Over the Wire
TAPPI
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A new international study by Innventia, Stockholm, Sweden, titled Packaging 2020, describes seven global forces and their impact on the packaging industry and packaging of the future. Conclusions of the report, carried out in association with Stockholm-based Kairos Future, are based on a survey of consumers in the U.S., India, and Sweden. A clear majority of the 1,500 respondents see major problems with society's consumption of packaging.
There are demands for tougher quality controls and stricter environmental legislation, and a clear majority of consumers in all three countries would like to see somewhat stricter or much stricter environmental legislation. Global consumers – particularly those in Sweden – are keen to see more innovative packaging. For example, three out of five (63%) would like to be able to scan goods to find out more about their origin and delivery, as well as detailed information about the content.
"A growing global middle class, an aging population, limited access to raw materials, and intensified urbanization are a few of the megatrends posing challenges for the product and packaging industry," says Fredrik Rosén, manager of the Market and Consumer Insight group at Innventia. "We're seeing purchasing decisions being guided by the packaging material itself, not just the appearance of the packaging. We're also seeing a clear demand and a great need for smarter packaging. In the future, stricter demands will be placed on packaging materials that come into contact with foodstuffs.
Key Report Figures
For more information and to request an electronic copy of the report, contact Fredrik Rosén at Innventia, +46 (0)8 67 67 334. ##SHARELINKS##
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According to the report, there are particular consumer concerns about the environmental impact of packaging in India, where 60% are prepared to go so far as to avoid purchasing a specific product if the packaging is seen to be environmentally unfriendly. The corresponding figure in Sweden is 20%. Plastic packaging is deemed to be the biggest environmental villain among Americans and Indians, while it is mainly aluminum packaging that Swedes shy away from. 
"The growth in online shopping will bring both challenges and opportunities for the packaging industry," Rosén continues. For example, will the brown cardboard boxes that products are usually shipped in today still be as brown and boring in the future, or will they become an important part of branding? When it comes to the packaging value chain, as the quest for high quality raw materials intensifies, recycling players will occupy a significantly stronger position. And its not unlikely that we'll see structural collaboration, whereby recyclers become involved in other parts of the value chain." |
UPM, Finland, reports that continuing challenges in the European economy have significantly impacted the consumption of paper, exacerbating the effect of structural changes in paper end-uses, and resulting in a further decline in the demand of graphic papers in Europe. The company thus is planning to permanently reduce paper capacity in Europe by an additional 580,000 metric tons. The capacity reductions are planned to take place in Finland, Germany, and France. The company also said it will streamline its Paper Business Group and global functions to remain cost competitive in the new business scale.
In early January, UPM announced a reduction of 270,000 metric tpy of coated magazine paper capacity at its Stracel, France, mill. Combined with the 580,000 metric tpy reduction announced this week, UPM will reduce a total of approximately 850,000 metric tpy of graphic paper capacity in 2013. These reductions include:
If all plans are implemented, UPM's personnel will be reduced by approximately 860 people. The plans would affect several countries. According to the plan, the Rauma and Ettringen machine lines would be permanently closed by the end of the first half of 2013. Both machines are producing uncoated magazine paper, totaling 420,000 metric tpy. The process for selling the UPM Docelles mill will start immediately, and will be given a maximum of six months. Docelles is producing 160,000 metric tpy of uncoated woodfree papers. Streamlining of the Paper Business Group and global functions will begin after further analysis beginning in early February. Including UPM Stracel, the plans are estimated to result in annual fixed cost savings of EUR 90 million, and one-time cash costs of EUR 100 million. "The target of the planned actions is to ensure the efficient use of UPM's remaining capacity. The paper machines targeted for closure are either at the end of their technical age, have limited product flexibility, or have poor profitability. The situation is very regrettable for the personnel; however, in the overcapacity situation, we need to adjust our capacity to the level of profitable customer demand," said Jyrki Ovaska, president of the UPM Paper Business Group. ##SHARELINKS##
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Cascades Tissue Group, Montreal, Que., Canada, referencing a recent study by the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., USA, is emphasizing the major role that inadequate hand drying plays in the spread of germs and bacteria. Cascades notes that in the beginning of 2013 gastroenteritis and the flu have hit hard. "We know," the company says, "that hand washing is crucial to limit their spread, especially in public places."
