Over the Wire
TAPPI
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Almost 40% of K-12 and higher education schools are storing or throwing away textbooks that are dated, damaged, or have otherwise reached the end of their productive life, leaving significant potential to increase book recycling programs across the country, according to a new study by the National Wildlife Federation, Merrifield Va., USA. The report concludes more education about the benefits of textbook recycling is needed to help schools identify options for recycling of unused textbooks. While the report highlights a number of pilot textbook recycling programs being conducted by higher education institutions such as the University of Wyoming, Columbia College, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, there are few K-12 school districts participating in similar efforts.
The positive news is that when books are recycled, the recovered fiber is being put to good re-use – generally in tissue, cardboard, linerboard, boxboard, or insulation, thereby saving virgin resources. The bad news is that not enough books are currently being recycled; however, this is a situation that can be changed – given enough incentive, education, and implementation of proven methods of disposal and processing. National Wildlife Federation, publisher McGraw-Hill (New York, N.Y.), and publication paper producer NewPage Corp. (Miamisburg, Ohio), entered into a collaborative project to study textbook recycling in the U.S., pilot a recycling project, and develop best practices to increase textbook recycling. This report, "A Research Study on Textbook Recycling in America: Recommendations for Proper Disposal and Repurposing at the End of a Textbook's Useful Life," is based primarily on what currently happens to textbooks at the end of their useful life. While the original assumption was that recycling books would be relatively easy, the research indicates that it requires discipline, structure, organization, and an outlet and method for disposal and processing of books. Importantly, the report also states that educating the public about the recyclability of books would have a positive effect on changing behavior. The impetus for conducting this research and pilot project was to support McGraw-Hill's sustainability commitment, NewPage Corp's desire to increase recovered fiber in the U.S., and National Wildlife Federation's environmental education and sustainability programs, Eco-Schools USA and Campus Ecology. The intent of the report is to highlight the lifecycle of textbooks, from production through disposal, and to provide needed information and recommendations to various interested sectors on how they might establish a textbook recycling program at their school, university, or in their community. The report was peer reviewed by industry leaders in book publishing, book manufacturing, paper manufacturing, and recycling. The full report and additional resources and information are available online. "This innovative textbook recycling program was a natural fit with National Wildlife Federation's work to promote business and educational practices that are healthy for our environment," said Kevin Coyle, NWF's VP of Education and Training. "It also aligns with our work on sustainably procured paper, which in part relies on an increased supply of recovered fiber. The best practices that were an outcome of this project will be shared with our K-12 schools through NWF's Eco-Schools USA program and with higher education institutions through our Campus Ecology program." McGraw-Hill has instituted a number of green practices at its distribution centers, including recycling a majority of the paper recovered from old textbooks. NWF's new program will focus on helping individual students, schools, and organizations recycle hardcover books that are outdated or otherwise unsuitable for reuse. According to Brian Kozlowski, director, sustainable development, NewPage Corp., "the project team identified a number of barriers that currently impede textbook recycling as well as a number of opportunities that can materially increase the recovery and recycling of textbooks at the end of their useful life." ##SHARELINKS##
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Economic activity in the U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in December, following one month of contraction, and the overall economy grew for the 43rd consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. The report was issued by Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Business Survey Committee., Tempe, Ariz.
