in Brazil, in accordance with the demerger plans. ##SHARELINKS##
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Fortress Paper Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., USA, has adopted a shareholder rights plan to ensure, to the extent possible, that all shareholders of the company are treated fairly and equally in connection with any take-over bid or other acquisition of control of the company. The plan also ensures that the company's board of directors is provided with adequate time to evaluate such a take-over bid and, if appropriate, seek alternatives to maximize shareholder value. The plan has not been adopted in response to any specific take-over bid or other proposal to acquire control of Fortress Paper, the company notes, adding that it is not aware of any such pending or contemplated proposals.
One right will be issued and will attach to each common share of Fortress Paper. The rights will automatically attach to the common shares and no further action will be required by shareholders. The rights will become exercisable in the event that any person, together with joint actors, acquires or announces its intention to acquire 20% or more of the company's outstanding shares without complying with the "Permitted Bid" provisions of the Rights Plan or where the application of the Rights Plan is waived in accordance with its terms. The "Permitted Bid" provisions prevent the dilutive effects of the Rights Plan from operating if a take-over bid is made to all holders of common shares of the company (other than the bidder) by way of a take-over bid circular that remains open for acceptance for a minimum of 60 days and that satisfies certain other conditions. If a take-over bid does not comply with the requirements of the Rights Plan or where the application of the Rights Plan is not waived in accordance with its terms, the rights holders (other than the acquiring person and its joint actors) will be entitled to purchase additional common shares of the company at a significant discount to the market price. ##SHARELINKS##
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Resolute Forest Products Inc., Montreal, Que., Canada, this week announced that the province of Nova Scotia, represented by the minister of the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, has completed the purchase of all the shares of Bowater Mersey Paper Co. for nominal consideration. Bowater Mersey is the former joint venture between Resolute (51%) and The Washington Post Co. (49%), formed to hold the Mersey newsprint mill, located in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, and other associated assets, including private timberlands, the Oakhill sawmill, and Brooklyn Power Corp. Resolute operated the Mersey newsprint mill until it was indefinitely idled in June 2012.
Before closing the transaction, Resolute purchased from Bowater Mersey assets associated with the Oakhill sawmill and, in connection with the closing, certain components of the paper mill, which can no longer be used to make paper. At closing, Resolute received a cash payment of approximately $18 million, representing a reimbursement of working capital advances by Resolute to Bowater Mersey to fund its operations, net of transaction-related items. ##SHARELINKS##
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Sappi Fine Paper North America, Boston, Mass., USA, and the United Steelworkers (USW), Pittsburgh Pa., this week ratified a new labor agreement for Sappi's Cloquet, Minn., mill. "With contract negotiation now complete, the Cloquet mill can continue to concentrate on producing world-class paper and completing the $170 million capital project to convert the pulp mill to specialized cellulose," the company noted.
Sappi Fine Paper North America produces coated fine and release papers and market pulp. It is also a supplier of release papers for the automotive, fashion, and engineered films industries. The company is a subsidiary of Sappi Ltd., a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with more than 14,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries. ##SHARELINKS##
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Sipat (Societé Industrielle Des Papiers Tissues) S.A., Morocco, has successfully started up its TM 2 tissue machine in Meknes after a major rebuild. Italian company Toscotec was the key supplier on the project, which involved rebuilding TM 2 into a crescent former. Toscotec also had rebuilt the dry end of TM 2 in 2009.
The rebuilt Sipat TM 2 started up smoothly and on time, producing a good-quality, saleable product from the very beginning, the company reports. Sipat, established in 1978, is owned by the El Kendouci family. With a production capacity of 16.000 metric tpy, the company can satisfy demands of the Moroccan market, which is capable of absorbing 70% of SIPAT's capacity, with the remaining 30% being exported to other African markets. The production range includes mainly facial tissue, but also toilet rolls, napkins, and kitchen towels. Toscotec 's delivery included a major rebuild of the original Toschi sloped wire forming section, which has been replaced with a Plus type crescent former with TT Headbox-SLT, a rebuild of the existing approach system, the felt run, and the YD doctoring system. Electrification and a new machine control system completed the package. The project was handled on a turnkey basis including dismantling of the existing equipment, installation of the new machinery, startup assistance, and training services. The new machine parts have been designed for an operative speed up to 1,300 meters/min, with a reel width of 2,750 meters/min. The purpose of the TM 2 rebuild was to meet the growing regional market demand in terms of products, quality, and production capacity with an increased output, as well as to reduce energy consumption. ##SHARELINKS##
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Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging, Longview, Wash., USA, won seven safety awards at the annual Western Paper and Pulp Safety and Health Conference recently held in Portland, Ore., USA. The safety awards are given out by the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW). In total, there were 10 award categories.
