Over the Wire

TAPPI

Thursday, December 19, 2013 - members edition
Weekly Spotlight
Agenda 2020 Workshop Explores Next-Generation Chemical Pulping
AsianPaper
Xerium Technologies, Inc.
Twenty five experts from North America, South America, and Europe recently met to to discuss breakthrough technologies in chemical pulping.The group reviewed current technologies for kraft pulping and explored research pathways for next-generation "beyond kraft" processes.
 
TAPPI BOD Elections Underway: All Members Encouraged to Vote
A slate of three candidates has been proposed by the Nominating Committee. Elections will conclude on January 15.
 
USDA Announces Partnership to Advance Commercial Potential of Cellulosic Nanomaterial
Partnership between the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and the U.S. Forest Service will advance the development of the first U.S. commercial facility producing cellulosic nanomaterial.
 
Four KapStone Employees Receive Safety Awards
Employees received awards at the Western Pulp, Paper & Forest Products Safety & Health Conference in a western-U.S. region industry conference this past week in Portland, Ore.
 
Pratt Opens New Recycling Facility in Columbus Ga.
State-of-the-art plant, which replaces a smaller recycling center the city had operated nearby, is the result of a unique partnership between the public and private sectors.
 
Communication, Writing, Presentation Skills Lacking in Manufacturing Workforce
Survey of hiring managers and HR professionals revealed that many of the needed soft skills to be a successful manufacturing employee were lacking in both existing workers and potential new hires.
 
Biorefinery Business Could Put South Australian Forest Industry Back on Growth Track
VTT studied the condition of the forest sector industries in the Green Triangle region, examined the added value that may be achievable through high technology production, then proposed seven pathways to raise short-term local production value and establish specialized biorefinery business in the longer term.
 
FBA Seeks Additional Technical Manager
Ideal candidate is a seasoned corrugated industry professional with 7-10 years of technical background, a college degree, project management experience, meeting facilitation skills, and excellent written and communication skills, including presentations.
 
 
MIAC
GapCon
Market Roundup
Global Demand, Prices for Wood Fiber Continue Rising in 3Q/13
Sawlog prices were higher in practically all of the 20 regions worldwide, with the only exceptions being Canada, Western U.S., Finland, and Brazil, where prices were slightly lower than in the previous quarter.
 
B.C. Sets New Record for Softwood Lumber Exports to China
At the end of October, the value of total softwood lumber exports to China reached $1.17 billion, exceeding the previous record set in 2011.
 
AsianPaper
Pulp & Paper
Fortress Dissolving Pulp Mill to Take Market Downtime
Company says that the recent imposition of an interim duty by China's Ministry of Commerce on the import of Canadian dissolving pulp into China has made it uneconomical for the FSC Mill to continue producing dissolving pulp at this time.
 
IP’s Coated Board Project at Kwidzyn Mill in Poland Proceeding on Time
IP is rebuilding its coated board machine to enable the production of lighter-weight grades, and also is adding two new sheeters to eliminate current limitations in finishing capacity.
 
Mondi SCP Orders Advanced Automation for Rebuilt Recovery Island at Mill in Slovak Republic
Ružomberok mill is building a new recovery boiler and a turbine, as well as extending its evaporation plant and lime kiln, which will be run with Metso’s automation system.
 
Papyrus to Close Operations in Croatia, Slovenia
Company will shut down its paper merchanting operations in Croatia and Slovenia, which have long been unprofitable despite numerous measures to enhance efficiency and profitability.
 
Resolute Temporarily Loses Eco-Certification
According to Greenpeace, the company lost its certification in Quebec and Ontario due to several problems, including a lack of consent from the Crees nations and failure to safeguard high priority conservation areas.
 
Södra Announces New Group Strategy for 2014-2020
Company’s board has now made a formal decision on a new group strategy, a collective way forward that will allow employees and owners together to face new challenges and make the most of the opportunities offered by a changing world.
 
Ziegler Papier Announces New Subsidiary, Sales Team for U.K., Benelux Market
Arthur Snel, regional sales manager of its newly founded Ziegler Papier Netherlands B.V, subsidiary, will take over the company’s U.K. and Benelux markets.
 
Containerboard/Packaging
Ahlstrom Splits Food, Medical Business into Separate Units
Effective January 1, Ahlstrom will divide its Food and Medical Business Area into two sectors—Food Business Area and Medical Business Area.
 
