Over the Wire

As pressure to go paperless from banks, utilities, telecommunications companies, and other service providers grows, a majority of U.S. consumers wants to keep the option to receive paper bills and statements, according to survey results published this week by Two Sides, Chicago, Ill., USA. More than six in ten consumers say they would not choose a provider that does not offer paper bills and statements, and 88% want to be able to switch between electronic and paper bills without difficulty or cost. The survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers was conducted for Two Sides in June by research firm Toluna.

"While e-billing can be very convenient and internet delivery is now commonplace, it's clear that U.S. consumers like paper bills and statements and don't want to be pushed into electronic-only communications," says Two Sides President Phil Riebel. "More than eight in ten believe that cost savings are the driving force behind the 'go paperless' marketing hype, and many are suspicious of marketing claims that going paperless will 'save trees' or 'protect the environment.' In fact, 50% of those surveyed said they either did not believe such claims, felt misled by them, or questioned their validity."

"Even though half of survey respondents believe that reducing environmental impacts is one of the reasons companies are switching to electronic billing, 72% also believe that print on paper can be a sustainable way to communicate when produced and used responsibly," Riebel says. "It's also important to note that more than one-third of survey participants reported that they print some or all of their electronic bills at home, so the claim that e-bills are paperless really isn't true in many cases."

Beyond the fact that most consumers want the option of paper bills, as many as 30% of Americans are not online, including 65% of seniors who don't own computers (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2011). Forcing people to go paperless or pay added fees for paper bills and statements disenfranchises a significant part of the population.

"When it comes to billing, consumer choice should not be a casualty of the digital revolution," Riebel says. "The American public has spoken, and billing companies that don't listen risk losing business. Those who continue to use unsubstantiated environmental claims as a smokescreen for reducing costs also risk greater scrutiny by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

"We fully understand the advantages of electronic billing," Riebel continues. "We just want companies to stop misleading consumers by using vague and unsubstantiated environmental claims and to continue offering no-cost paper options to people who say they want and need them."

An overview of survey results include:

• 64% of consumers say they would not choose a company that did not offer a paper bill option
• 72% agree that print and paper can be an environmentally sustainable way to communicate if responsibly produced, used and recycled
• 50% of consumers either do not believe, feel misled by, or question the validity of claims like "Save Trees, Go Paperless" and "Go Green, Go Digital"
• More than 84% of people agree that e-billing and e-statements are being promoted to save costs
• 91% of consumers say they are unwilling to pay for paper bills
• 44% prefer to receive bills by postal mail only
• 59% of consumers would refuse to switch to electronic bills and statements or would not take action when asked to do so
• 50% of consumers read their bills and statements received both electronically and by postal mail; only 15% read bills which they receive by email only
• 34% of consumers are clearly "home printers" with 20% printing up to 20% of their bills and 8% printing between 80% and 100% of their bills (66% don't print out any bills at home).

The full survey report is available online to Two Sides members.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Economic activity in the U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in July for the second consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 50th consecutive month, report the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business issued this week by Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, Tempe, Ariz., USA. According to the report, "the PMI registered 55.4%, an increase of 4.5 percentage points from June's reading of 50.9%. June's PMI reading, the highest of the year, indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector for the second consecutive month.

The New Orders Index increased in July by 6.4 percentage points to 58.3%, and the Production Index increased by 11.6 percentage points to 65%. The Employment Index registered 54.4%, an increase of 5.7 percentage points compared with June's reading of 48.7%. The Prices Index registered 49%, decreasing 3.5 percentage points from June, indicating that overall raw materials prices decreased from last month. Comments from the panel generally indicate stable demand and slowly improving business conditions.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 13 are reporting growth in July in the following order: Furniture & Related Products; Textile Mills; Printing & Related Support Activities; Paper Products; Wood Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Primary Metals; Transportation Equipment; Chemical Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. The four industries reporting contraction in July are: Plastics & Rubber Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Machinery; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing.

The nine industries reporting growth in new orders in July (in order) are: Textile Mills; Printing & Related Support Activities; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Furniture & Related Products; Paper Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. The five industries reporting a decrease in new orders during July are: Machinery; Plastics & Rubber Products; Primary Metals; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing.

ISM's Production Index registered 65% in July, which is an increase of 11.6 percentage points when compared with the 53.4% reported in June. This month's reading indicates growth in production for the second consecutive month, and is the highest reading since May 2004, when the index registered 65.3%. An index above 51.2%, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board's Industrial Production figures.

The 13 industries reporting growth in production during the month of July (in order) are: Textile Mills; Paper Products; Wood Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Furniture & Related Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Fabricated Metal Products. The two industries reporting a decrease in production in July are Chemical Products and Machinery.

ISM's Employment Index registered 54.4% in July, which is 5.7 percentage points higher than the 48.7% reported in June. This month's reading indicates a return to expansion in employment, following only two months of contraction in the past 47 months. An Employment Index above 50.5%, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, nine reported growth in employment in July in the following order: Furniture & Related Products; Wood Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Paper Products; and Machinery. The four industries reporting a decrease in employment in July are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; and Computer & Electronic Products.

The Inventories Index registered 47% in July, which is 3.5 percentage points lower than the 50.5% reported in June. This month's reading indicates that respondents are reporting inventories contracted in July, following one month of growth. For the first seven months of 2013, inventories of raw materials have registered in a well-managed range from a high of 51.5% in February to a low of 46.5% in April. An Inventories Index greater than 42.7%, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis' (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars).

The five industries reporting higher inventories in July are: Transportation Equipment; Paper Products; Furniture & Related Products; Chemical Products; and Computer & Electronic Products. The seven industries reporting decreases in inventories in July (in order) are: Plastics & Rubber Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Machinery; Fabricated Metal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. Six industries reported no change in inventories in July compared to June.

The ISM Customers' Inventories Index registered 47.5% in July, which is 2.5 percentage points higher than in June when the index registered 45%. This month's reading indicates that customers' inventories are considered too low, but higher than reported in June. Customers' inventories have registered at or below 50% for 52 consecutive months. A reading below 50% indicates customers' inventories are considered too low.

The five manufacturing industries reporting customers' inventories as being too high during the month of July are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Chemical Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. The nine industries reporting customers' inventories as too low during July (in order) are: Plastics & Rubber Products; Textile Mills; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; Furniture & Related Products; Paper Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Computer & Electronic Products.

The full text version of the Manufacturing ISM Report on Business is available online.

##SHARELINKS##

 

RockTenn, Norcross, Ga., USA, this week announced that Jim Rubright will retire as CEO and a director on October 31. Steve Voorhees, COO of RockTenn, will become CEO upon Rubright's retirement. Voorhees joined RockTenn as CFO in 2000 and became CFO and chief administrative officer in 2008, and president and COO in January 2013.

Ward Dickson will join RockTenn on September 16 as EVP and CFO with responsibility for finance, information technology, and procurement. Dickson currently serves as SVP of finance for the global sales and service organization of Cisco Systems. Dickson formerly served in financial roles at Scientific Atlanta and General Electric.

Stephen Felker, RockTenn's lead independent director and soon-to-be board chairman said that "RockTenn will lose a remarkable CEO with Jim Rubright's retirement from the company. Under Jim's leadership, RockTenn has grown to become a highly respected leader in the paper and forest products industry. RockTenn's share price has increased more than eight fold and with dividends earned a compound annual return of 18.6%—for 14 years."

Rubright said that "I'm glad to be able to leave RockTenn with a strong and talented leadership team. Steve Voorhees has been instrumental in developing and executing our process improvement and acquisition strategies since he joined RockTenn in 2000 and is a great choice to lead our company. We are also pleased to have Ward Dickson join our team, bringing his proven leadership talent and extensive experience in finance, sales, and service. These two proven leaders have demonstrated throughout their careers the same commitment to excellence and customer service that consistently produces outstanding results for RockTenn's customers and shareholders."

Felker will become chairman of the board of the company for a two-year term commencing with Rubright's retirement from the company. Felker is the former chairman and CEO of Avondale Inc. and has served on RockTenn's board of directors since 2001.