The PMI registered 50.7%, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from November's reading of 49.5%, indicating expansion in manufacturing for only the third time in the last seven months. This month's PMI reading moved manufacturing off its low point for 2012 in November. The New Orders Index remained at 50.3%, the same rate as in November, indicating growth in new orders for the fourth consecutive month. The Production Index registered 52.6%, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points, indicating growth in production for the third consecutive month. The Employment Index registered 52.7%, an increase of 4.3 percentage points, indicating a resumption of growth in employment following only one month of contraction since September 2009. Both the Exports and Imports Indexes registered 51.5%, returning both indexes to growth territory following consecutive periods of contraction of six and four months, respectively. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, seven are reporting growth in December in the following order: Furniture & Related Products; Paper Products; Petroleum and Coal Products; Wood Products; Primary Metals; Computer and Electronic Products; and Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Products. The nine industries reporting contraction in December (in order) are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Chemical Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics and Rubber Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances and Components; and Apparel, Leather, and Allied Products. The five industries reporting growth in new orders in December are: Apparel, Leather, and Allied Products; Primary Metals; Furniture and Related Products; Paper Products; and Computer and Electronic Products. The 10 industries reporting a decrease in new orders during December (in order) are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Printing and Related Support Activities; Plastics and Rubber Products; Chemical Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances, and Components; Machinery; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Products. The five industries reporting growth in production during the month of December are: Furniture and Related Products; Petroleum and Coal Products; Paper Products; Primary Metals; and Computer and Electronic Products. The seven industries reporting a decrease in production in December (in order) are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Chemical Products; Machinery; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Apparel, Leather, and Allied Products. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, nine reported growth in employment in December in the following order: Petroleum and Coal Products; Wood Products; Printing and Related Support Activities; Paper Products; Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Products; Furniture and Related Products; Chemical Products; Computer and Electronic Products; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances, and Components. The seven industries reporting a decrease in employment in December (in order) are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Apparel, Leather, and Allied Products; Transportation Equipment; Plastics and Rubber Products; Machinery; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Fabricated Metal Products. The seven industries reporting growth in new export orders in December (in order) are: Petroleum and Coal Products; Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Products; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Paper Products; Computer and Electronic Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The five industries reporting a decrease in new export orders during December are: Chemical Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances AND Components; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; and Apparel, Leather, and Allied Products. The seven industries reporting growth in imports during the month of December (in order) are: Apparel, Leather, and Allied Products; Furniture and Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances, and Components; Chemical Products; Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Products; and Computer and Electronic Products. The three industries reporting a decrease in imports during December are: Primary Metals; Transportation Equipment; and Machinery. Seven industries reported no change in imports for the month of December when compared with November. The full text version of the Manufacturing ISM Report on Business is available on ISM's website. ##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 shift supervisor, maintenance manager, director of engineering, maintenance training manager, papermaking technology manager, and engineering intern. 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 (NBSK-northern bleached softwood kraft) averaged $870 per metric ton in December, which was flat from November, according to Mark Wilde of Deutsche Bank. Prices for NBSK pulps ranged from $600 to $1100 per metric ton, Wilde adds. ##SHARELINKS##
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Other grade prices in December that remained flat from November, Mark Wilde of Deutsche Bank reports, include: newsprint ($640 per metric ton), ranging between $415 and $800 per metric ton; lightweight coated papers ($900 per ton), ranging $680 and $1,240 per ton; coated free sheet ($975 per ton), ranging between $720 and $1100 per ton; linerboard ($690 per ton), ranging $310 and $700 per metric ton; and solid bleached sulfate (SBS) board ($1,115 per ton), ranging between $570 and $1,200 per ton. Uncoated free sheet average prices fell $5.00 per ton from November, ranging between $650 and $1,200 per ton. ##SHARELINKS##
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U.S. industry consumption of recovered paper this past November was 2.36 million tons, which is 5% lower than in October 2012, according to the AF&PA, Washington, D.C., USA. AF&PA's November 2012 U.S. Recovered Fiber Monthly Report notes that inventories increased for most grades. Year-to-date total consumption for 2012 was 4% lower than during the same period of 2011.
U.S. exports of recovered paper showed strong gains across all grades, except for high grade deinking. Corrugated exports increased to levels not seen since April 2011. Year-to-date exports of recovered paper in 2012 are 6% lower than during the same period in 2011. ##SHARELINKS##
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Cascades Tissue Group USA, Waterford, N.Y., this week reported that it has achieved Green Seal Standard, GS-1 re-certification of Sanitary Paper Products for its entire line of Cascades® and North River® away-from-home (AFH) towel and tissue products. As a result, Cascades now possesses the largest offering of Green Seal-certified towel and tissue products throughout North America today. The re-certification encompasses 114 branded products, all made from 100% recycled fiber.