Longview's mill won the main Employer of the Year award. Paper machine operator Matt Pomerinke won the prestigious Jack Kirkpatrick Award for achievement and dedication to the field of safety. Two individuals both won the Manager of the Year award. They are Mill Manager Paul Duncan and Operational Services Manager Pat Ortiz. Two Longview mill employees took home Safety Advocate honors: Journeyman Millwright Harry Volk and Journeyman Electrician Steve Larson. Finally, Ben Neal, the safety and environmental coordinator at Longview's Spanish Fork, Utah, box plant won the Safety Professional of the Year award. After this year's strong showing, committee members pointed out Longview's incredible safety transformation over recent years. Last year, Longview won one award. Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging produces lightweight, high-performance multiwall and complementary specialty kraft papers for an established domestic and global customer base. The company also produces containerboard and corrugated boxes. Longview operates a pulp and paper mill at Longview, Wash., and a network of seven converting plants in the western U.S. ##SHARELINKS##
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Norampac, Canada, has contracted Metso, Finland, to provide mill maintenance services for its Greenpac containerboard mill in Niagara Falls, N.Y., USA. With this mill maintenance agreement, Metso will establish and manage all maintenance systems and procedures at the mill. The value of the agreement was not disclosed.
The new linerboard machine at the Greenpac Mill will be supplied by Metso, as announced last year. The machine is scheduled to start up in the third quarter of 2013. The agreement includes recruitment of all maintenance personnel prior to startup. Upon startup, Metso will assume full responsibility of the mill maintenance operations for the entire production facilities at the Greenpac Mill. "We are pleased to collaborate with Metso in creating a unique world-class operation at our Greenpac site. The outsourcing of maintenance is a first of its kind for Norampac and its partners in North America. After visiting a similar world-class site in Europe, we were convinced of the benefits, performance, and customer satisfaction of Metso maintenance operations, which will further contribute to the project's success," said Marc-André Dépin, president and CEO of Norampac. The Metso mill maintenance model optimizes the use of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Metso's streamlined reliability centered maintenance (Applied RCM) and condition-based maintenance. The model ensures the highest possible equipment efficiency and cost optimization, Metso notes. The Greenpac Mill is a partnership controlled by Cascades and managed by Norampac. Created in 1997, Norampac, a Division of Cascades Canada ULC, is the largest containerboard producer in Canada and the sixth largest in North America, with 4,239 employees. Today, Norampac operates several containerboard and boxboard mills, corrugated product plants, folding carton plants, and a graphic center in Canada and the U.S. ##SHARELINKS##
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UPM Raflatac, Finland, reports that it has received certification to the ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System for its Malaysia labelstock manufacturing facility. The certification represents a significant step toward achieving one of the company's major goals to have all UPM Raflatac production facilities ISO 14001 certified.
"The ISO14001 certification is an important milestone and has been one of the highest priorities for UPM Raflatac Malaysia in 2012," says Nasuf Culha, GM, UPM Raflatac Southeast Asia. "This achievement marks UPM Raflatac's commitment and responsibility to the environment, an important testament for our customers and brand owners." The ISO 14001 certification includes the manufacture and slitting of self-adhesive paper and film labelstock. The factory will be reassessed annually to ensure that it is achieving its targets and continuously improving its environmental performance. ISO 14001 certification requires that an organization identifies and controls the environmental aspects and impacts of its activities, products or services, continually improves its environmental performance, and implements a systematic approach to setting and measuring the achievement of its environmental objectives and targets. The certificate is awarded by the British Standards Institution (BSI). ##SHARELINKS##
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Kuewait-based United Paper Industries will rebuild its No. 1 sack kraft, fluting, and test liner machine in the Shuaiba Industrial Area of Kuwait. PMT Italia (Italy) will conduct the major rebuild of PM 1, a 2.6-meter-wide machine that produces the three grades mainly from local OCC (old corrugated containers).