RockTenn also announced that Voorhees and Jenny Hourihan have been elected to the board of RockTenn. Hourihan is the CEO of ORBIS International, an international nonprofit organization that works in developing countries to save sight. Hourihan served as CFO of Pro Mujer International, an international development organization offering microfinance, ealth services, and training to more than 300,000 clients in Latin America. Hourihan previously served as managing director and sector head of the Paper and Forest Products Group at Bank of America and in other investment roles at Merrill Lynch and the Salomon Smith Barney unit of Citigroup.

##SHARELINKS##

 

The 2013 TAPPI PEERS Conference in Green Bay, Wis., USA, September 15-18, focuses on advances and emerging developments in the kraft pulping and bleaching arena as well as the chemical recovery island. In the pulp bleaching area, Session 8 on Monday, September 16, explores the global industry's latest approaches to chlorine dioxide bleaching.

In the first paper of Session 8, James Goldman of Metso examines the spirited debate about whether or not D0 brightness should even be measured for bleach plant control or stage performance evaluation. In the past, many mills have measured and used it to adjust ClO2 dosage, while other mills do not see any value in using this measurement. The D0 and Eop stages perform together in that the D0 stage oxidizes the lignin using ClO2, but then the Eop stage dissolves the oxidized lignin by adding caustic. For this reason, many mills do not measure brightness or kappa until after the Eop stage. In his presentation, Goldman examines data from this measurement and shows how it correlates to the pre-D0 measurements and the post-Eop measurements. It evaluates how this compares relative to the bleaching sequence.

Goldman's presentation is followed by a paper on the "Relationships of Post-Extracted Kappa Number to Brightness for Softwoods Pulps Treated by ECF Bleaching Sequences" by Brian Brogdon of FutureBridge Consulting & Training. As Brogdon explains, post-extracted kappa number and brightness are used by bleach plant operators to gauge chemical demands in subsequent brightening stages of ECF Sequences. These parameters are also employed in steady-state models of bleach plants to predict chemical consumption. In these models, extracted kappa number is the measured performance parameter for bleaching delignification, whereas brightness is the corresponding monitored quantity for brightening stages.

Brogdon also presents the third paper of Session 8, focusing on "Generalized Steady-State Stoichiometric Models for ClO2 Brightening Stages for Softwood Kraft Pulps." In this presentation, Brogdon proposes generalized steady-state models to predict chlorine dioxide consumption in the first (D1) and final (D2) brightening stages for softwoods treated by ECF sequences. The techniques used to develop these stoichiometric models are based on successful models developed earlier to predict bleach uptake during pre-bleaching (i.e., bleaching delignification).

Other sessions at 2013 PEERS examine several additional breakthrough enhancements to chemical pulp bleaching, including oxygen and ozone reinforced bleaching technologies. These and other subjects covered at PEERS will be examined in subsequent issues of Over the Wire.

More information on the 2013 PEERS Conference, and more information on the International Bioenergy and Bioproducts Conference being held September 18-20 in conjunction with PEERS are available online.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Sappi Fine Paper North America, Boston, Mass., USA, has committed $50,000 over two years to support innovative instruction and modern technology equipment purchases in the Electrical Utility Technology program at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) in Cloquet, Minn. The Sappi gift to Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is the largest donation to the college's current effort to increase partnerships with local industries and businesses.

FDLTCC is matching the Sappi commitment with an additional $50,000, making the total commitment $100,000 for this project between the two partners.

Sappi's gift is made in recognition of the positive relationship between the company and FDLTCC, and their shared goal to continue educating and building a high-quality, skilled workforce. "Strong collaboration between Sappi and the local educational institutions reflect Sappi's commitment to supporting the community and the community's commitment to providing the necessary training for future potential employees for the long term benefit of both" said Rick Dwyer, managing director, Sappi Cloquet operations.

Sappi Fine Paper North America has been a significant, long-term partner with FDLTCC. The company is involved with the college through continuing education and customized training programs, providing professional representatives at career fairs and employer job fairs, working together on curriculum innovations, supporting the college Foundation, and ultimately hiring FDLTCC graduates.

"It is exciting to announce this gift and think ahead to the immediate enhancements we will make to our existing curriculum and hands-on lab applications," said Larry Anderson, president of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. "We have a great employer and educational partner in Sappi Fine Paper North America. This is overwhelmingly positive for everyone involved, including our college instructors, our students, and our industry partner and major employer in the region we both serve. This $50,000 gift is a great boost as we continue our mission to provide relevant higher education opportunities in these communities and fulfill the goals of the strategic framework adopted by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System."

FDLTCC will use the Sappi gift to modify existing curriculum in the Electrical Utility Technology program based on recommendations made by representatives from Sappi Fine Paper North America-Cloquet Operations and other local manufacturers. New lab equipment purchases will provide students the opportunity to learn on equipment that is the industry standard. The course content revisions and equipment upgrades will provide students with practical skills and knowledge necessary to enter the industrial and manufacturing electrical field, which in turn will assist area manufactures meet their needs for skilled employees.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Wisconsin news outlets have been highlighting results of a newly released 10-year economic study commissioned by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC). According to reports and the WEDC web site, pulp and paper manufacturing has dropped from first to third among Wisconsin businesses The full study is available online. This study looks into some of the possible reasons why paper is becoming less significant in Wisconsin.

At one time, Wisconsin was a top producer of pulp and paper in the U.S. Today, Southern States like Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana have overtaken Wisconsin (see Figure 1).

The industry is shifting to wider and faster machines to feed the large 96 million ton U.S. paper demand. These new machine investments are being made in states with raw materials, proximity to population centers (the market), tax-friendly environment for business and individuals, and an amenable labor force.

Wisconsin's machine base is becoming less competitive as expansions of new, more productive machines move into states like Georgia. Wisconsin now ranks 31st in production rate per inch of width where Georgia ranks 8th. The end result is a distinct cost disadvantage, with Wisconsin ranked 31st lowest in cost per ton compared with Georgia which is 14th. So, why is this?

Wisconsin has the wood raw material base, but is at a disadvantage in other key drivers. Georgia is the largest producing state in 2013. A fact table on the WEDC web site shows that compared with Wisconsin, Georgia has lower corporate tax rates (6.0% versus 7.9%), lower personal income tax top bracket ($7,000 versus $232,640), a lower Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate (2.62% versus 3.6% for new employers), and Georgia prohibits union security agreements while Wisconsin protects them. Another key driver is population demographics. The population is shifting to southern states and their increasingly concentrated markets, leaving Wisconsin with a transportation disadvantage.

Reduced reliance on printed media is another important dynamic impacting Wisconsin's paper industry. The digital age is taking its toll on paper use across the country. U.S. paper production demand in some key segments has been falling off for the last five years (see Figure 2).

Most notable are newsprint and printing and writing grades. Some grades like Packaging are experiencing strong growth while consumer driven tissue and towel has steady growth tied to population. Wisconsin's problem becomes apparent when looking at the same 10-year trend for the state. Wisconsin is experiencing drop offs across all grades with the possible exception of packaging (see Figure 3).

Losses in printing and writing is the most profound as smaller and older machines lose competitiveness in a shrinking market. Grades like tissue and towel and specialties are growing slowly on a national base but trending down in Wisconsin. Even packaging, which is experiencing solid growth nationally, is barely holding rates in Wisconsin. An improving economy nationally may help soften the blow to Wisconsin's paper business, but it will likely take a dramatic change in the state's business environment to stabilize or reverse the declining trend.

About the Author
Bill Burns is a senior consultant at Fisher International Inc. and can be contacted at bburns@fisher.com. The source for market data and analyses in this article is FisherSolve™, which describes the assets, capacity, and costs of every pulp and paper mill in the world making 50 tpd or more. More information about FisherSolve is available online.

 

##SHARELINKS##

 

North American wood pellet exports reached a new record of more than one million tons in the first quarter of this year, according to the North American Wood Fiber Review (NAWFR), Seattle, Wash., USA. There has been a steady growth in shipments from both the U.S. and Canada the past few years, mainly as a result of the continued increase in demand for pellets in the U .K.