In September 2011, Green Seal made major revisions to its GS-1 standard. The standard was first established more than 20 years ago for products such as bathroom tissue, facial tissue, paper towels, napkins, wipes, and placemats. Overall, it sets the environmental, health, and social requirements for sanitary paper products and comprehensively addresses environmental life-cycle issues spanning raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, and product use and performance. "Cascades has offered Green Seal-certified paper towels and tissue since 2005," said Dr. Arthur Weissman, president and CEO of Green Seal. "In achieving certification to the revised GS-1 standard, the North River and Cascades products continue to represent leadership in sustainability in this industry." The revised GS-1 standard provides more stringent criteria such as increasing the amount of post-consumer material required by an average of 25%, monitoring air and wastewater quality, and expanding product performance and packaging requirements. Products must also adhere to strict requirements related to qualities like weight, strength, absorbency, and sheet count and size. "We're honored to have the most products conforming to GS-1 in the market and commend Green Seal for their detailed, comprehensive approach to ensuring high standards of product performance and environmental quality," said Suzanne Blanchet, President and CEO of Cascades Tissue Group. "Given that these papers are heavily used in North America, and often used just once before being disposed of, it's a valuable certification for everyone." ##SHARELINKS##
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Irving Paper, Saint John, N.B., Canada, reports that it has a "new target to beat" in 2013 as it ends 2012 with "record-breaking production." The company says that its team of more than 300 employees pulled together to make 408,214 metric tons of specialty grade paper in 2012.
While production has increased, the company notes, "the Irving team has worked hard to reduce the mill's impact on the environment." Over the past five years, the company has achieved a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions—the equivalent of about 20,000 cars off the road. Saint John is the province's forestry hub; and Irving Paper points out that it is a significant contributor to the local economy, generating tens of millions of dollars in payroll and purchasing more than $130 million a year in goods and services from New Brunswick suppliers. The mill is also active in the community – including volunteering with the award-winning PALs program at Glen Falls School, revitalizing local playgrounds, and supporting meal programs. ##SHARELINKS##
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Kruger (Montreal, Canada) employees laid off over the holidays last month in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada, returned to work this week. The 110 employees were laid off when one of the mill's two neewsprintg machines was shut down on December 23. The 15-day shutdown reduced the mill's newsprint output by 4,000 metric tons.
Most unionized workers voted last year to accept a concessionary deal with Kruger, which has been trying to keep the struggling mill afloat. The 110 workers represent approximately a third of the mill's total employees ##SHARELINKS##
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Metso, Finland, has divested all of its shares in Metso Husum AB, located near Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, to Pichano Holding AB, as the result of a restructuring plan of its service workshop network in Sweden. The business was transferred on January 1. The value of the agreement was not disclosed.
Metso Husum AB is specialized in repair and maintenance work to the pulp and paper industry as well as to the construction industry. It provides services at the customer site as well as manufacture in its own workshop. The company has a turnover of EUR 1.5 million and 12 employees, all of which will remain with the company. "We will integrate the Husum company into Pichano without major changes, and then continue to develop the business in the areas we focus on, i.e., bioenergy, hydroelectric power, wind power, and steel work within the construction industry," said Kent Modin, VD, Pichano Holding. The Pichano group is a full-service company serving customers within the construction, transport, and maintenance area. The turnover in the group is EUR 21 million, and it has 150 employees. ##SHARELINKS##
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Orient Paper, Baoding, China, a producer and distributor of diversified paper products in northern China, this week announced that it has secured the land lease for its new household/tissue paper production facilities as well as signed the construction and installation contract for the first production line in these facilities, through its subsidiary Hebei Baoding Orient Paper Milling Co.
Orient secured the lease of a 300 mu parcel of land (or approximately 200,000 square meters) in the Wei County Economic Development Zone in Hebei Province. Under the land lease agreement, Orient Paper HB has the usage rights for 15 years starting from Nov. 27, 2012, for lease payment of RMB 3.6 million ($580,000) annually. The construction and installation contract with a paper manufacturing equipment provider in China is for the first of its two household/tissue paper production lines, each having a designed capacity of 15,000 metric tpy. The consideration for the first production line under the contract is RMB 31 million ($5.0 million), funded by the company out of cash on hand, with installation scheduled to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2014. The company estimates that the total cost of the two tissue paper production lines and related facilities will be approximately $43.5 million. When in full production, the company expects the two production lines to generate up to $30 - $34 million of revenue annually. "Orient Paper is making steady progress with our business expansion into the tissue paper sector, as previously announced," said Zhenyong Liu, chairman and CEO of Orient Paper. "Our strategy is to tap on under-served markets and benefit from the growing urbanization of China's rural regions, and we see great potential in the household/tissue market in North China. The tissue paper business is one of our key future growth drivers and we are confident that the expansion into this sector can provide long-term value for our shareholders." Orient Paper produces and distributes three types of paper products—packaging paper (corrugating medium), offset printing paper, and other paper products, including digital photo paper, and household/tissue papers that the company is currently expanding into. ##SHARELINKS##
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The Rottneros Group, Stockholm, Sweden, says that it will continue to produce groundwood pulp at its Rottneros Mill in Sweden. The initiative to improve the groundwood mill's process has resulted in the mill producing and marketing a new grade with properties that are particularly attractive to board manufacturers, the company explains.