According to Cascades Tissue, the Mayo Clinic study uses research to support its claim that "paper towels can dry hands efficiently, remove bacteria effectively, and cause less contamination of the washroom environment" and that "paper towels reduced the numbers of all types of bacteria on the hands. However, the hot air dryer increased all types of bacteria on the hands." Suzanne Blanchet, president and CEO of Cascades Tissue Group, points out that "usually, instructions on proper hygiene focus on hand washing, without informing people of the risks associated with inadequate drying. Even though Cascades produces paper towels, we want to add our voice to that of other groups so people adopt behaviors that are more effective in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. As well, we're addressing an issue we know something about, which is drying the hands with paper." Since bacteria are more likely to be transmitted from wet skin than dry skin, proper drying after washing should be an integral part of the hand hygiene process, Cascades Tissue insists. "While the public is concerned about the risk of contamination, particularly now with the number of cases of gastroenteritis and the flu, this information about hand drying can lead us to question our habits. We think it's important to give the facts to as many people as possible and contribute in our own way to controlling the spread of germs," Blanchet says. The full Mayo Clinic study is available online. Cascades Tissue Group is the fourth largest producer of tissue paper in North America. Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts, and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fiber. The company employs more than 12,000 employees, who work in more than 100 units located in North America and Europe. ##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 fiberline manager, R&D manager and chemist, lab director, area superintendent, and assistant fiber superintendent. 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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China will continue to experience healthy graphic (printing, writing, and newsprint) paper demand growth over the next decade despite some markets in China already starting to mature. According to a new study released this week by RISI, Boston, Mass., USA, healthy economic activity and improved standards of living in China will support demand even as some markets such as newsprint experience displacement by electronic technology. China's Influence on World Graphic Paper Markets in the Coming Decade analyzes China's end use structure to determine how it will affect future graphic paper market growth.
"By 2011, Chinese consumption of graphic paper reached 27.6 million metric tons, averaging a demand growth rate of 1.5 million metric tons per year since 2001. However, the end-use structures in China are dramatically different than those of other world regions. For example, books consume more paper than any other end-use in China, 40% of all graphic paper demand, and standards for newsprint and magazines are far different than in the developed world. These differences all affect the likely trends in graphic paper demand by grade in China," said John Maine, VP of Graphic Papers at RISI. "Based on our analysis of this intricate end-use structure, we believe that–although future growth rates for graphic paper demand could be less than half of historical levels as some markets begin to mature–China's increasing levels of economic activity, rising incomes, and increased educational demand will continue to support the overall growth of graphic paper," said Li Meng, economist for Graphic Papers at RISI and the lead author of this study. More information on the new study is available online. ##SHARELINKS##
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The pulp industry in Spain has turned its focus to increasingly rely on domestic wood fiber sources rather than imported wood fiber the past year. Importation of wood chips was down as much as 58% the first 10 months of 2012, compared with the same period in 2011, and there has not been a single chip vessel that has entered a Spanish port since May of 2012, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ), Seattle, Wash., USA.
This is a remarkable turn-around in wood fiber sourcing. As late as 2011, Spain imported 675,000 metric tons of Eucalyptus chips, 87% from Uruguay and the rest from Congo and Chile, WRQ notes. During the past eight years, Uruguay has exported between 300,000 oven-dry metric tons (odmt) and 600,000 odmt annually to Spain, so losing all that volume is a major setback for landowners and chip exporters in the country, WRQ continues. Total chips exports to Spain for 2012 will be an estimated 200,000 odmt, which represents less than half of the shipments in 2011, and is the lowest levels seen since 2004. Even the other two major buyers of Eucalyptus chips, Portugal and Norway, have cut back purchases substantially the past 12 months with the result that total volumes of chips exported from Uruguay in 2012 may reach a total of only 700,000 odmt, down from almost 1.6 million odmt in 2011, WRQ points out. Eucalyptus log prices in Spain have been declining steadily for more than a year, and the major fiber consumers have lowered the price they pay to land owners practically every quarter since early 2011. The average Eucalyptus log price in the 3Q/12 was 11% below the price in 3Q/11, according to WRQ. In U.S. dollar terms, the average cost for Eucalyptus has declined by 26% since its all-time-high in the 2Q/11. Spanish pulp mills currently have some of the lowest hardwood fiber costs in Europe, but are still paying more for hardwood fiber than competitors in Latin America and North America, WRQ says. More information is available online ##SHARELINKS##
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BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Zelfo Technology, Frankfort, Germany, have signed an agreement for the transfer of intellectual property (IP) rights of the latest Zelfo processing technology for the efficient and cost-effective production of micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC). The newly developed technology concerns the engineering of superior MFC used to produce a wide variety of paper, board, and tissue products. This technology allows significant improvement in strength and weight reduction to address, for example, the need for lighter, stronger, paper-based packaging. Financial details of the cooperation were not announced.