According to the NAWFR, Pellet exports from the two primary pellet-producing regions on the North American continent—the U.S. South and British Columbia—showed no signs of slowing in early 2013, with the rate of growth likely to accelerate in the second half of the year. In the U.S. South, pellet export volumes to Europe resumed their double-digit growth after a brief pause in the 4Q/12. Export volumes, based on information from industry sources as well as trade data in Europe and North America, showed exports in excess of 1.7 million tons in 2012, as reported in the NAWFR.

Canadian exports also rose in 2012 to 1.5 million tons, but this increase was less than that seen in the U.S. During the 1Q/13, total pellet exports from North America reached a new record of more than one million tons for the quarter. This can be compared with the annual shipments of 750,000 tons just four years ago.

The U.K. continues to strengthen its claim as the primary destination for North .American pellets with more than two-thirds of the export volume from the U.S. and Canada going to the U.K. in the 1Q/13.

The story of Drax's plans for its large power plant conversion from coal to biomass in Selby, England, continues to make news across North America. Earlier in the spring, Drax Biomass International Inc (DBi), a U.S.-based subsidiary to Drax Power, announced that it will develop, construct, and manage two pellet plants, a port storage, and a loading facility in the U.S. South, which will be sending pellets to fuel the company's U.K. facility. Also, in Eastern Canada, pellet producer Rentech announced an off-take agreement with Drax Biomass, which will result in new investments in ports to increase pellet-loading capacity, and in rail transportation, along with the construction and operation of two pellet facilities themselves.

The increase in pellet production in Western Canada has pushed sawdust prices upward the past few years, with 2013 prices being about 15 % higher than they were in 2010, as reported in the NAWFR. In the U.S. South, where smaller logs from thinnings and treetops are commonly used for pellet manufacturing, there has not yet been any region-wide, upward price pressure as a result of the new wood-consuming sector in the region.

More information is available online.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Prices for old corrugated containers (OCC) increased for mills in most of the U.S., including four of the five largest export-dominated areas, according to a report this week by PPI Pulp & Paper Week, (PPW), San Francisco, Calif., USA. Demand was soft and prices mostly fell for mixed paper and old newspapers (ONP), both domestically as well as for exports to China, the PPW report continued.

OCC increased $5 in the Northeast/New York, Chicago/Midwest, and San Francisco Bay and Los Angeles areas, and by $10 in the Pacific Northwest, for levels reported to PPW for August 5 versus levels on July 5. The domestic market rises for OCC was mostly affected by less than strong generations, according to suppliers, and were impacted by $6-$10 increases in the past 30 days on exports from ports in New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Seattle, the PPW report stated.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Ahlstrom Corp., Helsinki, Finland, says that it will initiate a "rightsizing program" designed to attain annual cost savings of EUR 35 million by the end of 2014. The target includes the earlier announced EUR 15 million rightsizing measures, of which approximately EUR 10 million will be derived from the transfer of certain sales, finance, and information services related personnel and cost to Munksjö by the end of May 2014. During the transition period, Munksjö will pay for the services provided.

"Ahlstrom has in the past three years executed a significant transformation of the company, as our business portfolio has been reshaped through major transactions, including the divestment of our wipes business, Home and Personal, and the combination of our specialty papers business, Label and Processing, with Munksjö. At the same time, we have been reshaping our business processes through key development programs," said Jan Lång, president and CEO.

"Many of our key development programs are nearing completion, which will allow us to scale back our spending levels and make our cost base reflect the new size and scope of our business. As a result of the refocusing of the business, our net sales have been reduced by EUR 800 million to EUR 1.1 billion in the past two years. This new cost saving program is fundamental in achieving the required improvement in our financial performance. Unfortunately bringing the organization to a level which can sustain our current business is not possible without personnel reductions," Lång noted.

According to the plans, the key actions to achieve the targeted cost base reduction include in particular:

• Completion of demerger related transfers
• Consolidation of and efficiency improvements in functional activities to reduce selling, general, and administration (SGA) costs
• Optimization and productivity improvements in the supply chain.

As a result of the planned program, Ahlstrom's personnel are estimated to be reduced by approximately 350 people globally. The employee consultation processes will start in accordance with local legislation.

The company plans to book a one-time cost of approximately EUR 15 million during the years 2013-2014. The majority of the planned savings are estimated to take place by the end of 2014.

A separate project management team has been established to align the implementation of the program and to support a sustainable cost reduction that will not compromise the crucial activities in the company.

##SHARELINKS##

 

BillerudKorsnäs, Solna, Sweden, reports that divestment of paper machine PM 2 at the Group's Gävle production unit to SwedPaper AB has been approved by the appropriate competition authorities and the transaction has now been completed. The transaction fulfils the requirement set by the European Commission for approval of the combination between Billerud and Korsnäs. Other operations at the Gävle production unit will not be affected by the sale and will remain unchanged in BillerudKorsnäs' ownership.

Following the divestment, BillerudKorsnäs will, for example, supply input items such as pulp, steam, and water to SwedPaper. BillerudKorsnäs will sell to SwedPaper an annual volume of pulp amounting to a maximum of 66,000 metric tons. Pricing for the pulp will be in line with the market. As of August 1, sales of pulp to PM 2 will be accounted for in the Packaging Paper Business Area. Before the divestment, the operations of PM 2 had been accounted for at BillerudKorsnäs under "other" units.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Cascades, Kingsey Falls, Qué., Canada, reports that four of its plants—Tissue Group–Candiac, Boxboard–Jonquière, Norampac–Cabano, and the facilities in Kingsey Falls (recognized as one site)—are now members of Hydro-Québec's EcoElectric network. The network is made up of a group of major corporations recognized for their leadership and outstanding performance in energy efficiency. The four units join the Cascades Lupel plant in Trois-Rivières, which has been a member of the network since 2008.

To reach the required level, Cascades had to meet the following criteria:

• Reduce energy consumption by at least 5% or achieve savings of at least 50 GWh per year depending on the plant
• Adopt a policy on energy efficiency
• Appoint a person responsible for energy efficiency.

"This recognition is part of a process of continuous improvement that will allow other Cascades plants to achieve the same recognition and become members of the EcoElectric network. Our team of professionals at Cascades EAG has been dedicated to assisting plants in energy efficiency since 1997, which, at the time, was a brand new concept in the industry. Energy efficiency is one of the key objectives of our Sustainable Development Plan 2013-2015, which will be applied in all Cascades facilities," explained Fabien Demougeot, Interim EAG director, Cascades EAG.

Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts, and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibers. Cascades employs more than 12 000 people who work in more than 100 production units in North America and Europe.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Domtar Corp., Montreal, Que., Canada, has closed the previously announced sale of its Ariva business in the U.S. The purchaser is privately-held Central National-Gottesman Inc., and the business will be integrated into Lindenmeyr Munroe, a division of Central National-Gottesman.

Ariva's Canadian operations are not affected by the transaction and will be consolidated into Domtar's Pulp and Paper Division.

Domtar designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication papers, specialty and packaging papers, and absorbent hygiene products. The foundation of its business is a network of world class wood fiber converting assets that produce paper grade, fluff, and specialty pulps. The majority of its pulp production is consumed internally to manufacture paper and consumer products. Domtar is the largest integrated marketer of uncoated free sheet paper in North America.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Metso, Finland, and Progen, a Brazilian engineering and consulting company specialized in project management and implementation, have formed a joint venture to strengthen strategy and to diversify activities in Brazil. The parties have founded a new company, Valpro gerenciamento de obras Ltda, to attend exclusively to Metso projects in the South American pulp, paper, and energy market, supplying specialized technical services in construction and erection management, commissioning, and startups. The value of the agreement was not disclosed.

The new company plans to start its activities during the next 30 days, with its head office in São Paulo. "We believe in the potential of the pulp, paper, and energy market. It will continue to be an interesting segment, especially with the Chinese demand, that has boosted the Brazilian pulp exports," said Eduardo Barella, Progen's CEO.