The board of Rottneros announced in May 2012 that it had entered into negotiations concerning the termination of continuous groundwood pulp production at the Rottneros Mill. Negotiations, which were concluded in mid-year, resulted in the organization having to reduce its staff by around 50 posts. Twenty or so employees are now being offered continued work. Rottneros noted that it plans to produce between 40,000 and 50,000 metric tons of groundwood pulp in 2013, made up of the new board grade as well as current printing paper grades. Rottneros is an independent producer of market pulp. The group includes the parent company Rottneros AB and its subsidiaries Rottneros Bruk AB and Vallviks Bruk AB, with operations involving the production and sale of market pulp. The group also includes the wood procurement company Rottneros Baltic SIA in Latvia. Rottneros has around 298 employees and had a turnover of approximately SEK 1.5 billion in the 2011 financial year. ##SHARELINKS##
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Sappi Fine Paper North America (SFPNA), Boston, Mass., USA, this week announced the approval for its $2.5 million capital project to rebuild a specialty paper coater at its Westbrook Mill in Westbrook, Maine. The investment includes an upgrade in the web handling, coating, and drying capabilities of the No. 20 coater.
Sappi notes that, "bringing expanded manufacturing capacity, and delivering higher yield, this upgrade allows our Release business to sustain market leadership with its Classics product line into the next decade." "This is tremendous news for Westbrook Mill," said Donna Cassese, managing director, Westbrook Mill, SFPNA. "Over the past few years, we have made significant gains in safety, yield, equipment reliability, and productivity, all of which have strengthened our market position globally. These accomplishments helped set the stage for the decision to invest in our Classics line." The Westbrook Mill makes specialized release papers. The Classics line is used to provide the textures and patterns for synthetic fabrics used in automobiles, fashionable footwear, and apparel as well as decorative laminate surfaces found in flooring, kitchens, and baths. This project will also contribute to Sappi's commitment to sustainability as the improvements will allow for use of a wider range of raw materials and improve energy efficiency. The re-build is anticipated to be completed by this May. ##SHARELINKS##
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Soundview Paper Co., Elmwood Park, N.J., USA, has acquired Putney, Vt.-based Putney Paper Co., a subsidiary of APC Paper Holdings, a towel and paper products manufacturer. With the acquisition of Putney, Soundview brings a broader range of commercial towel manufacturing capability into its finished paper products offering of tissue, towel, and napkin products to retailers, distributors and other customers.
"We are very enthusiastic about this important addition to Soundview's away-from-home (AFH) business and the synergies created by putting these enterprises together. Putney is recognized for its high quality commercial towel products and has a heritage of making tissue from 100% recycled paper, fitting perfectly into the family of Soundview and Marcal brands. With the addition of Putney, we now offer our customers an even broader product array of towel and tissue products in the AFH segment," said John McLean, SVP of sales and marketing for Soundview. George Wurtz, Soundview's CEO, added that "we are excited about the Putney acquisition. The mill's operational capabilities and papermaking skills extend our capabilities in the commercial markets, enabling us to continue to grow our presence in the northeast region. The Putney, Vt., mill has a rich culture and we look forward to welcoming Putney employees into the Soundview family." Soundview Paper Co. is part of Atlas Holdings, which owns and operates more than 70 facilities with nearly 9,000 employees worldwide. Its businesses are engaged in a broad spectrum of industries, including pulp and paper manufacturing, food and agriculture, wood products and building materials, packaging, capital equipment, and industrial and business services. ##SHARELINKS##
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UPM, Finland, reports that it ceased production of coated magazine paper at its Stracel mill in France on January 4. It also said that it has finalized the employee information and consultation process with the Central Workers' Council of UPM France and the Workers' Council of the Stracel mill.