Kübler & Niethamme Upgrade Packaging Production Line at German Mill
Company has invested some EUR 19 million modernizing its packaging papers production site in Kriebethal. Part of the modification involved upgrading technology in the paper machine’s dryer and press sections.
 
SCA to Invest $76 million in New Digester at Obbola Kraftliner Mill in Sweden
New digester will increase energy efficiency and allow for continued development of the mill.
 
New Products
FutureMark Introduces Enhanced C1S Future Label
Enhancements provide an environmentally-friendly C1S label for consumer packaged goods.
 
Sun Automation to Open New Service Center in Singapore
New service center, part of Sun Automation Group's strategic plan to grow its business in Asia, will improve the company’s ability to service customers in the region.
 
Published Pricing
Metsä Tissue Increases Baking, Cooking Paper Prices
Company will raise the prices of its baking and cooking papers by 5% in the first quarter of 2014.
 
Rayonier to Cut Prices for Cellulose Specialties
On average, the company expects that prices will be 7% - 8% below 2013, consistent with the market pressures previously announced.
 
People
Hörmanseder Reappointed Chairman of Mayr-Melnhof Karton Management Board
Hörmanseder's new term will start on Jan. 1, 2015, and end on Dec. 31, 2019.
 
OASIS Alignment Services Names Hiltunen President
Hiltunen assumes the position of former President Ray Masse, who will continue contributing to the success of OASIS as chairman of the board.
 
Weyerhaeuser Names Hunter SVP, Timberlands
Hunter, who joined Weyerhaeuser in 1987 as an accountant, has been VP, Southern Timberlands since 2010.
 
TAPPI News
TAPPI Board of Directors Elections Underway
All TAPPI Members are encouraged to vote – it’s easy and important! The TAPPI Board of Directors elections began on December 1, and will conclude on Jan. 15, 2014.
 
Still Time to Attend Popular Kraft Recovery Course
This four-day training session, January 6-9, offers a comprehensive look at key recovery operations in kraft pulp mills that help improve pulp production efficiency, minimize operating costs, and reduce environmental impact.
 
Follow TAPPI on Social Media - Have a Chance to Win $100
Make sure you're connected with TAPPI on Facebook and Twitter to have a chance to win a $100 prize. Winners will be announced in January 2014.
 
Boost Organic Search Traffic - Use the TAPPI Buyers Guide: Now with Ratings & Reviews
Today, nearly seven out of ten people read online reviews before making a purchase. By encouraging customer feedback and placing your company listing in the TAPPI Buyers Guide with Ratings & Reviews, you'll ensure that you have a place in the mind of consumers who are ready and willing to do business.
 
TAPPI Press: Pulp & Paper "Mills of the World"
Wall sized (measuring 3' x 5’) and laminated, this map is ideal for display in executive or mill offices, reception areas, or conference rooms. Each map is shipped in a protective tube, ready for display.
 
Improving Paper Machine Performance Course Returning in January
This advanced-level course will provide real world examples of paper mills that have made major improvements in their operations by implementing many small improvements throughout the mill.
 
Microbial Control: Free Webinar from TAPPI
This TAPPI webinar, hosted by Linda Robertson of International Microbial Associates, will discuss freshwater treatment and the impact water system closure has on paper and board.
 
International Pulp Bleaching Conference Issues Call for Papers
A call for papers has been issued for IPBC, with a deadline of March 31, 2014.
 
Introduction to Pulp and Paper Technology Course Approaches Capacity
This comprehensive course, January 6-9 in St. Petersburg, Fla., USA, is ideal for anyone new to the pulp and paper industry as well as for anyone who is in the industry and wants to learn about mill wide operations. The course delivers a comprehensive overview of the entire pulping and papermaking process.
 
Introduction to Nonwovens Processes Webinar Series Continues
This is the second part of a series covering the various methods used to produce nonwoven materials. Nonwovens Processes Part II, held January 16 at noon EST, will continue to explore the various processes used in nonwovens manufacturing and will provide an overview of commonly used nonwovens language.
 
In the Spotlight: John Neun - No Rain on This Member’s Parade
TAPPI member John Neun finds great satisfaction in career, industry.
 
Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) Course Set for February
This course, being held February 17-21, 2014 at the TAPPI Training Facility in Atlanta, Ga., USA., equips you with the safety skills and confidence needed for nearly any role you serve in your company.