BASF aims to further improve Zelfo's fibre technology through a wide range of chemical additives for paper making. BASF's expertise in chemistry is essential for MFC technology to function efficiently on an industrial scale and to support the use of cellulosic, recyclable, and biodegradable materials in the process. "The cooperation combines BASF's chemistry with Zelfo Technology's know-how and patented process for optimized cellulosic raw materials," said Uwe Liebelt, president of BASF's Paper Chemicals division. "Together we are uniquely positioned to address the needs of the packaging industry for increased recyclability coupled with superior performance." Each partner has defined exclusive industry fields to apply this technology. BASF will focus on all applications related to paper, board, packaging, and tissue. Zelfo Technology will continue its main activities in non-VOC emitting binders and bio-composite based applications. Both companies will collaborate to scale-up the technology and will continue to work closely together. Zelfo Technology has a unique position in modern cellulose material science and has won several awards for its technical achievements in producing special cellulose composite based products. "BASF is leading in chemistry and Zelfo Technology is a pioneer in cellulosic material science. Our recently concluded agreements with BASF will accelerate the full industrial scale-up of the process for the benefit of both companies," said Richard Hurding, CEO of Zelfo Technology. "By offering enhanced cellulosic materials such as MFC, not only wood pulp but also recycled pulp and agricultural cellulose waste can all be upgraded to produce superior pulp additive grades for better products and more sustainable packaging." ##SHARELINKS##
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Brazilian pulp producer Jari Celulose, Papel e Embalagens S.A., has suspended production earlier than planned at its mill in Monte Dourado in the state of Pará, according to a report by Euwid, Germany. The mill, with a capacity of 410,000 metric tpy of bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp, shut the pulp line down on January 15, some two weeks earlier than previously announced.
Jari will suspend its pulp production for several months until the management has investigated various options and decides whether to resume manufacturing or not, Euwid reported. As an alternative to paper pulp production, the company is considering switching to dissolving pulp. Euwid noted, however, that several industry representatives doubt that the company will resume operations. Upgrading the old pulp line from the 1970s would require a major investment and a cooperation partner would be needed, they said. Furthermore, one of the reasons Jari cited for halting production was the difficult geographic location of the site in the middle of the Amazon region, but shifting production to another product would not alter this, the representatives pointed out. ##SHARELINKS##
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Disley Tissue, U.K., reports that the Metso (Finland)-supplied Advantage AirCap hood and Advantage WetDust system at its mill near Manchester has successfully started up. The Advantage AirCap hood, based on best energy saving principles, is designed to increase production without affecting current energy consumption. The Advantage WetDust system employs a fully wet system to capture dust at the source by encapsulating it in water.
The installation of these two systems will help Disley Tissue decrease its environmental impact by optimizing the process and improving working conditions. Disley Tissue operates in association with Connect Hygiene Products Ltd and Peter Grant Papers Ltd to provide high quality tissue parent reels and converted tissue and towel products. The company is a supplier in the away-from-home market with a production capacity of 35,000 metric tpy of tissue and some 7 million cases of converted products. ##SHARELINKS##
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DuPont Titanium Technologies, Wilmington, Del., USA, reports that it has completed a new distribution agreement with Omya Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Omya, through its subsidiary companies Durr Marketing Associates, Azalea Color Co., and Lipscomb Chemical Co., will become a national distributor and represent DuPont Titanium Technologies' products in all 50 U.S. states as well as Western Canada.
Omya is a global distributor of specialty chemical products focused on Industrial and Life Science applications and a global producer of industrial minerals, mainly fillers and pigments derived from calcium carbonate and dolomite. Omya's distribution network extends from coast to coast across the U.S. DuPont Titanium Technologies is the world's largest manufacturer of titanium dioxide, serving customers globally in the coatings, paper, plastics, and laminates industries. The company operates plants at DeLisle, Miss.; New Johnsonville, Tenn.; Edge Moor, Del.; Altamira, Mexico; and Kuan Yin, Taiwan, all of which use the chloride manufacturing process. The company also operates a mine in Starke, Fla. "We see an outstanding fit between Omya's approach to the markets we serve together and expect that this partnership will improve our market position and better serve our customers in North America," said Miren Salsamendi, North America director, DuPont Titanium Technologies. ##SHARELINKS##
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Ence (Energía y Celulosa), Madrid, Spain, reports that it has secured sales in the first month of 2013 that are equivalent to those in all of 2012. The company expects to export some 90% of its output in 2013, mainly to European countries where it says it will acquire more than 15% of the market share.