The project is expected to improve production capacity and paper strength by adding a new press section with ÆGO™FLX Shoe DP, a new ÆGO™Sizer P, and a new ÆGO™Reel C. Other parts of the machine will also be modernized. With startup of this project, planned for the fourth quarter of 2013, PMT will have the first ÆGO™FLX Shoe DP unit in the Middle East. ##SHARELINKS##
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 Hyde Industrial Blade Solutions (IBS), Southbridge Mass., USA, has introduced a new Score Slitter Blade line designed to cut and finish rolls of paper, film and foil, corrugated materials, textiles, and abrasives. The Score Slitter Blades, complemented by a line of Perforator Blades for finishing products, are engineered to provide clean cuts consistently when taking materials down to sheets. Also known as "crush cutters,"
Hyde's Score Slitter Blades convert rolls of materials into sheets or smaller sections via a crushing versus cutting action. The blades are designed to exacting OEM specifications for replacement on machinery brands such as Appleton, Arpeco, Arrow, Ashton, Baldwin-Gregg, Cameron, Coretech, Didde-Glaser, Dusenbery, Goss, Johnstone, Kidder, Schreiber, Tidland, and Western Gear, among others. Manufactured most commonly of 52100 steel, an extensive array of blades in a variety of outer and inner diameters, thicknesses, and angles are available in stock at Hyde. These blades can be also constructed of other alloys such as D2, M2, and stainless steel. Hyde blades are ground on proprietary custom grinding machines to provide the highest quality and consistency in operation and are re-sharpenable for longer-life and reuse, the company notes. All Hyde Perforator Blades are made to order based on the tie length, cut length, and number of teeth required for the application. These blades feature machine-ground notches, which are more consistent in shape than laser cut or milled notches, and are available in 1 in. to 15 in. dia. tooth configurations with notches as small as 0.005 in. More information is available online. ##SHARELINKS##
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Sun Chemical, São Paulo, Brazil, has increased prices across all product lines for its Brazilian customers, effective December 1. The percentage increase is in the high single digits and varies depending on the product composition and product line. Sun Chemical says it is communicating specific increases directly with customers.
The company also has announced a price increase for European customers across all of its Sun Chemical product lines, effective January 1. As with the increase in Brazil, the percentage increase in Europe will be in the high single digits and will vary depending on the product composition and product line. In Europe, the company also will communicate specific increases directly with customers. Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC group, is the world's largest producer of printing inks and pigments and a leading provider of materials to the packaging, publication, coatings, plastics, cosmetics, and other industrial markets. Despite average raw material prices stabilizing in 2012, costs have risen on an annual basis and further increases are expected for 2013, the company notes. In both Brazil and Europe, these are mainly due to production and environmental restrictions on key materials, a weaker value of the real and euro, and high demand levels. Luiz Lucietto, GM, Sun Chemical Brazil, and Felipe Mellado, Sun Chemical's chief marketing officer, jointly stated that "the high levels of raw material costs are unprecedented and as a result make it necessary for us to keep our ink prices under review," said. "We work proactively with our supply chain partners to manage and minimize costs, but due to the economic reality, cost pressures have been constant and significant price increases are being passed on to the inks industry. To ensure we maintain high levels of product quality and service as well as profitability, it has become necessary to further increase customer prices." Sun Chemical Corp. is a subsidiary of Sun Chemical Group Coöperatief U.A., the Netherlands, and is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J., U.S.A. ##SHARELINKS##
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The regional Swedish utility Växjö Energi AB has ordered from Andritz, Graz, Austria, a biomass power boiler island that will be part of a new combined heat and power plant. The plant will supply heat and power for the Växjö community in the province of Småland in southern Sweden and is scheduled to startup at the end of 2014.