The consultation process was started in July 2012. The process is part of UPM's asset review announced on Aug. 31, 2011, aimed at adjusting the company's magazine paper capacity to match the needs of its global customer base. Current customers of the UPM Stracel mill will be served from other UPM mills. The UPM Stracel mill has been producing 270,000 metric tpy of coated magazine paper grades. It has 250 employees. As the next step, UPM will continue negotiations for the sale of assets and part of the land of the Stracel mill to the joint venture created by VPK Packaging Group and Klingele Papierwerke. "We have taken the necessary time needed to find the best possible solution for the Stracel mill and its employees. The process was done together with all relevant stakeholders and we want to thank them all for their cooperation" says Jyrki Ovaska, president of UPM Paper Business Group. "The project of VPK and Klingele to convert the mill into a recycled fiber-based containerboard mill is serious and provides an option to create a new industrial future for the Stracel site and for a number of its employees. The aim is to conclude these negotiations as soon as possible," Ovaska said. ##SHARELINKS##
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Burrows Paper Corp., Little Falls, N.Y., USA, reports that it has completed the acquisition of the remaining 75% equity interest in Innopak Hong Kong Ltd. (the investment company that owns 100% of Innopak Heshan) from Innopak Holdings Ltd. Until recently, Burrows was a 25% stakeholder in this joint venture packaging company. Burrows noted that the move further expands its ability to provide global customers with worldwide access to premium packaging for their products.
"We are very proud to welcome the Innopak team into the Burrows family," said Burrows Chairman, COO, and President Bill Burrows. "The synergy of our two companies holds great potential for mutually beneficial integration and significant growth opportunities. Through our shared values and commitment to quality, we will achieve our primary goal of providing superior packaging products to customers, as well as broader opportunities for employees." Innopak Heshan is a converter of specialty paper and board-based foodservice packaging products. Innopak's current offerings include specialized hand carry bags, grease-resistant wraps, color printed clamshells, and more. The company was established in 2007 and its manufacturing facility is located at Longkou, Heshan, Guangdong, China. "Burrows has a reputation for being innovators in the foodservice packaging industry," said Innopak Managing Director Paul Voo. "We look forward to investments that will enable us to further enhance the breadth of our product line and increase efficiency." Burrows operates four paper mills and five converting facilities domestically and abroad—New York, Ohio, Nevada, Iowa, Mississippi, and The Netherlands. Its paper mills maintain the highest standards with ISO, HAACP, and FSC certifications. Burrows is one of only a few companies capable of producing light weight printable tissue paper from 7.5 to 30 lb (12.2 to 48.9 gsm). The company produces MG and MF paper grades that are used in a variety of applications, including medical and food packaging, and many industrial grade papers. ##SHARELINKS##
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Graphic Packaging Holding Co., Atlanta, Ga., USA, a provider of packaging solutions to food, beverage, and other consumer products companies, has completed the previously announced acquisitions of Contego Packaging Holdings, Ltd., a food and consumer products packaging company based in the U.K., and A&R Carton Holding B.V., which is A&R's European beer and beverage packaging business. The combination of Graphic Packaging's European packaging business with these two acquisitions will create one of Europe's largest folding carton businesses.
The two acquisitions will provide state of the art web and sheet-fed converting assets, creating a manufacturing platform in Europe similar to Graphic Packaging's U.S. operations. ##SHARELINKS##
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International Paper, Memphis, Tenn., USA, this week said that it has completed the acquisition of the shares of its joint venture partner Sabanci Holding in the Turkish corrugated packaging company Olmuksa, for a purchase price of $56 million. IP had obtained regulatory approval for the deal in the fourth quarter of 2012.
The deal makes IP the majority shareholder, owning approximately 87.5% of Olmuksa's outstanding shares. The change of control triggers a mandatory call for tender of the remaining public shares (approximately 12.5% float) of Olmuksa, which will be conducted in line with the regulations of the Turkish Capital Markets Board. "Packaging is a core business for International Paper and this deal follows our commitment to expand profitably our strong global platform and regional presence," said Maximo Pacheco, president of International Paper Europe, Middle East & Africa. He added that "it is an exciting opportunity to grow and serve our customers in a strategically important geography." The Turkish corrugated market is currently the seventh largest in Europe with expected continued average growth rates of greater than 5% annually. The country is also strategically positioned to serve as a potential growth platform to the Middle-East. ##SHARELINKS##
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Mayr Melnhof Karton, Vienna, Austria, has signed a Letter of Intent to purchase 100% of the shares in Södra Cell Folla AS and thereby take over Södra's pulp mill in Follafoss. Mayr Melnhof Karton intends to resume operations at Folla as soon as possible, possibly early this year. The parties' intention is to close the deal during the first quarter of this year.