Progen's expertise in project management and implementation, combined with Metso's know how in the pulp, paper and energy business, are the biggest advantages for Valpro. "This company will add value to the new projects, bringing in the best management practices that have proven successful in other markets," Barella explained.

Progen's CEO. Edmund Schwarz, Projects and Supply Chain director at Metso, noted that "from now on we will have a leading company fully dedicated to site management, performed earlier by subcontractors. We will ally what is best at Metso and Progen and apply it at Valpro".

##SHARELINKS##

 

Nippon Paper Industries Co., Japan, will establish an International Sales Management and Planning Department, effective September 1. The new department will have expertise to intensively deal with export business, covering the company's Paper and Paperboard sector.

The International Sales Management and Planning Department will also reinforce the company's local sales organizations overseas and aims to expand sales of the Nippon Paper Group's specific products with high growth potential in the global market.

##SHARELINKS##

 

SCA, Philadelphia, Pa., USA, maker of the Tork® brand of away-from-home paper products, will be a product supplier for Lambeau Field, providing the legendary football stadium with towel, tissue, and napkin products and dispensers beginning with the 2013 NFL season. SCA's Tork brand bath tissue, paper towels, and napkins will be located in restrooms and concession areas throughout the stadium.

"We are honored to partner with Lambeau Field and the Green Bay Packers, and by extension, to be a partner with some of the best fans in football," said Don Lewis, president, SCA Americas. "For more than 80 years, SCA has taken its environmental stewardship seriously and we want to partner with organizations like the Green Bay Packers that also have a strong desire to become a greener organization. We look forward to helping create a greener Lambeau Field, and building a long and beneficial relationship with one of the NFL's most storied franchises."

Tork products are made in four manufacturing facilities across North America, including Neenah/Menasha – which employs more than 900 Northeast Wisconsin employees.

In addition to supplying Tork products at Lambeau Field, SCA will also be a co-sponsor for the Green Bay Packers "First Downs for Trees" program that provides trees to be planted for every Packers first down reached during the NFL regular season.

"SCA's Tork products align with our focus on efficient and sustainable practices at Lambeau Field," said Ted Eisenreich, Packers director of facility operations. "We are happy to name them as a product supplier and look forward to a green and clean future together."

In Northeast Wisconsin, SCA's commitment to sustainability and community has led to more than $53,000 in environmental grants to local schools since 2007. Additionally, the company has donated employee time and more than $100,000 to several local parks to plant trees, build new playgrounds, improve outdoor facilities, and sponsor nature events.

SCA has nine manufacturing facilities across North America. The company has some 36,000 employees and had revenue in 2012 of $13 billion.

##SHARELINKS##

 

UPM, Finland, this week reported that it will implement a new business structure "to drive clear change in profitability." The company added that it also will seek to simplify and further develop its business portfolio.

UPM's new structure will consist of the following Business Areas and reporting segments: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Paper Asia, UPM Paper Europe, and UPM Plywood. Forests and wood procurement will be reported in Other operations. The new structure will become effective November 1.

The new Paper Business Areas will be located at the centers of their markets. UPM Paper Asia will be headquartered in Shanghai, China, and UPM Paper Europe in Augsburg, Germany. The Group head office will remain in Helsinki, Finland.

"Changes in management structure will sharpen the targets and required actions for each business. We will address the competitive challenge in mature European businesses and drive profitable growth outside Europe and in biorefining. The new management structure will also increase transparency of the company performance," said Jussi Pesonen, president and CEO of UPM. "We are determined to change UPM. We will also seek to simplify our business portfolio and uncover the value of our assets. These opportunities will be explored in parallel with the profitability improvement and growth initiatives and may involve changes in ownership structures."

The current Business Group structure, established at the end of 2008, will be discontinued.

"Within the Business Group structure, we have created commercial platforms and market driven business organizations for Energy and Pulp. We have also achieved profitability turnaround in Timber and Plywood businesses and restructured our European label business. Now these are healthy UPM businesses each in their own right. Although the Paper Business Group has been able to improve efficiency and managed change and integration processes professionally, we now need to move into a more simple and scalable structure to improve performance further," Pesonen noted.

Pesonen highlights that since 2007 UPM's Energy, Pulp, Label and Asian Paper businesses have grown by 43% in the topline. "These businesses have been not only growing but also profitable and enjoy positive long term fundamentals. Biofuels, woodfree specialty papers in China, and continued growth in UPM Raflatac will provide top line growth for UPM in the coming years. In addition, we have identified opportunities to expand production in our existing pulp mills. With these development initiatives we are targeting additional EBITDA contribution of EUR 200 million when in full operation," he said.

The total investment requirement in these projects is EUR 680 million, including the earlier announced EUR 540 million in Changshu paper machine and Lappeenranta biorefinery. EUR 60 million has already been invested, and the total remaining capital expenditure in the coming three years would be EUR 620 million

##SHARELINKS##

 

Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, Wash., USA, this week announced that, effective immediately, all of its tree farms in Oregon will be closed to public access due to the extreme forest fire danger. The only exception is Clatsop and Tillamook Counties, which will be open for non-motorized recreation access. The closure will remain in effect until the operating areas receive adequate rainfall and the temperatures improve.

Visitors planning a trip to Weyerhaeuser forestlands in Oregon are reminded to call the company's statewide, toll-free telephone number before heading out to the woods. The Weyerhaeuser Hunter and Recreational Use Hotline number for Oregon is 888-741-5403.

Weyerhaeuser owns or controls nearly 7 million acres of timberlands, primarily in the U.S., and manages another 14 million acres under long-term licenses in Canada. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of wood and cellulose fibers products and develop real estate, primarily as a builder of single-family homes.

##SHARELINKS##

 

MeadWestvaco Corp., Richmond, Va., USA, this week reported findings from its Retail Security Solutions Study, which explores consumers' perceptions of common retail security measures, like clamshells and pull cards, their level of satisfaction with those measures, and the impact they have on consumers' path to purchase. The results indicate that the types of security measures retailers and brand owners implement to protect products from theft can have an overwhelming influence on how consumers interact with those products, as well as brand impressions and purchasing behavior.

The study revealed that almost all consumers (98%) prefer open merchandising, or the ability to interact with the product in the store before purchase, including picking it up, reading about it, evaluating it, and/or talking with a store associate about the product. In fact, consumers place such a high premium on open merchandising that nearly 60% said that they have decided not to make a purchase because they could not easily get to the product/package and effectively interact with it. This includes consumers who decided not to purchase a product because it was in a glass encasement (39%), and those who decided not to purchase a product because it was only accessible by a store sales person (37%).

"The findings from our Retail Security Solutions Study help prove that when consumers cannot interact with a product in the retail environment, there is a significant negative impact on retailers' and brand owners' bottom lines," said Jeff Kellogg, VP of MWV's Consumer Electronics & Security Packaging Systems division. "Insights from this study will help us identify ways to partner with retailers and brand owners to implement solutions that protect from theft as well as improve the consumer experience in store."

The study allowed consumers to share their perceptions of commonly used retail security measures, including: clamshells, pull cards, locked cabinets, locked plastic boxes, and product wraps with alarms. Three of MWV's security packaging solutions were also a part of this study:

• Natralock®: a secure, customizable, more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic clamshells. Natralock packages feature tear-resistant paperboard and a trap-seal blister, preventing in-store package attack while allowing easy access by the consumer with a pair of scissors.
• Natralock with Siren™ Technology: Natralock with the addition of a small alarm that sounds if the package is tampered with or when it is taken out of the store illegally.
• The newly launched Intercept™, using Proteqt Technologies: an on-product lock that removes thieves' motivation to steal by disabling the product until it is wirelessly unlocked at the point of purchase.

All these security measures were evaluated on their impact on the path to purchase:

• Locating – the ability to find the product in a store
• Evaluating – the ability to examine the product in a store for purchase decision-making
• Purchasing – the ability to purchase the product
• Experiencing – the ability to easily open the package and experience the product after purchase.