The scope of supply includes the boiler island from the inlet to the fuel silos to the boiler outlet, based on the Andritz, bubbling fluidized bed design that combines high efficiency with excellent environmental performance. The boiler will burn wood-based biomass (forest residue, bark, sawdust, and wood chips) to generate steam at the rate of 155 metric tons/hr, with steam parameters of 540 °C and 140 bar(a). ##SHARELINKS##
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International Paper, Memphis, Tenn., USA, reports that Carl Gunter will be the new mill manager of the company's Prattville, Ala., containerboard mill, replacing Don Forst, who has been named director of IP's Capital and Manufacturing Service and is relocating to Loveland, Ohio. Gunter most recently was manager of the company's s Pensacola, Fla., containerboard mill. He has some 30 years of experience in the paper industry.
IP concurrently named Brett DeJong mill manager at its Pensacola mill. DeJong most recently was operations manager at IP's Augusta, Ga., coated paperboard mill. ##SHARELINKS##
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 Södra, Sweden, has named Lars Idermark group president and CEO. Idermark is currently the CEO of PostNord in Sweden. Because Idermark has a six-month notice period in his current position, it has not yet been determined exactly when he will be able to take up his new position at Södra. Gunilla Saltin will continue in her position as acting group president and CEO until then.
"Lars Idermark is a person with outstanding experience of various elements of trade and industry, and he has a good insight into the cooperative form of business. He has many years of experience in senior positions, and he is well equipped to lead Södra," said Christer Segerstéen, chairman of the Södra Board. In addition to president and CEO of PostNord, Idermark is currently chairman of Swedbank and a board member of the Chalmers University of Technology Foundation. He has previously held positions as group president and CEO of Kooperativa Förbundet/Coop, president of the Second Swedish National Pension Fund, acting group president of the Capio healthcare group, and deputy CEO and acting CEO of Föreningssparbanken (Swedbank), and before that Föreningsbanken. Idermark is very familiar with Södra, having served on the Södra Board of Directors from 1999 to 2009. His experience of agricultural cooperative operations also goes back a long way. In addition to his duties at Södra, he was also the CEO of LRF Holding. ##SHARELINKS##
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 The 2013 TAPPI PEERS Conference, September 15-18 in Green Bay, Wis., USA., is the perfect forum for paper industry professionals both to acquire practical operating insights and to network with industry peers in technical sessions, tutorials, round tables, new technology sessions, and workshops. Papers are now being accepted for the 2013 technical program; suggested topics are as follows:
Learn more. Once again, next year's PEERS Conference will be co-located with the International Bioenergy and Bioproducts Conference (IBBC). Authors interested in presenting a paper should upload their abstract to TAPPI's Speaker Management System byMarch 1, 2013. Abstracts should be 1-2 paragraphs in length. Authors will be notified of acceptance by March 28. For more information, contact Craig McKinney, TAPPI Program Manager, at 1.770.209.7294 ##SHARELINKS##
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 The Call for Papers has been extended for 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. Abstracts must be entered into the TAPPI Speaker Management System by January 11, 2013. This is a great opportunity to share your research findings with industry experts, scientists, health and safety specialists, legal and government policy makers, and leading researchers from around the world. Participate as a Sponsor or an Exhibitor! 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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George L. Booth was particularly known for his pioneering work in the development of four-roll reverse coaters, blade coaters, and their applications. He was active in the Syracuse Pulp and Paper Foundation for many years where he provided guidance for many groups of high school students. Booth received his B.S. degree in pulp and paper manufacturing in 1950 from the New York State College of Forestry, and gbecame a TAPPI member in 1952. He was a research engineer for Black Clawson and Surtech Coating Co. for much of his career, and also was the first chairman of the Coating Machinery Committee of the TAPPI Coating and Graphic Arts Division, which he continued to serve on. Booth also served on the TAPPI Plastics Committee of the Paper Synthetics Division and participated in many Local Section activities. He was honored as a TAPPI Fellow in 1979 and remained an active member of TAPPI throughout the 2000s after his retirement. ##SHARELINKS##
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 An Andreas Ahlbrandt winner, TAPPI member Ginger Cushing says being an active member of TAPPI's PLACE Division has served her professional development well by providing a solid network of packaging experts whose knowledge helped her win new business on many occasions. "They helped me understand the individual elements of packaging and how our components and processes work in concert," she said.Cushing first joined TAPPI in 1988 when her colleagues at Mica, where she was a bench chemist, began urging her to do so. "They made me see it was the place to be," she said. Since then, she has held various chair positions, conducted courses, and has written and delivered numerous white papers. In addition to the Ahlbrandt award, Ginger was also named one of TAPPI's Finest Faculty for her participation in courses and symposia, and is a past recipient of the best paper and best session awards.  Ginger says being so active in TAPPI has provided many lasting benefits to her career, including a go-to network of packaging experts whose knowledge has helped her win new business on many occasions. "They help me understand the individual elements of packaging and how our components and processes work in concert." If you would like to be featured in this section, or would like to suggest a fellow member to profile, please fill out the Membership Questionnaire and return it as an attachment to MemberSpotlight@tappi.org. Find out more by reading this month's Member Spotlight. Read the full TAPPI In-the-Spotlight to see this member's bio and related Q&A section. ##SHARELINKS##
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 Registration for the 14th TAPPI European PLACE Conference, May 6-8, 2013, at the Swissotel in Dresden, Germany, is now open with an exclusive savings opportunity! Delegates that register online during the month of December and book their accommodations in the same transaction will receive a special early registration discount. During this busy holiday season, TAPPI is happy to pass this special "gift" on to you!