Södra's pulp mill in Follafoss, Norway, has a capacity of 105,000 tpy of CTMP pulp. Södra announced its intention to divest the mill earlier this year. ##SHARELINKS##
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Because of the increasing demand for fiber-based packaging made with renewable materials, Stora Enso Specialty Papers, Finland, reports that it has broadened its MediaSet basis weight offering. MediaSet is now available in basis weights of 80, 90, and 100 gsm.
Specially developed for high-speed-converting, the paper is optimized for the production of packaging wrappers, including confectionery as well as labeling of cans and jars. Brand owners, printers, packers, and fillers can take advantage of a number of important properties of this sized, one-side-coated paper, the company notes. The high-white, glossy surface of MediaSet, in conjunction with an outstanding offset printability, supports a high quality and freshness emphasized product presentation at the Point of Sale (POS). The high bulk, excellent runnability and very good glue adhesion allow high and highest speed in printing, converting, packaging, and labeling lines. This makes MediaSet also an economical choice for packaging production and labeling. MediaSet, especially suitable for the production of food packaging, is produced at the Stora Enso Uetersen mill in Germany, from sustainably produced virgin fibers. ##SHARELINKS##
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Södra, Sweden, has raised the price of its softwood pulp in Europe, effective January 1. The company's new price is $840.00 per metric ton.
Södra's business is organized into four business areas: Södra Skog (timber raw products, forestry services); Södra Timber (wood products); Södra Cell (paper pulp); and Södra Interiör (interior wood products). Some 4,000 people work for the company. ##SHARELINKS##
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Clearwater Paper Corp., Spokane, Wash., USA, this week appointed Beth E. Ford and Kevin J. Hunt to its board of directors, effective immediately. Ford currently serves as EVP, chief supply chain and operations officer at Land O'Lakes. Throughout her 25-year career, she has held leadership positions in multiple industries, including flavor and fragrances (chemicals), consumer package goods, publishing, and oil and gas. Prior to joining Land O'Lakes, she served as EVP, head of supply chain, at International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF). Before that, she held a progression of supply chain and operations management roles with Mobil Corp., PepsiCo and Pepsi Bottling Co., Hachette Book Group, and Scholastic Inc.
Hunt brings more than 25 years of private label consumer experience to the Clearwater board. He currently serves as CEO, president, and director of Ralcorp Holdings, a manufacturer of private-brand food products. Hunt was appointed CEO in January 2012 and prior to that, served as Co-CEO and president since 2003. During his career, he has held various senior management roles, including corporate VP and president, Bremner Food Group, and director of planning and director of marketing at Ralston Purina. Hunt has been appointed to the class of directors whose term of office will expire at the 2013 annual meeting, when it is expected he will be nominated for election to a three-year term. Ford has been appointed to the class of directors whose term of office will expire at the 2014 annual meeting. With these additions, Clearwater Paper's board now consists of nine directors, seven of whom meet New York Stock Exchange standards for independence. ##SHARELINKS##
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Professor Art Ragauskas, Georgia Tech School of Chemistry and Biochemistry in Atlanta, Ga., USA, was elected as a Fellow in the Chemistry section of The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Professor Mohan Srinivasarao, School of Materials Science & Engineering, also was elected in the Chemistry section. Both Ragauskas and Srinivasarao conduct IPST- relevant research and direct the research of Paper Science and Engineering students. Ragauskas supervises students researching cellulose modification, lignin utilization, biofuels, and nanotechnologies, to name a few of his published topics. Srinivasarao supervises a Paper Science and Engineering student researching the utilization of nanocrystalline cellulose for new nanocomposites.