Ence has reached agreements for the sale of more than 1.2 million metric tons of pulp for this year. According to the agreements, 1.07 million metric tons will be exported, mainly to European countries, which represents 83% of the company's total sales agreements. The main recipient country is Germany, with 281,000 metric tons, followed by Italy and France with 260,100 and 162,600 metric tons, respectively. Ence ended 2012 with a sales volume of 1,248,000 metric tons of pulp, of which it exported almost 88%. Germany was the main recipient in Europe with sales of more than 270,000 metric tons, followed by Italy with around 210,000 metric tons. Ence says that it is progressively increasing its penetration in Nordic countries, an area in which, despite the significant establishment of the paper industry, its sales in 2012 totaled almost 55,000 metric tons. The company points out that, with these figures, it was able to consolidate its position as the leading short-fiber paper pulp company in that European sector and second in sales on the continent, where it obtained a market share of more than 15%. Ence's says that it focuses its short-fiber paper pulp on segments that show highest growth rates, such as tissue paper. The demand for tissue paper, according to Ence, maintains an average annual growth of more than 4%, with excellent performance in new markets with high growth potential. ##SHARELINKS##
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Norske skog reports that its President and CEO Sven Ombudstvedt has signed a lease contract for the company's new headquarters at Skøyen, Norway. The headquarters will be located centrally at Skøyen in Fram Eiendom's new building in 49 Karenslyst Allé in Oslo. The move will take place in early June.
Norske Skog has undergone a major reorganization and downsizing in recent years, reducing the need for the large premises at Oxenøen, Norway. "Norske Skog is a very different company today than it was just a few years ago. Our intention is to have timely, efficient, and pleasant premises, adapted to the number of employees and our current business," Ombudstvedt said. Norske Skog has had its headquarters at Oxenøen in the municipality of Bærum since 1998. The company and the landlord of the head office at Oxenøen (OBOS and Aspelin-Ramm) have agreed to terminate the current lease contract this June. Norske Skog is a global supplier of newsprint and paper for the magazine and directory sectors. ##SHARELINKS##
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Rayonier, Jacksonville, Fla., USA, this week agreed to sell all of the assets of its Wood Products business to International Forest Products (Interfor), Vancouver, B.C., Canada, for $80 million. The sale, expected to close in the first quarter, will result in an after-tax gain of approximately $40 million.
Rayonier's Wood Products business, headquartered in Baxley, Ga., consists of three lumber mills located in Baxley, Swainsboro, and Eatonton, Ga. As part of the transaction, Interfor has agreed to hire all 260 current Wood Products employees. The three mills contributed approximately $10 million in operating income to Rayonier in 2012. "This sale represents another key move in our strategy to fully position our manufacturing operations in the specialty chemicals sector," said Paul Boynton, Rayonier chairman, president, and CEO. "At the same time, the conversion of our commodity fluff pulp business to cellulose specialties remains on track for a mid-2013 startup. "We are delighted with this opportunity to transition our Wood Products operations to a world-class company focused on lumber and wood products manufacturing," continued Boynton. "Rayonier has enjoyed a long association with Interfor, supplying their lumber business in the Pacific Northwest for many years, and we look forward to expanding that relationship into the Southeast." Interfor is a producer of lumber and wood products, primarily in the Northwest U.S. and Canada. Duncan Davies, Interfor's president and CEO, noted that "the acquisition of Rayonier's Wood Products Business is consistent with our strategy of adding capacity in attractive regional markets. We have been looking for an opportunity in the Southeast for some time and consider this is an ideal time to proceed." The acquisition will bring Interfor's annual capacity to more than 2 billion board feet and represents the company's first investment in the Southeast region of the U.S. ##SHARELINKS##
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Södra, Sweden, this week reported that it has chosen to "leave the project" with Russia-based Angara Paper to build a new pulp mill in Russia. Södra had been invited to take part in a project to build the greenfield mill in southern Siberia. Södra's role in the project was to be an industrial partner and to handle the marketing and sales of pulp from the planned new pulp mill.
"The scope of the project has changed from the original plan. From our perspective, the project no longer fits in with our future strategy and we have therefore chosen not to continue with our involvement," said Gunilla Saltin, acting CEO and president of Södra Cell. Construction work on the pulp mill was scheduled to start at the beginning of this year, with startup planned for 2017. It is anticipated to have a production capacity of 1.2 million metric tpy of pulp, 900,000 metric tpy of which is to be bleached hardwood pulp and 300,000 metric tpy unbleached birch and aspen pulp. About 80% of the output is aimed for export to China, Japan, and other Asian regions. Estimated costs are in the range of EUR 2.7 billion. ##SHARELINKS##
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Vida Paper AB, Sweden, which filed for bankruptcy this past December 12, reports that an agreement has been reached ensuring continuation of production at its Lessebo mill in Sweden. The company acquiring the mill is Lessebo Bruk AB, owned by three Norwegian nationals—Terje Haglund, Roar Paulsrud, and Gunnar Hop. Reportedly, the three new owners all have backgrounds in the paper industry.