Call for Papers Has Been Extended
There is still time to submit your abstract and take an active role in this not-to-miss event. View the Call for Papers and submit your abstract through the TAPPI Speaker Management System before December 14.
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PIMA, the Management Division of TAPPI, presents the following awards that require completion of a nomination form: PIMA'S Executive of the Year The Executive of the Year Award is the highest honor bestowed by PIMA, traditionally presented to senior-level executives in the pulp, paper, or converting industries for excellence in management and outstanding contributions to the industry as a whole. Mill Manager of the Year The Mill Manager of the Year Award recognizes the mill manager who has best demonstrated outstanding leadership, management, and organizational skills leading to improved results at the facility for which he or she is responsible. Nominees for this award are judged on four criteria: skill in people development, application of best management practices, effective use of external resources, and change management. The Brookshire Moore Superintendent of the Year Recognizes the mill superintendent who has shown high personal standards and professional management qualities that contribute to the betterment of those under their management and in their company. Technologist of the Year The Technologist of the Year Award recognizes a member of a technology or IT team from a paper or paper converting company who has best demonstrated outstanding leadership, management, and organizational skills leading to improved results at the facility or enterprise for which he or she is responsible. Nominees for this award are judged on five criteria: effective application of technology, skill in people development, application of best management practices, effective use of external resources, and change management. This award is only available to employees of a paper company. Ray H. Cross Community Service Award This award pays tribute to pulp and paper industry persons who have rendered outstanding service to their communities by involvement in the activities of local business, educational, civic, and philanthropic organizations. Delano L. "Del" Boutin Local Section Service Award The Del Boutin Division Service Award is presented to pulp and paper or affiliate members for devoted service to a PIMA Local Section. The award recognizes long-term dedication of PIMA members at the local division level. Thomas F. Sheerin Sr. Service Award The Thomas F. Sheerin Sr. Service Award is presented to a supplier for outstanding contributions to the pulp and paper industry and/or the community. IT Service Award This award is presented to an IT affiliate/supplier for outstanding contributions to the pulp and paper industry and/or the community. Kenneth Phillips Specialist Group Award The Kenneth Phillips Specialist Group Award is presented to pulp and paper or affiliate members in recognition of outstanding service as a member of one of PIMA's Professional Specialist Group committees Student of the Year Award The purpose of this award is to recognize and support outstanding students enrolled in paper science programs. The following awards are also presented by PIMA, but no nomination form is required: Glen T. Renegar Award The Glen T. Renegar Award recognizes an individual who has provided outstanding service and contribution toward the growth and betterment of the PIMA Management Division. The award is presented at the national PIMA conference. The Renegar Award is an honor bestowed by the Chair of PIMA. The winner is announced at the National Awards ceremony at PIMA's annual conference, and receives a plaque recognizing the winner's dedication and service to PIMA. CPBIS - PIMA Management Excellence Award The CPBIS - PIMA Management Excellence Award is awarded to an individual who has made career contributions of excellence in the realm of paper industry management. The criteria for selection of an individual to receive this award shall be an individual: whose career has had an exceptionally notable impact on management of and the advancement of business issues in the pulp, paper, and/or allied industries; whose outstanding career accomplishments in management, exhibited via imagination and/or innovation, have expanded the horizons of his or her chosen field and work; whose career has made a uniquely positive impact on the pulp and paper industry through the demonstrated ability to lead and impact others throughout the industry; and who, with those combined qualities, has served as a career enhancing role model and extraordinarily stimulating mentor for young professionals entering the pulp and paper industry. You can download the PIMA Nomination Form in an interactive word version or in it's pdf version. Nomination forms must be submitted by January 20, 2013. ##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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 The TAPPI Shipping, Receiving and Warehousing (SRW) Workshop, April 9-10, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn., USA, is the paper industry's premier educational and networking forum for the entire paper industry supply chain. The workshop provides anyone