"This is well deserved recognition of your many accomplishments and all you have done in your field of expertise and for Georgia Tech," said G.P. "Bud" Peterson, president of Georgia Tech. A total of seven Georgia Tech faculty members were elected by AAAS this year. All new Fellows will be recognized for their contributions to science and technology at the Fellows Forum in February, during the AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston, Mass. AAAS is the world's largest general scientific society, and publisher of the journal, Science. AAAS was founded in 1848 and includes 261 affiliated societies and academies of science serving 10 million individuals. Science has the largest paid circulation of any peer-reviewed general science journal in the world. ##SHARELINKS##
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Kalle Rasinmäki has been appointed VP of sales and marketing at Vaahto Group Oyj, Finland, reporting to CEO Ari Viinikkala. In his new position, Rasinmäki coordinates and develops the sales and marketing activities of the whole Vaahto Group and sets up the targets and indicators. The objective is to increase the cooperation between the subsidiaries and to support their sales efforts.
Rasinmäki also leads the key account function, SRM (supplier relationship management) cooperation, frame agreement negotiations, and sales agent network. He is also responsible for Russian business. Rasinmäki started with Vaahto Paper Technology Oy as VP of sales and marketing in December 2011, focusing in fall 2012 on sales activities in the service business unit. He was formerly with consultant company Pöyry for 10 years, serving in leading positions in projects, sales, and business management. ##SHARELINKS##
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Careers, like life, cannot always be defined in black and white terms; rather there are always gray areas, as well as some very colorful ones. Just ask TAPPI member Tom Gencarelli who, just seven years into his career, says he learned very quickly after graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering that being professionally successful wasn't always as straightforward either and was often tied to developing strategic relationships.  It is his membership in TAPPI that Tom says enabled him to meet and network with individuals who were instrumental in rapidly progressing his career. "I really assumed that all technical industries were just about meeting product specifications," he said, "but relationships are still key to success and had I not formed the great relationships I have today with key members like Honghi Tran and Glenn Hanson, I do not think I would be in the position I am today." Find out more by reading this month's Member Spotlight. Spotlight participants are recommended by fellow members and staff. If you would like to nominate a member just send their name (or names) to MemberSpotlight@tappi.org. We will forward a Spotlight Questionaire to fill out and return. We look forward to seeing you in the Spotlight! ##SHARELINKS##
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Recognize Star Performers at Your Mill! Do you know of a star performer who deserves some recognition? Nominate them for one of the prestigious awards available from the PIMA Division of TAPPI. They will appreciate being honored at PaperCon and in Paper360° magazine. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 15, 2013. Award descriptions and nomination details are available online. Questions? Contact Scott Springmier. PIMA Awards include:
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 The NETInc Innovative Nonwovens Conference Call for Papers is underway. Authors interested in presenting on these or related topics can submit an abstract electronically by January 11, 2013. NETInc is the perfect forum for industry and academic researchers, and professionals from the nonwovens and affiliated industries, to make connections that support both career and industry growth. The NETInc Technical Program will focus on a variety of cutting-edge topics such as Fiber and Polymer Innovations, Nanotechnology, Emerging Technologies, Fiber & Nonwoven Functionalities, Fiber Processing, and more. Learn more about the Call for Papers and NETInc. ##SHARELINKS##
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Monitoring Tools and Strategies for the Detection and Control of Microbial Growth in Papermaking Systems Wednesday, January 30, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (EST) Microorganisms thrive in industrial systems, including paper manufacturing environments. Inadequate control of microbial growth can allow for spoilage and deposit formation that reduces process efficiency and product quality. This webinar will provide an overview of monitoring approaches that can be used to assess the performance of biocontrol programs and optimize treatment strategies for improved control of microbial spoilage and deposit formation. Learn more and register for this FREE Webinar! Who should attend: Anyone with an interest in deposit control and spoilage in industrial systems. The material is based on the 2008 "Monograph on Microbiology of Papermaking Systems," published by TAPPI Press, and available online. The webinar is open to TAPPI members and nonmembers. Presenter: Dr. Laura Rice, Nalco Laura Rice is a senior research scientist in Pulp and Paper Research at Nalco, an Ecolab company. She develops microbiological monitoring and control technologies for papermaking systems and provides on-site consulting and training for biocontrol applications. There is no cost to attend, but you must register. ##SHARELINKS##
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Paper Roll Damage Expensive? Attend TAPPI's SRW Workshop this April and be a part of this dedicated group of mills, carriers, warehouses and printers as they collaborate to reduce in-transit damage to rolls of paper. The Shipping, Receiving and Warehousing Workshop is an affordable working meeting with presentations and collaborative discussions, engaging keynote speakers, and great opportunities for networking. It's something you can't afford to miss. Why attend?