Haglund noted that "we see the potential in the mill and this as a long term commitment from our side. Our ambition is to develop and run the operations in Lessebo, and we look upon coming challenges with quite a degree of confidence. Together with existing and potential customers, in combination with our important suppliers, we see a bright future for Lessebo Bruk." The administrator of the bankruptcy estate, Bertil Stridh, said that "I have reached my initial objectives—a continued production at the mill and, consequently, that we have secured jobs in this small community. All parties have constructively come together to make this deal possible. I would like to mention the commitment of the employees in the troublesome situation that we have seen and also the commitment that the previous owner VIDA AB has shown." Lessebo mill has been in operations for 350 years and has been producing paper since 1693. Today, the production is focused on papers for the graphical industry and speciality pulp. The mill also delivers district heating to the community. ##SHARELINKS##
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Zhanjiang Chenming Pulp & Paper Co., in Zhanjiang City, China, has set a woodfree uncoated machine 24-hr. world speed record of 1,808 m/min. During the record run, the 11.15-m-wide PM 1, supplied by Metso, Finland, produced woodfree uncoated printing paper at a basis weight of 70 gsm.
Zhanjiang Chenming PM 1 also held the previous world speed record for woodfree uncoated paper. The PM 1 was started up on Sept. 1, 2011.
PM 1 features Metso's papermaking and automation technology from headbox to reel, air, and chemical systems, and two WinDrum Pro winders. The annual dimensional production capacity of PM 1 is close to 600,000 metric tons of woodfree uncoated printing paper. Zhanjiang Chenming is part of Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings Limited, one of the biggest paper producers in China. In 2011, the company's paper production capacity was more than 4 million metric tons, its turnover exceeded EUR 2 billion, and it had some 17,000 employees. ##SHARELINKS##
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Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging, Longview, Wash., USA, has successfully started up its new PMP Italia (Italy) ÆGO™FLX SHOE press. The new press was part of PMT's rebuild of the mill's PM 11 press section. The press section was upgraded to improve quality and production of sack kraft paper. The results of the upgrade are meeting expectations, the mill reports.
The scope of the rebuild included a new ÆGO™FLX SHOE module mated to a ceramic coated ÆGO™FLX ROLL with a new double doctor. The equipment was successfully delivered, installed, and started up under a tight schedule. ##SHARELINKS##
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MeadWestvaco (MWV), Richmond, Va., USA, this week announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Gujarat Government in India. The MOU establishes MWV's investment of INR 1000 crore (approximately $184 million) over a period of three to five years in the packaging and paperboard industry in India. This investment includes the purchase of Vapi-based Ruby Macons Ltd, as well as additional plans to significantly expand current production at the facility with the installation of a new paper machine that will manufacture new paperboard products and grades. The investment and expansion plan is already underway and should yield significant increases in production starting in calendar year 2013, MWV notes.
"India is a very important market for MWV, and we are pleased to grow our presence with our acquisition and expansion in Gujarat," said John Luke Jr., chairman and CEO, MWV. "We see significant opportunities for higher quality and more innovative packaging solutions in corrugated or industrial markets, as well as many consumer categories such as food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care—largely due to the emergence of modern retail and a fast-growing middle class in India. Through the investment we announced today, we are committing to develop globally competitive products that best suit India's needs—and to bringing the highest standards for environmental and social responsibility to our local operations. We are thankful to Chief Minister Narendra Modi and other members of his government for their continued support, and we applaud his persistent efforts focused on developing Gujarat," said Luke. This past November, MWV announced the acquisition of Ruby Macons, the market leader in corrugated packaging materials in India, as part of the company's profitable growth strategy, including its emphasis on growth in emerging markets. This investment will expand MWV's presence in industrial and agricultural packaging in India, which already includes a converting facility in Pune making rigid, humidity-resistant corrugated packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables, consumer goods, household appliances, and pharmaceuticals. ##SHARELINKS##
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Robert Mann Packaging, (RMP), Salinas Calif., USA, has acquired Cypress Packaging & Supply of Castroville, Calif., a supplier of corrugated packaging and allied items to the California central coast area. RMP has acquired the current inventory of Cypress Packaging & Supply's Castroville warehouse, and will begin manufacturing corrugated containers for existing Cypress customers, providing faster turnaround and high quality products.