In terms of overall performance and consumer satisfaction, results showed that Natralock and Intercept consistently outperformed other security measures in all four steps in the path to purchase.

"The consumers' path to purchase is a delicate process," explained Kellogg. "There are so many factors at play when retail consumers are deciding to purchase a product. Retailers and brand owners could end up missing a sale if the security measure creates a barrier."

The study was a large-scale, quantitative study conducted in December 2012 across five metropolitan cities in the U.S.—Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Research participants included consumers who had recently shopped for and/or purchased an item that was protected with a security device.

More information, including a video and infographic, is available online.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Amcor, Australia, this week announced its intention to demerge its Australasia and Packaging Distribution (AAPD) business. Company directors are of the view that the demerger will enhance shareholder value by enabling each company to better pursue its own growth agendas and strategic priorities.

Amcor CEO and Managing Director Ken MacKenzie said that "to be a successful market leader, that delivers continuous improvement in customer value, a company must be focused in terms of product portfolio and end markets. Although Amcor and AAPD are both packaging companies, they are actually very different in terms of product segments and geographic focus. Amcor has global leadership positions in the flexibles and rigid plastics segments, while AAPD operates in the fiber, glass, and beverage can packaging markets in Australasia and packaging distribution in North America and Australia.

"Over the past six years, Amcor has invested significantly in AAPD to improve its manufacturing capabilities and ensure it is well positioned for growth. These investments have been in excess of $1 billion over that period and include the new recycled paper mill at Botany, a new furnace at the glass bottle plant at Gawler, and a new beverage can line in New Zealand. AAPD will continue to benefit from these initiatives in terms of earnings and cash flow."

Following the demerger, each company will have its own experienced management team and board. For Amcor, Graeme Liebelt will be the chairman and Ken MacKenzie will remain the managing director and CEO. For the new company, which is yet to be named, Chris Roberts will become the chairman, and Nigel Garrard, the current president of AAPD will be appointed CEO. John Pizzey and Jeremy Sutcliffe will also join the board of the new company. Chris Roberts and John Pizzey will retire from the Amcor board upon implementation of the demerger and Jeremy Sutcliffe will continue as a director of Amcor. Both Amcor and the new company will be listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

The demerger is intended to be implemented via a capital reduction and Scheme of Arrangement. Further information in relation to the process of the demerger, financial profiles, and capital structure of the new company and Amcor, post the demerger, will be provided to Amcor shareholders in the Scheme Booklet. This will be distributed in advance of the shareholder meeting that will be convened to vote on the demerger proposal. Amcor expects completion of the demerger to occur in December, subject to shareholder, court, and other approvals.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Rengo Co., Japan, has begun construction to renew a containerboard (linerboard) machine at its consolidated subsidiary Marusan Paper Mfg. Co. in Japan. Marusan Paper, Rengo Group's production center for containerboard in the Tohoku region, currently produces about 20,000 metric tons of containerboard per month using two paper machines—PM 6 for linerboard and PM 7 for corrugating medium.

PM 6, installed in 1973, was damaged during the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 and, the company explains, has become difficult to respond to recent needs for lightweight containerboard. For that reason, Rengo decided to renew PM 6 to serve the current needs of the market, and to further improve product quality while striving to conserve energy and resources. A groundbreaking ceremony was held July 19, and operation of the machine is scheduled to start in January 2015.

This renewal is intended to ensure Marusan Paper Mfg.'s continued growth. It is also aimed at enhancing the Rengo Group's containerboard supply system in the Eastern Japan region and improving mid- and long-term performance by further strengthening the integrated production system from containerboard to corrugated packaging.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Penford Products, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a global supplier of specialty bioproducts, recently introduced PenStrength, a high-performance cationic polymer. According to the company, PenStrength enhances the binding of pulp fibers to make recycled paperboard stronger, allowing manufacturers to produce premium grade paperboard while reducing manufacturing costs. By using PenStrength, paperboard producers can reduce production costs by up to $10 – $40 per ton. Penford has filed a patent application covering this l product.

This cationic polymer, derived from natural and renewable resources, is currently being used by major producers of core and tube, recycled linerboard, and medium and boxboard. Benefits and features include:

• Achieves higher ring crush and STFI results so as to enable the production of premium grades
• Decreases cost by reducing basis weight without loss of strength and/or providing an ability to use less expensive fiber sources
• Increases production and process efficiency for more saleable tons
• Conserves steam and electrical resources by reducing refining and improving drainage
• Optimizes wet end chemistry to reduce additive costs.

"PenStrength is an example of Penford's dedication to innovating sustainable technologies and applications. We are excited to introduce PenStrength to the recycled paperboard industry as a viable alternative to synthetics," said Dan Walter, VP of BioProducts at Penford. "We are committed to keeping expenses down, while offering environmentally-friendly, high performance products. At Penford we believe that quality does not have to be compromised to generate superior green products."

##SHARELINKS##

 

NewPage Corp., Miamisburg, Ohio, has announced Anthem® Plus™, a new, economy coated paper designed to perform in virtually every print application. Anthem Plus is 90 brightness with a pure blue-white shade, and is available in gloss, dull, and matte finishes ranging from 60 lb. text to 110 lb. cover.

Anthem Plus is stocked in press-ready mini skids and cartons for maximum efficiencies. It is chain-of-custody certified to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) to support sustainable forestry practices

"Customers including merchants, printers, and end users have been asking for a simplified economy sheet offering from NewPage with 90 brightness, a competitive price, good on-press performance, and breadth and depth of inventory," said Jeff Pfister, commercial marketing manager, economy sheets for NewPage. "So we listened to our customers and we went to work developing an improved product and service offering that meets or exceeds all expectations. The result is Anthem Plus."

Until now, NewPage offered multiple economy sheet brands with different attribute packages and value propositions. These brands included Anthem, Fortune, and Gusto. With the introduction of Anthem Plus, the company will be discontinuing Fortune and Gusto coated sheets.

"Last year, we made a major shift at our customers' request with the introduction of Sterling® Premium," stated Steven DeVoe, VP of marketing for NewPage. "Sterling Premium shifted the definition of premium grades to reflect the times, delivering a better option for customers looking for premium print performance. Now we bring our customers another shift in our grade offering with the introduction of Anthem Plus. No other coated paper producer currently offers the breadth and depth of this product and service line-up, and we are excited about the potential to continue to grow and evolve with our customers."

##SHARELINKS##

 

Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, Wash., appointed Jeanne M. Hillman VP and chief accounting officer for the company, effective August. 5. Hillman succeeds Jerald W. Richards, who recently resigned from his position to become CFO at Potlatch Corp (see article below).

"Jeanne is an experienced leader with tremendous financial expertise," said Patty Bedient, EVP and CFO. "The knowledge she gained supporting our businesses for the past three years will serve her well as she expands her role to include the responsibilities of this critical position for the company.

"Jerry has been an outstanding member of the Weyerhaeuser team, and while we are sorry to see him go, we wish him the very best in his new role," Bedient added.

Hillman was Weyerhaeuser's VP and controller for operations since 2010. Prior to that role, she served as the company's VP and chief accounting officer from 2006 to 2010. Hillman joined the company in 1984 and has held various finance positions with the company. Before joining Weyerhaeuser, she was employed by Ernst & Young LLP. She is a CPA in the state of Washington.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Potlatch Corp., Spokane, Wash., USA, this week announced that Jerald W. Richards has been named VP and CFO for the company, effective September 1. He replaces Eric Cremers who was recently promoted to president and COO for Potlatch.

Richards, 45, joins Potlatch from Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, Wash., where he had been employed since 2002, most recently as chief accounting officer. Prior to Weyerhaeuser, Richards served in various audit positions with KPMG LLP where he worked with a number of forest products companies including Potlatch.

Richards holds a degree in business with an emphasis on accounting from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore.