interested in the logistics and shipment of paper the opportunity to see new technology and hear experts on a wide range of topics – all under one roof - focused on reducing in-transit damage. "The safe, damage-free shipment of paper products to customers around the world is a very important element of pulp and paper industry logistics," notes Larry N. Montague, TAPPI president and CEO. "A wide range of factors can cause damage during shipment and the SRW Workshop is the premier event focusing on how mills, and their customers, can lower costs and improve product quality by reducing damage to rolls during transit." The SRW Workshop is an interactive and collaborative workshop put on by industry professionals representing the entire paper supply chain, including shippers, carriers, printers, and publishers. Presentations and collaborative discussions on topics including car quality, safe truck loading and securing, intermodal loading and securing, damage classification, inspection, and claims procedures are provided. Experts with extensive experience and practical background knowledge representing Class 1 railroads, intermodal providers, warehouses, shippers, and dunnage manufacturers are part of the extensive program offered during this two-day workshop. For more information visit the SRW 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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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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TAPPI has scholarships to offer. You have a chance to apply for some green (funds to pay tuition, etc.) to fund a satisfying green career. These scholarships are available for graduate and undergraduate students with an interest in the pulp, paper, converting, and packaging industries. There are two general types of scholarships:
What this message means to you: If you're a student, here is a great way to apply for financial assistance for the 2013-2014 school year. Note that requirements will vary according to scholarship source, so you'll need to check the qualifications carefully. A reference document is available to guide you.
The deadline to apply for Technical Division Scholarships is February 15, 2013; the deadline for the Cullison scholarship is May 1, 2013. Mark your calendar now to allow yourself time to create an application that reflects the hard work you've been investing in your career. If you are affiliated with a college or university, share this with your students, peers, or other staffers who work with students. They will be glad you did If you're in the industry, perhaps you know of students worthy of scholarship assistance with their education, please pass this information along. ##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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 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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After a record attendance in 2012, PaperCon will bring together a wider assortment of CEOs, mill managers, superintendents, scientists, process engineers, and suppliers for the 2013 conference, scheduled for April 27 to May 1, in Atlanta, Ga., USA. PaperCon 2013 has expanded its already comprehensive technical program to include two new events covering tissue and nonwovens technology. "PaperCon 2013 attendees will benefit from an expanded program providing additional learning and networking opportunities in several key areas," comments Larry N. Montague, TAPPI president and CEO. "Two co-located events - Tissue360º Forum and NETInc – will make new tissue and nonwovens tracks available to full conference registrants. Expanded coverage of these dynamic industry segments makes PaperCon an even more valuable resource." PaperCon's large and comprehensive technical program, the industry's largest, offers a range of topics including Management (PIMA) Papermaking, Coating and Graphic Arts, Recycled Paperboard (RPTA Production - Technical Seminar), and Reliability (OpEx Workshop). An array of networking opportunities such as the PaperCon trade fair, receptions, lunches, and committee meetings, and a New Technology Showcase will make it the industry's must-attend event in 2013. More information is available online. ##SHARELINKS##
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The 2013 International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials will be held June 24-27, 2013, on the campus of the KTH Royal Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Raine Hyde at 1 770-209-7256.
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TAPPI Press is known around the world as an industry-specific publisher of current, reliable, practical, and useful products that help members, students, and other readers enhance their technical knowledge to solve technical problems. TAPPI now offers safety training on DVD. Key benefits of DVD training include:
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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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 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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 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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