RMP says it is committed to providing a smooth transition for all of Cypress' existing customers, and is retaining Cypress' staff of experienced account representatives who will continue to serve their existing accounts, "providing them with the same high quality service and attention to detail that they are used to receiving." RMP President Steve Carroll wrote in an email to RMP employees that "Cypress Packaging is a respected supplier to the same industries we serve—floral nursery, produce, seafood, and industrial in the Central Coast area. Our goal to continue to grow market share is tempered with our goal of remaining a high service packaging company. That is why Cypress was such a great fit. They have a great reputation and have been a long term strong competitor known for excellent sales and service." The RMP Salinas box plant will service the former Cypress customers. "The customer base that Cypress serves along the California Central Coast fits our Salinas box plant and current shipping lanes perfectly," said Carroll. RMP has retained the Cypress sales staff to continue serving the former Cypress customers and provide a seamless transition. "To sell floral nursery packaging you have to work closely with the grower/shippers and have knowledge of how their products need to ship and perform. The Cypress sales staff has that kind of relationship and respect from its customers," Carroll added. "RMP's scale with our box plant and ownership in the Cal Sheets corrugator will help to serve the Cypress customer base with better products and faster turnaround of orders." ##SHARELINKS##
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Gorham Paper and Tissue, Gorham, N.H., USA, reports that it has fully commercialized a portfolio of barrier packaging papers. The offering is used in food service and quick service restaurant (QSR) applications with stringent functionality requirements including oil and grease resistance, wet strength, printability, and surface smoothness for foil or film laminations and wax or poly coatings.
"Our machines are built for niche specialty end uses like barrier packaging papers. For the past six months our product development team has been collaborating with leading packaging converters and end-users to refine product formulations, increase run frequencies, and optimize our machine efficiency," said Brian McAlary, VP of sales and marketing. "With changing market dynamics, we see tremendous opportunity for us to become a core suppler to this technically demanding market." Engineered to provide the technical functionality and aesthetic properties needed for the retail environment, the Gorham line of specialty packaging papers are available in a basis weight range from 18 lb. to 140 lb. and with fiber options including bleached, unbleached (natural), or colored. Targeted food service and QSR applications include wraps, pouches, bags, liners, boxes, and packets. Product Manager Wayne Nablo added that "innovation and product development are central to our company. Our customers are finding our speed to market, the quality of our products, and our willingness to collaborate on custom-engineered papers refreshing. We have some exciting initiatives in our product development pipeline to share with the market over the next few months. Our manufacturing flexibility leads the market." Outside of the food service and QSR markets, Gorham makes a variety of highly-engineered application-based specialty papers, including target paper, flame retardant, stick paper, and numerous base papers for corrugating, laminating, and waxing. All papers are available with fiber certification to SFI or FSC standards. Non-food based papers are available with up to 100% post-consumer content. ##SHARELINKS##
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Voith Paper, Germany, has created a new product line designed to keep energy, water, and fiber consumption in stock preparation as low as possible. At the same time, customers will profit from its high level of efficiency, quality, and reliability, the company notes.
According to Voith, the new BlueLine is highly adapted to market requirements, offering products with state of the art technology. Voith adds that the products not only give a clear savings in energy, water, and fibers, but are also maintenance-free over an especially long period. Several machine types such as the IntensaPulper, the IntensaMaXX pulper detrashing machine, and the IntegraGuard approach flow screen from BlueLine are already available. Another BlueLine product, the InfiltraDiscfilter allows the pulp suspension to be dewatered very reliably and is almost maintenance-free. The core of the InfiltraDiscfilter is the bag-free BaglessPlus disc. The corrugated steel surface increases the filter surface of the disc and thus the capacity of the disc filter. Maintenance costs are therefore greatly reduced. In use, installation and startup of the InfiltraDiscfilter have been quick and easy, leading to a rapid increase in earnings, Voith reports. In addition to the BlueLine products currently available, Voith says it will continue to release further innovations onto the market, such as the new BlueLine IntegraScreen and IntensaDrum drum pulper. ##SHARELINKS##
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Caraustar Industries Inc., Atlanta, Ga., USA, this week announced a price increase of up to 4% on all paper tube and core product lines. The increase will be effective with shipments beginning March 1. The increase is primarily in response to increases in recycled paperboard prices and other costs, the company noted.
Caraustar serves the four principal recycled boxboard product end-use markets: tubes and cores, folding cartons, gypsum facing paper, and specialty paperboard products. ##SHARELINKS##
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Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., USA, this week announced that it will raise the price for all paperboard tubes and cores by 4%, effective with shipments in the U.S. and Canada beginning February 18. Sonoco noted that the price increase is necessary to recover recently announced paperboard price increases and other inflationary inputs impacting its converting cost.
Sonoco, a global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and packaging supply chain services, is the largest producer of paper-based tubes and cores in North America. The company has annualized net sales of approximately $4.5 billion and some 19,600 employees working in more than 340 facilities in 34 countries. ##SHARELINKS##
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Sonoco-Alcore S.a.r.l., Brussels, Belgium, this week announced a EUR 30 per metric ton price increase on all of its recycled paperboard grades in Europe. The price change is effective with shipments on or after February 15.