##SHARELINKS##

 

UPM, Finland, reports that its board of directors has confirmed the following appointments in the UPM Group Executive Team:

Heikki Vappula has been appointed EVP, UPM Biorefining, which consists of pulp, timber, and biofuels businesses. It has an annual capacity of 3.2 million metric tons of pulp, produced by four pulp mills in Finland and Uruguay, plantation operations, four efficient sawmills in Finland, and one in Austria, and a biodiesel plant under construction in Lappeenranta, Finland. Heikki is currently president of UPM's Energy and Pulp Business Group.

Tapio Korpeinen has been appointed EVP, UPM Energy, which operates in power generation and physical and derivatives trading. The business assets consist of UPM's hydro power assets in Finland and shareholdings in energy companies, with total electricity generation capacity of 1,721 MW. Korpeinen will also continue in his current role as the CFO, including responsibilities for Finance & Control, Treasury, Investor Relations, IT, Sourcing, and Real Estate.

Tapio Kolunsarka has been appointed EVP, UPM Raflatac as of September 1. Kolunsarka, a new member in the Group Executive Team, is currently SVP, UPM Raflatac, Emea. His predecessor, Jussi Vanhanen, is leaving the company of his own initiative to pursue a long-standing personal project as well as to act as management advisor with a consulting company.

Kim Poulsen has been appointed EVP, UPM Paper Asia, which consists of UPM Changshu paper mill in China and label paper operations in Tervasaari and Jämsänkoski mills in Finland. The production capacity of UPM Paper Asia is 1.5 million metric tpy of fine and label papers. Poulsen is currently EVP, Paper Business Asia Pacific and Corporate Relations.

Bernd Eikens has been appointed EVP, UPM Paper Europe. Eikens, a new member in the Group Executive Team, is currently SVP, Supply Chain, UPM Paper Business Group. UPM Paper Europe produces magazine paper, newsprint, and fine paper in 19 paper mills in Europe and North America. The production capacity of UPM Paper Europe is 10.3 million metric tpy of magazine, newsprint, and fine papers.

Mika Sillanpää has been appointed EVP, UPM Plywood. Mika, a new member in the Group Executive Team, is currently SVP, Plywood, which is capable of producing some one million cubic meters of plywood and veneer products in Finland, Russia, and Estonia.

Kari Ståhlberg has been appointed EVP, Strategy. Ståhlberg, a new member in the Group Executive Team, is currently SVP, Corporate Strategy.

Juha Mäkelä continues as General Counsel.

Jyrki Ovaska has been appointed EVP, Technology, responsible for R&D, investment management, wood plastic composite unit UPM Profi, and new business development. Jyrki is currently president of UPM's Paper Business Group.

Hartmut Wurster EVP, Technology, will retire after 12 years with UPM and 31 years of service in the industry. In addition to his main responsibilities, his active contribution in the German stakeholder relations has been invaluable, the company notes.

Riitta Savonlahti continues as EVP, Human Resources.

Pirkko Harrela, currently EVP, Corporate Communications, has been appointed EVP, Stakeholder Relations, including responsibilities for corporate communications, brand management, environmental affairs, and corporate relations and responsibility.

##SHARELINKS##

 

The 2013 TAPPI Linerboard/Medium Manufacture Course, August 13-15, at the Hyatt Place Norcross, in Norcross, Ga., USA, is designed to help increase your understanding of linerboard and medium performance properties and manufacturing to improve corrugated box performance and runnability.

This intermediate-level course is ideal for process engineers and operators in linerboard and medium manufacturing facilities and converting plants with a more intermediate background. For those participants who require an overview background on pulp and papermaking technology, there will be an optional one day Introduction to P&P on Monday afternoon, August 12, prior to the beginning of the main course on Tuesday. This supplemental session is intended for corrugators, new P&P mill and supplier personnel, and those without exposure to pulp and paper operations.

If you are looking to increase your understanding of linerboard and medium performance properties and how they are achieved, build your confidence in interacting more knowledgeably within the mill with suppliers and with corrugators, and improve manufacturing operations to produce a more competitive product, then this course is for you.

There are only 25 seats available for this course. Register now to reserve your spot.

##SHARELINKS##

 

##SHARELINKS##

 

##SHARELINKS##

 

The Safety Management Leadership Course, August 26-27 in Metro Atlanta, Ga., USA, places a particular focus on leadership training, including incorporating a safe environment into workforce training and work expectations. Key safety topics are covered by the course, including:

• Safety Fundamentals / Modern Safety Management Principles
• OSHA Record Keeping and Medical Management
• Incident Investigation
• Safe Behavior and Choices
• Safety Culture
• Measuring Safety Performance
• Hazard Recognition
• Safety Walk-throughs, Observations, and Messaging
• Managing Change Safely
• Effective Safety Communication.

See more listed on the course schedule.

Meet the instructors.

Register for the Webinar Preview.
  Tuesday, August 6  ♦ 1:00 p.m. EST  ♦  45 min.

This course is designed for anyone involved in workplace safety, including:

• Training and HR
• Safety Supervisors
• Team/Project Leaders
• Plant Managers
• Frontline Supervisors
• Safety Committees.

A special discount is offered for TAPPI and PPSA members. Register by July 26 for savings off the regular course rate.

TAPPI will award 1.3 CEUs to those who complete this course.

##SHARELINKS##

 

This is a reminder that there will be two great golfing opportunities from Lake States TAPPI / North Central PIMA this summer.

August 13th is the annual golf outing at Mid-Vallee Country Club in De Pere, Wis. An afternoon shotgun scramble golf outing is planned with dinner to follow. Prizes will be awarded and individual pin events will be held. Proceeds help fund scholarships for local TAPPI and PIMA programs. Register online before August 9th.

August 27th PIMA will hold it's Golf Outing at Grand View Lodge of Pequot Lakes, Minn. The shotgun scramble starts at 9:30 a.m. Box lunch is included, with cocktail hour to follow. Net proceeds go to Lake States TAPPI/ North Central PIMA's Scholarship Fund. Details now available and registration is open.

##SHARELINKS##

 

TAPPI member Hideki Fujiwara, Ph.D., has hit a lot of high notes in his long and illustrious career in the pulp and paper industry. Not the least of which occurred as a result of his nearly three decades of membership, including being the first member from Asia to be honored with the Charles W. Engelhard Coating and Graphics Arts Division award.

Dr. Fujiwara, who retired in June after 38 years in the industry, spent the majority of his career with Nippon Paper, serving in a variety of managerial positions. He credits his active involvement in TAPPI with providing ample opportunities not only to receive, but to share technical ideas and innovations with other professionals from around the world. Membership helped broaden his view of the forest products industry, and he notes that "joining TAPPI was the very first step to being a real professional in this field."

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 members, just send their name (or names) to MemberSpotlight@tappi.org. We will forward a Spotlight Questionnaire to fill out and return.

We look forward to seeing you in the Spotlight!

##SHARELINKS##

 

##SHARELINKS##

 

These 19 publications are all available for just one penny for a limited time during the month of August.
 
This offer will expire August 25.
    
The World In 2015: Four Possible Scenarios
Edited by: Stuart Sharp, chairman, The TAPPI Futurists

 TAPPI Futurists explore issues that may affect the world and the paper industry in 2015. Four possible scenarios are presented based on expert opinion, scanning and monitoring, and extrapolation of trends. Each scenario is a description of the way the paper industry and the world may look 15 years from now, depending on the effects of various trends and issues. The book provides an opportunity for readers to think about the future and to plan and position themselves and their companies for what the future might hold.

The TAPPI Futurists is a group of TAPPI members whose purpose is to develop a long-term view of the paper industry to assist the Association in long range planning. This book was developed to provide a framework for readers to think strategically about the future. The book represents views and opinions of individuals from all segments of the pulp and paper industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, and customers. In addition, the Futurists worked with five non-paper industry companies to ensure that the scenarios would give a broad-based global view of the possible world 15 years from now.