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TAPPI and NCSU are partnered again for the first of three introductory level courses for industry professionals that cover the entire pulping and papermaking process. The 2013 Hands-On Workshop for Pulp and Paper Basics takes place March 4-8 at North Carolina state University in Raleigh, N.C., USA. This workshop fills to capacity quickly, so reserve your place now so that you can:
This workshop is ideal for new process engineers, manufacturing operators and technicians, sales and service personnel, machine operators, and maintenance personnel -- everyone who wants a better understanding of the pulp and paper business. Don't wait too long to register for the March 4-8 workshop. Two additional courses are being offered at NCSU in June and October for those who aren't able to attend the first event. ##SHARELINKS##
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The TAPPI Troubleshooting "Flexos" and "Die Cutters" Sustain Board Caliper & Improve Printing Course is scheduled for April 16-18, 2013, in Neenah, Wis., USA. Join industry veteran Dick Target, founder of On Target Consultants, as he helps attendees identify and address downtime issues and develop a better understanding of machine calibration and how to maintain proper board caliper during the converting process. Target will use an easy to understand format to help attendees improve the basic manufacturing process. Topics will include: methods to minimize caliper loss in the converting process; one-box set-up techniques; and waste reduction techniques. View the course schedule. Take advantage of the Early Bird Registration discount before March 16. Join TAPPI or renew your membership for the best rates! ##SHARELINKS##
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Strengthen your understanding of the corrugating process, and linerboard and medium performance properties and manufacture with TAPPI's Linerboard Medium & Corrugated Box Manufacture Course, April 15-16, at the Holiday Inn in Neenah, Wis., USA. With an emphasis on helping attendees improve corrugating box performance and runnability, this popular introductory to intermediate level course is ideal for process engineers and operators in linerboard and medium manufacturing facilities and corrugating and converting plants. Instructors Michael J. Kocurek, Professor Emeritus, of Paper Science & Engineering at North Carolina State University, and Jon Porter, Senior Trainer / Process Specialist for Fosber America will address:
Register by March 15 to take advantage of the Early Bird registration discount. Join TAPPI or renew your membership for the best rates! ##SHARELINKS##
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David Schirmer, Vice President and General Manager of Hearst Enterprises will Keynote at Tappi's Shipping Receiving and Warehousing Workshop this April in Nashville. Schirmer is responsible for paper procurement for divisions of Hearst Corp. including Hearst Magazines and Hearst Newspapers and is one of principles of Newsprint Purchasing LLC. Tappi's SRW Workshop, taking place April 9-10, focuses on reducing in-transit paper roll damage through collaborative discussions and best practices. Learn more about SRW. ##SHARELINKS##
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 The highly-regarded Executive Panel on Monday, April 29, will illuminate how industry leaders are thinking and driving innovation in their companies. See who's speaking. Designed by industry professionals, PaperCon (April 27 - May 1 in Atlanta, Ga., USA) will bring 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 with networking opportunities and trade fair among such a distinguished group of industry leaders. ##SHARELINKS##
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 The TAPPI Tissue Properties & Manufacturing Course will be held on April 27-28, 2013 in Atlanta, Ga., co-located with PaperCon 2013 and the Tissue Forum. This is a great opportunity to get the most out of your conference experience. This Tissue Properties course is designed for those who desire an introductory-to-intermediate level, comprehensive, and structured course on tissue properties and the effect of manufacturing. The course precedes the Tissue Forum at PaperCon 2013 and is an excellent educational component to these technical sessions. This course will be particularly helpful to non-technical professionals, technical process engineers, operators, suppliers, converters and marketers with 0-5 years of experience in tissue manufacturing. Go to the course website to learn more. ##SHARELINKS##
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 By: Jerome M. Gess and Paul H. Wilson This book takes the reader through the process of making paper, pointing out where interruptions can occur and where elements added to the system can cause problems in that part or subsequent parts of the papermaking process. The aim of this book is to give papermakers and those involved in the papermaking process the information required to allow them to understand how to track down and solve problems at their source rather than where the problems surface. Troubleshooting the Papermaking Process. View the Table of Contents. Product Code: 0101R298 Member Price: $106.00 Non-member Price: $161.00 ##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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 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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 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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