"The price increase is necessary to manage inflationary cost pressures in Europe, especially energy, freight, starch, and other chemical costs," said Adam Wood, VP, Sonoco-Alcore. Sonoco-Alcore S.a.r.l., wholly-owned by Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., USA, operates 30 tube and core plants and five paperboard mills in Europe. ##SHARELINKS##
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The Newark Group, Cranford, N.J., USA, has announced a $25 per ton price increase on all uncoated grades of recycled paperboard effective with shipments on or after February 18. The increase is necessary to recover escalating costs, according to Raymond Vargo Jr., VP of Sales, Newark Paperboard Mills.
The Newark Group is an integrated producer of recycled paperboard and paperboard products in the U.S. and Canada. The company employs more than 1,500 people and owns/operates 34 facilities. ##SHARELINKS##
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The Newark Group, Cranford, N.J., USA, this week announced a 4% price increase on all tubes, cores, chipboard roll heads, and chipboard sheets in North America, effective with all orders shipped on or after February 25.
"While continuous improvement in our processes is an ongoing effort, escalating external costs make these price changes necessary," said Owen Neary, VP of Sales, Newark Paperboard Products. ##SHARELINKS##
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Cascades, Kingsey Falls, Que., Canada, this week announced the appointment of Hugo D'Amours to the position of VP, Communications and Public Affairs. Until last fall, D'Amours was director of media relations for Quebec Premier Jean Charest. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Public Administration.
"Hugo seemed to be the ideal person to join us as we undergo significant changes, and to continue to promote the innovative and sustainable nature of the company," said Alain Lemaire, president and CEO of Cascades. Lemaire also thanked his predecessor, Hubert Bolduc, for eight years of dedicated service. ##SHARELINKS##
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Fusion Paperboard, Sprague, Conn., USA, has promoted Joel Laroche to GM of its Boxboard Division. Laroche will be responsible for overseeing operations at the Sprague Mill, including production, maintenance, and sales and marketing. He has served as director of operations for the Sprague Mill since the creation of Fusion Paperboard in 2011, and has been instrumental in leading the mill.
Reporting to Laroche, Hank Somer has accepted the position of VP, sales and marketing. Somer has been involved with the sales team for the Sprague Mill since 2006. He has served as national accounts manager with Fusion Paperboard since June 2011. Somer has extensive experience in paperboard, holding key operational and sales roles in the industry for more than 25 years. In addition to sales and marketing, he will oversee customer service at the Sprague Mill. Fusion Paperboard operates two facilities—a Connecticut-based paperboard mill and a Kentucky-based converting plant. The Sprague Mill produces lnverKote and lnverFreez, which are grades of coated recycled boxboard made from 100% recycled fiber with a minimum of 60% post-consumer content and are FSC and Rain Forest Alliance Certified. The Converting plant in Hebron, Ky., produces high quality folding cartons. It is AlB certified and operates two web offset presses and a full finishing department. ##SHARELINKS##
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 Great Northern Paper, East Millinocket, Maine, USA, a subsidiary of Portsmouth, N.H.-based Cate Street Capital, has hired Ned Dwyer, a 26-year veteran of the paper industry, as its president. Dwyer is responsible for the mill's day-to-day operations and long-term business growth.
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Dwyer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in paper science and engineering from the State University of New York and Syracuse University. "I am proud to have been chosen to lead Great Northern Paper, a company that has shown steady growth since Cate Street Capital resurrected the mill in 2011," Dwyer said. "My goal is to continue that growth, as the mill undergoes exciting improvements this year." Richard Cyr has served as GNP's acting president for the past 12 months, since Peter Hanson resigned in December 2011. He will remain GNP's CEO, as well as the CEO of Thermogen Industries, which is developing a torrefied wood manufacturing facility at the company's site in Millinocket. George McLaughlin will remain GNP's manufacturing manager. "We conducted an exhaustive search for our new president, and we're very happy to have landed Ned, a skilled and qualified paper industry operations manager," Cyr said in a statement. "Having worked in a variety of manufacturing, commercial, and technical roles for International Paper, E.B. Eddy, and Weidmann, Ned has succeeded in general management positions both in the U.S. and abroad." Cate Street Capital purchased the shuttered paper mills in Millinocket and East Millinocket in August 2011. While the Millinocket mill remains closed, the East Millinocket mill employs 257 and could add as many as 50 employees by the end of 2013, according to a GNP release. ##SHARELINKS##
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Kimberly-Clark Corp., Dallas, Texas, USA, has appointed Jennifer Sepull its chief information officer (CIO) and VP of IT Services, reporting to Mark A. Buthman, SVP and CFO. Sepull joins K-C from American Honda Motor Co. at Honda's North American headquarters, based in Torrance, Calif., where she served as VP and CIO of the Information Systems Division, a large team supporting Honda's $50 billion business in the Americas. She has been recognized by a CIO peer group as a top-10 "breakaway" leader because of her impact in leading IT innovation.