Item Number: 0101R307

       
Process Engineering Design Criteria Handbook: Pulp and Paper Normal Design Criteria
Edited by: Thomas L. Abrams

This report presents design criteria guidelines important for existing mill modifications and for new mill proper design. A project of the Process Engineering Committee of TAPPI's Engineering Division, this comprehensive text features normal design criteria for kraft, TPM, and groundwood mills and includes everything from mill site preparation through paper production. Designed to benefit process, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, instrument, and construction engineers in mills or consulting firms, this report is sure to be a valuable addition to all engineering libraries.

Item Number: 0101R262

     
Industrial Environmental Control Pulp and Paper Industry, Second Edition, (Spanish)
By: A. M. Springer

Now in Spanish.

This classic text is a comprehensive reference on pollution control in the pulp and paper industry. It was written to promote further implementation of cost-effective environmental control by the pulp and paper industry. The Spanish version includes 18 chapters.

Item Number: 0102B056S


Pigments for Paper
Edited by: Robert W. Hagemeyer
Task Group Chairman: John E. O'Shea

This comprehensive text covers all aspects of pigments for paper. This unique book can serve as an introductory text as well as a practical reference. Well-respected industry experts who are specialists in their area wrote each of the12 chapters. This text provides the most current information on different ingredients, describing what they do and how they perform. It is a valuable reference tool for everyone involved in paper coating.

Item Number: 0102B062
          

Setting the Industry Technology Agenda
Edited by: Gerard Closset

 Discover the innovative ideas proposed by Summit participants to meet the industry's greatest challenges. This text provides a summary of the Forest Products Industry's technology needs as identified by the participants of the 2001 Forest, Wood and Paper Industry Technology Summit. During this Summit, more than 130 leading experts from industry, supplier and service providers, government, and academia worked to identify, define, and analyze gaps in current technology and knowledge and then propose bold, breakthrough approaches to fill those gaps and meet the greatest needs and priorities of the industry. The book presents a compendium of those critically important technology needs, prioritized and aligned with the new industry technology strategy, including:

• Sustainable forest productivity
• Recycling
• Process automation
• Fiber engineering
• Process improvement/breakthrough technologies
• Ttechnologically advanced workforce
• Environmental performance
• Energy performance
• Nnew forest-based materials
• Wood products.

Reading this book is a must for anyone wishing to understand the needs and the direction of technology development for the industry. The book also features an Agenda 2020 retrospective and concludes with a discussion of the industry's path forward.

Item Number: 0101R307

Remember,  this offer expires August 25, 2013.

##SHARELINKS##

 

##SHARELINKS##

 

The TAPPI International Research Management Committee requests nominations be submitted for the Research and Development Technical Award and the William H. Aiken Prize.

The award is given for outstanding accomplishments or contributions that have advanced the technology of the paper and related industries in the field of research and development.  The nomination should contain:

• A summary of the nominee's technical achievements
• The impact and relevance of the research on industry
• Education, work history
• Examples of the impact that they have had on others
• Other pertinent activity such as involvement in TAPPI.

The $500 prize is funded by an endowment from the estate of William H. Aiken, TAPPI president in 1967-1968 and vice president of technology for the former Union Camp Corp. at the time of his death in 1974. Dr. Aiken also won the TAPPI Gold Medal, the association's highest honor, in 1971.  Nominations for the Research and Development Technical Award and the William H. Aiken Prize should be submitted by August 31, 2013, to Colleen Walker, cwalker@tappi.org at TAPPI, 15 Technology Parkway South, Peachtree Corners, Ga. 30092, USA, or fax +1 770-446-6947.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Registration is now open for the 2013 TAPPI Corrugated Press Hands-On Maintenance Workshop, September 17-18 at the Global Equipment USA Warehouse in Skokie, Ill., USA.

This unique course gives you an unprecedented opportunity to get hands-on training on how to audit converting machines. With only 18 seats available, you will have ample opportunity to get your questions answered by instructors Tom Pearce (Pearce Corrugated Consulting), John Bingham (Pamarco), Jim Wegemer (INXinc), Chuck Bobeldyk (Mark-Maker Co.), Randy Kesselring (MarquipWardUnited), as well as representatives from Global Equipment. The schedule for this course is packed into just two efficiently planned days so that participants get loads of skill and experience without much time away from their own operations.

Who should attend?
This Intermediate-level course offers indispensable hands-on maintenance training for corrugated industry plant managers and supervisors, engineers, maintenance teams, and machine operators.

You could pour over all of  the how-to manuals available and still not retain this level and quality of working knowledge.  Completing this workshop will enable you to:

• Use the basic tools to mechanically audit and troubleshoot a press
• Understand press audit procedures for process centering, better quality products, and increased productivity 
• Discuss anilox roll selection, press "fingerprinting," inks and substrates, quality defects amd cause(s), and scoring. 

Register by August 16 and join TAPPI or renew your membership to receive the best rates.

##SHARELINKS##

 

There's still time to be part of the program at the 2014 TAPPI PLACE Conference, May 12-14, 2014, at the Sawgrass Marriott Hotel in Ponte Vedra, Fla., USA. The 2014 PLACE Technical Program Team is actively seeking technical presentations, panels, tutorials, roundtables, and case studies from the packaging and academic community to be presented at the conference.

View the Call for Abstracts.

Interested in being a session chair or know someone who would be a great presenter? Extended abstracts will be accepted anytime before September 6, 2013. Space is limited so submit now! Final papers will be due on or before March 17, 2014.   

The 2014 PLACE Conference is the premier North American event for the flexible packaging industry and will have something for the whole supply chain including suppliers, converters, extruders, retailers, and brand owners. This event not only offers top notch technical presentations but also allows ample opportunity for networking with your peers. Visit the event website for additional conference information.

 

##SHARELINKS##

 

TAPPI invites submissions of basic and applied research articles, communications, and technical reviews to TAPPI Journal, the world recognized peer-reviewed research publication. TAPPI is the leading association for the worldwide pulp, paper, packaging, tissue, nonwovens, and converting industries, with more than 7,000 members globally.    

Authors presenting papers at conferences, experts with significant industry findings, and students or professors reporting academic research − any authors performing relevant industry research − are encouraged to submit their manuscripts.

Why submit your work to TAPPI Journal?

High visibility: Publishing in TJ makes your work accessible to professionals, libraries, and the global academic community through TAPPI's robust communications network.

TJ electronic issue: Distributed to thousands of TAPPI members every month, TJ features abstracts, full papers, author notes, and more.
 
Print compendium: Members also receive TJ's annual print compendium, a bookshelf reference volume containing abstracts of every paper published that year. The compendium is distributed to more than 250 libraries, industry organizations, and academic institutions around the world.

Paper360°: Summaries of select TJ papers appear in Paper360°, TAPPI's bi-monthly magazine with a global circulation of more than 40,000.

Online library: Papers published in TJ become part of TAPPI's e-Library available online. Searchable by subject and author name, the e-Library allows worldwide access to abstracts and downloadable full papers.

Indexing: Every issue of TJ is indexed by Thomson-Reuters, the world's leading citation index for academic research.

Career enhancement: Our stringent peer-review process and distinguished Editorial Board have made TAPPI Journal a well-respected, commonly referenced source of the best industry research for more than 60 years. TJ publication is an excellent way to gain attention from colleagues, peers, and current or future employers.

Author-focused process: Editorial Board members carefully marshal every paper submitted, based on area of expertise; TJ peer reviewers are selected for their proven subject knowledge. These experienced professionals – most of whom are TJ authors themselves – work with authors to ensure that papers meet TJ's high standards and are presented clearly and accurately.

Easy to submit: Papers may be submitted by email to Jeff Wells at TAPPI. Complete author guidelines are available online. (Please note: Papers must be submitted by the author; TAPPI Conference papers are NOT automatically reviewed for TJ publication.)

We look forward to receiving your work!

##SHARELINKS##

 

The soon-to-be-published, "Production and Applications of Cellulose Nanomaterials" is the latest TAPPI Press product to broaden the industry knowledge regarding who is researching nano technologies as well as leads on successful applications.