Before joining Honda, Sepull was a principal in the automotive consulting services practice of IBM, and also pursued several entrepreneurial ventures earlier in her career. She earned her bachelor's and juris doctor degrees from Chapman University in Orange, Calif., and also has pursued other studies at Harvard University and Cambridge University in England. ##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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NETInc Call for Papers: Extended Deadline Approaching! The NETInc Call for Papers Abstract Deadline has been extended to January 25, 2013. Authors interested in presenting on topics can submit an abstract electronically. Authors will be notified in early February regarding acceptance. Full manuscripts are encouraged but not required to present. The NETInc Technical Program will focus on the following topics:
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More than 20 TAPPI members from the Coating and Graphic Arts Division met on Jan. 10-11 at TAPPI's headquarters in Norcross, Ga., USA (outside Atlanta). Their goal was to plan the 2013 Coating Program at PaperCon 2013. The result of the meetiing is a comprehensive track of 20+ papers representing the latest in paper coating technology and research. The program takes place April 28-May 1 in Atlanta. More information is available online. In the photo below are: front row (l to r) - Rajan Iyer, Greg Welsch, Al Osgood, Amy Dimmick, Chelsie Durie, Manoj Dixit, Prakash Malla, Gordon Bugg, Ed Robie, Jim Niemiec (Coating Division chair); up the stairs (l to r) - Dan Ma, Tony Lyons, Femi Kotoye, Steven Bloembergen, Randy Branston, John Roper, Tim Bradley, Gregg Reed, Bill Frawley, Scott Springmier, Steve Ottone, Jeff Lange, and Mark Sorenson (Coating Technical Program Committee chair).
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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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The Introduction to Traditional and Emerging Printing Technology Course will be co-located at the 2013 PaperCon Conference, April 27-29, 2013, in Atlanta, Ga., USA. This is an introductory course on printing methods and applications, designed for those who need to understand print quality, attend print trials, trouble shoot print problems or are generally new to printing operations. It will be taught by printing experts from TAPPI's Coating and Graphic Arts Division and is an excellent complement to the Coating Program at PaperCon. As an added bonus, the course will include a tour of Hewlett-Packard's new state-of-the art facility where production laser and inkjet presses will be demonstrated. Course attendees may also join the Coating and Graphic Arts Opening Session where printing visionary Frank Romano is giving the keynote address. Learn more and register online. ##SHARELINKS##
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 Monograph on Microbiology of Papermaking Systems By: Linda Robertson The current monograph, an update of the 1955 book Microbiology of Pulp and Paper, describes in detail the types of process inefficiencies that can result from poor microbiological control and details modern identification and characterization methods including specific details of integrated control methods and strategies. Topics include: biocorrosion, treatment strategies, modern regulatory-compliant preservatives and slimicides, the impact of additives, closure effects, boilouts, and the impact of microbial contamination on finished goods. Monograph on Microbiology of Papermaking Systems View the Table of Contents. Product Code: 0101R323 Member Price: $110.00 Non-Member Price: $151.00 ##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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 Members receive one-third off TAPPI Press list price items. The 2013 TAPPI Catalog will be mailed to you with your copy of the January/February issue of Paper360. The catalog features:
Check out the bookstore. All TAPPI Press publications are discounted by one-third for members. ##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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PaperCon Programs Now Available Customize your learning and networking experience at PaperCon to best fit your professional needs. Bring back ideas, innovation that will help you be more effective and efficient. Papermakers program will give you everything you need to know about paper machine performance evaluations, running mill trials, and product certification. Eight peer-reviewed Coating sessions focus on scientific developments and practical tips. Highlighs include opacity enhancement with Ti02 and advancements in barrier coating. PIMA Management sessions provide excellent insight for mill managers, production managers, and executives. This year's sessions will help you develop effective labor/management relationships and show you how to motivate today's employees. The Tissue360 Forum provides a comprehensive peer-reviewed technical program unlike any other. You will learn about fiber, water, and energy savings, the latest softness and strength additives, and forming concepts. The OpEx Reliability Workshop will help you improve reliability and maintenance in your mill. Operator driven reliability, alignment, education, and mill processes will be addressed by leading reliability experts. The Young Professionals Program (YP) offers those new to the industry an unbelievable opportunity to gain basic industry knowledge and meet experienced industry leaders. ##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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