Anyone working in the nanomaterials field, or needing to understand the production and standards of the field, will want to add this volume to their reference material. Cellulose nano-crystals and cellulose nano-fibrils have been known for 20-50 years, but recent research suggesting very high strength properties and other unique physical properties have generated extensive interest in these materials.

Pre-order your copy today and save!

This new book will include:

• A collection of two to three page summaries on recently completed and on-going research with these high strength materials
• A list of who's-who of research as well as leads on successful applications
• Topics on subjects such as production and modification, composites, other applications, modeling, and standards.
• Special feature: Actual cellulose nanocrystals included within the overcoat varnish of the cover.
  
  
  Pre-order Price:
  Member: $149
  Nonmember: $149
  
  After July 15:
  Member: $189
  Nonmember: $259
  
  Product code: 0101R332

##SHARELINKS##

 

Make plans to attend the 2013 Building Sciences Committee Fall Meeting September 18-20.

The Building Sciences Committee has designed a strong technical program for production managers and engineers to provide firsthand knowledge to improve their fiberglass mat process with practical production-targeted papers.

This year's program will include papers on: Process Variation Reduction, Glass Sizing Basics; Burner Safety and Efficiency; Biological Treatment Case Study, Operator and Mechanical Training to Enhance Operational Effectiveness; IT Systems to Manage Roll Goods and Reduce Waste.

We are pleased that Tim Worms of 3M will return by popular demand to present his updated Roofing Market Overview and Forecast.

The meeting will be held at The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Fla. USA. TAPPI has negotiated a very economical room rate of $109.00 per night per guest. This rate is good for TAPPI members for stays of any length from Wednesday, September 18, through Sunday, September 22. Group dinners Wednesday and Thursday evenings will provide opportunities to meet other manufacturing personnel and suppliers, and their cost is included in the cost of the meeting. These will be excellent networking opportunities.

Thursday's afternoon recreational activity (also included in the registration price) is a choice of golf, coastal fishing, or an afternoon at the spa. Non-registered spouses and guests are welcome to participate in the activities and dinners for the following costs: $60 per dinner and $95 for golf, fishing, or the spa treatment. They do not have to pay the conference registration fee.

Click here for additional meeting information.

##SHARELINKS##

 

The 2013 TAPPI PEERS Conference, September 15-18, in Green Bay, Wis., USA, has announced the detailed technical program focusing on sustainable manufacturing and other pressing business and technical questions faced by pulp and paper companies as they manage raw materials, assets, regulatory requirements, and production assets.  Register now and save.

In addition to the peer-reviewed technical program, Keynote Speaker Robert Feeser, SVP of Packaging with MWV, will share his insights on the day-to-day challenges he faces as he oversees the company's primary mill-based manufacturing businesses in the U.S. and Brazil. PEERS will also offer exclusive networking opportunities and insight into new technologies that can help you optimize your mill operations.  

For 2013, PEERS will be co-located with the 10th Research Forum on Recycling and the International Bioenergy and Bioproducts Conference, creating a value-added opportunity for you to expand your learning, networking, and resources by attending all three events.  

Learn more about the TAPPI PEERS Conference.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Don't miss out on your chance to attend the Process Control of Stickies Workshop, taking place just before the TAPPI PEERS Conference.

Organized by Dr. Mahendra Doshi, current TAPPI JOURNAL Editorial Board Member and Founding Editor of Progress in Paper Recycling, the workshop will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 15.

The international workshop is designed for engineers, scientists, and technicians who want to get a handle on one of the difficult contaminants in paper recycling - stickies. The workshop will benefit anyone using recycled pulps, working in recycling mills, or affiliated with companies supplying equipment, chemicals, and recovered papers to the recycling industry.

Problems caused by stickies cost millions of dollars to the industry. As indicated above, experts from around the world together with highly experienced speakers from mills offer an excellent overview for managing and controlling stickies. If you could just save one hour of paper machine downtime it would pay for the workshop many times over.

Learn more about this important workshop.

Don't miss this golden opportunity to learn about stickies related issues at this one-day international workshop.

Registration Cost:
$295/member; $345/non-member (on or before August 16); or $345 (if registered after August 16).

##SHARELINKS##

 

Now's the time to make your plans to attend IBBC, September 18-20 in Green Bay, Wis., USA.

As the only industry event dedicated to advancing biorefineries in the forest products industry, International Bioenergy and Bioproducts Conference (IBBC) offers you a fresh look at biomass utilization. Sessions focusing on biomass supply and demand, biochemical and thermochemical conversion technologies, conversion pathways, and economic assessments – along with a Keynote Presentation from Linda A. Beltz, Ph.D., NPDP, Director, Technology Partnerships at Weyerhaeuser – can help you determine how to integrate these technologies into your mill.

For 2013, IBBC will be co-located with the TAPPI PEERS Conference, and the 10th Research Forum on Recycling, creating a value-added opportunity for participants to expand their learning, networking, and resources by attending both events. Offered just after IBBC, TAPPI's Biorefinery Course, can deepen your understanding of biorefinery strategies and emerging technologies and their design/implementation in a business strategy.

Learn more about IBBC.

Register by August 16 for best rates!

##SHARELINKS##

 

TAPPI CorrExpo 2013, October 7-9 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, Ind, USA,. is your one-stop pitstop to fuel your networking and relationship building needs.

Take advantage of these high-octane opportunities:

• 2013 Corrugated Classic Golf Tournament Monday, October 7, at the Brickyard Crossing Course
• Welcome reception Monday night at the JW Marriot.
• Evening Gala at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tuesday night
• Trade show open both Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon (see who's exhibiting)
• Receptions on the show floor both afternoons from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
  
• Spouse/Guest program.

View the full program to fast track your CorrExpo experience.

##SHARELINKS##

 

As TAPPI is getting ready to celebrate its 100th Year Anniversary in 2015, we were wondering how much industry expertise we have in this great group of professionals.

So, we decided to post a discussion question on our TAPPI Social Media outlets. We asked, "How many years of paper and/or packaging experience do you have?"
 
Who knew such a simple question would have such an impressive response.

With more than 7,000 TAPPI members, all over the world, we have counted 650-plus years of industry experience! And that's just counting the first 30 people who have responded. Now you probably can't find that anywhere else . So why don't you join us?

From those "born" into the industry to third generation professionals. From paper to packaging, to sustainability, environment, tissue, converters, and consulting. This TAPPI network has something for everyone.
 
Become a part of this unique community of paper and packaging professionals, and add your expertise to our group, and network with others to learn something new.

Visit our website to learn more today!

##SHARELINKS##

 

The TAPPI Centennial Celebration will be a multi-year long series of outreach events and educational offerings showcasing the proud history and promising future of the global pulp, paper, packaging, and related industries. This once-in-a-lifetime event will expand public awareness, foster further connection, and provide outstanding opportunities for collaboration, growth, and investment in our future for all of those involved. Goals for the TAPPI Centennial Celebration are:

• To honor TAPPI's 100 years of connection, education, and advancement as a foundation for the sustainable success of our members, our industries, and the world we share
• To recognize the achievements of those who built our industry and to inspire those who seek to build its future
• To celebrate the contributions and innovations of the global pulp, paper, and packaging industries to human culture, commerce, health, and social advancement
• To sustain the industry and support its growth, vitality, and future through the TAPPI Foundation.

We invite you to be a part of this momentous event. The sooner you join us the more opportunities there are for recognition of your company, its products, and key innovations. Keep in mind that an early commitment allows you to spread your investment over multiple years' budgets.

For more information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities please contact dbell@tappi.org.

The sponsorship prospectus can be downloaded online.

##SHARELINKS##

 

Do you have a history book gathering dust on your shelf? TAPPI's 100th year is coming soon and we are looking for donations to the TAPPI Library. Specifically, we are interested in histories of companies and mills in the paper and packaging industry (both producers and suppliers). Each donated book will have a bookplate in the front cover recognizing the donor. For more information please contact David Bell.

Please send books to:
c\o David Bell
TAPPI
15 Technology Parkway, South
Suite 115
Peachtree Corners, Georgia 30092

##SHARELINKS##

 

##SHARELINKS##