Travels with Larry
Old Home Week

Over the Wire

TAPPI

May 7, 2015
GapCon
Larry and Eric Fletty visit the company where Eric began his career in the paper industry--GL&V in Nashua, N.H., USA.
 
Weekly Spotlight
Global Forest, Paper Industry Makes Progress on Sustainability Commitments
"We are proud of the significant and steady progress our global industry has made on our sustainability commitments," said ICFPA President Donna Harman. "We look forward to continuing to manufacture sustainable products that people use and need while contributing to the well-being of communities around the world." The report highlights the industry’s contributions to climate change mitigation.
 
Canada's Forest Industry Tops Competitors in Environmental Progress
Canada's forest sector continued to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and has cut its GHG intensity by 20% since 2008, while the average in the rest of the world was a 17% drop since 2004, a longer time period. Canada also has a 70% recycling rate, higher than the global average of 58%. The nation is a global leader in waste to landfill with 98% of wood residue in 2013 being used for either energy generation or composting.
 
KapStone to Acquire Victory Packaging
The structure of the transaction will enable KapStone to realize a tax benefit that has an estimated net current value of approximately $100 million. Taking this benefit into account, the net purchase is about $515 million. Victory Packaging is a large, national distributor of all types of packaging specializing in providing unique solutions for its clients. Through its 65 distribution centers located in North America, Victory services customers with complex needs.
 
2016 TAPPI Award Nominations Deadline: August 1
TAPPI and its divisions recognize member achievement through various awards and appreciations. The deadline to submit nominations for the TAPPI 2016 major awards is August 1, 2015. Nomination forms can be submitted by email, faxed to the attention of the Awards Department at +1-770-446-6947, or mailed to TAPPI.
 
Pathogen-Sensing Paper Comes from an Inkjet Printer
Current paper-based bio sensing techniques are labor-intensive and often expensive, and can be difficult to mass produce. Using state-of-the-art methods to produce "bio-inks," researchers can now use conventional inkjet printers to print man-made DNA molecules with very high molecular weight on paper.
 
Calculating the Value of Pulp and Paper’s Industrial Wastewater
Research revealed that the pulp and paper industry generated the largest quantities of wastewater in comparison with other industries due to the large quantities of water used per unit of product combined with historically rare water reuse. Unfortunately, the economic value of pulp and paper industry wastewater is currently one of the lowest in comparison with the other industries analyzed.
 
Global Paper Production Now Forms "A Perfect Circle" of Recycling
Paper manufacturers around the world have helped close a planet-wide loop that turns recovered fiber back into new products. Makers of containerboard, newsprint, tissue, and all other grades of paper have made substantial commitments to using recovered fiber as a feedstock at mills throughout the world.
 
TAPPI Salary Survey Returns: Give Your Opinion, Win Chance at $100
The survey will allow those who participate to see how their compensation and benefits compare with others in their industry. You will also have a chance to win a $100 gift certificate from TAPPI for your time.
 
Tissue Webinar: Say Goodbye to Nuclear in Basis Weight Sensor
On June 9, you can learn about a new sensor that eliminates the need for a traditional basis weight sensor with a nuclear source. Mills are now saving time and money previously needed for nuclear safety training, licenses, and specialized service and safety requirements.
 
TAPPI Webinar Series: Filling your Wet End Chemistry Toolbox—Part 2-Retention Programs
"Fill your Wet End Chemistry Toolbox to Improve Your Productivity, Stability and Efficiency" is designed to dive deeper into the science & technology of Wet End Chemistry. The four part series will be hosted by Dr. Przemyslaw Pruszynski of Nalco, and will expand on certain topics covered in the committee’s annual Wet End Chemistry Course.
 
Free VTT Webinar on Nanocelluloses Set for May 27
This Webinar is focused on how to utilize the full potential of the most abundant biopolymer that Mother Nature has to offer, how to combine the unique properties of cellulose with one of the "hottest" key enabling technologies—nanotechnology, and how science can help to overcome the hurdles. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland will present on nanocelluloses May 27 at 3:00 p.m. London, U.K. (10 a.m. New York, N.Y., USA).
 
Eastman Chemical Co.
Market Roundup
China Dissolving Pulp Imports Edge up in Q1/15
Through the first quarter of this year, China’s imports of dissolving pulp (specialty cellulose) were up 1% y/y. Q1/15 imports to China from Canada were down nearly 40%...
 
Log Imports to China Increase
This is the highest monthly volume since early in 2014, and incidentally, is also higher than the monthly average over the past two years, as reported in the upcoming issue of the Wood Resource Quarterly.
 
Wax Coating Usage Drops Below 3% of Total Corrugated Shipments
By developing and using wax alternatives, the industry continues to increase the amount of recyclable corrugated packaging. Coupled with the tremendous supermarket and retail collection of old corrugated containers (OCC), today there’s very little corrugated packaging going to landfills.
 
NSK Corp
Pulp & Paper
A.Celli Starts up New Tissue Machine in El Salvador
Installation of the new machine at the tissue producer group, which A.Celli notes has "for the time being" chosen to remain confidential, shipped from Italy to Central America beginning last September, with a startup in April.
 
CMPC Starts up New Valmet Pulp Line at Guaíba Mill in Brazil
The new pulp line is an expansion to the existing Guaíba pulp mill in Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil. The new line has a capacity of 1.3 million metric tpy and can be upgraded to reach 1.5 million metric tpy with minor investments. This is an addition to the existing capacity of the mill of 500,000 metric tpy.
 
Australian Paper Opens Maryvale Recycled Mill
This mill will turn 80,000 metric tpy of wastepaper into 50,000 metric tpy of pulp, massively increasing its recycled capacity from a previous 15,000 metric tpy. So far, the mill is only producing copy paper, but will soon expand to the commercial printing and envelope markets.
 
Fibria, Klabin Sign Agreement to Supply Eucalyptus Pulp to Global Markets
The agreement between the companies establishes a firm commitment for acquisition by Fibria or its subsidiaries of a minimum of 900,000 metric tpy of hardwood pulp, for exclusive sale by Fibria or its subsidiaries in countries outside of South America.
 
G-P Headquarters Undergoes Building Ownership Change
G-P and MetLife have split ownership of the building through a joint venture since its construction in 1982. The transaction now places MetLife's interest with an affiliate of G-P's parent company Koch Industries Inc.
 
IP Finalizes Sale of Carolina Brand to MWV
As part of the sale agreement and to ensure a smooth transition for customers, IP will manufacture Carolina branded products for MWV until the end of year. Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed.
 
Kemira Completes Acquisition of Akzonobel Paper Chemicals Business
The value of the transaction is EUR 153 million and it will become cash-effective in the second quarter of 2015. The acquired business is expected to increase revenue by more than EUR 200 million on an annualized basis as of the completion date.
 
Papelera Samseng Orders New GapCon EconSOFT Tissue Machine
The new machine will have a trim of 3.45 meters and a design speed of 2.000 m/min, with a production capacity at 145 metric tpd. Features of the machine include an enhanced EconFLOWTM headbox, allowing the machine to run at higher consistencies, and a steel made yankee dryer EconDRYTM.
 
Containerboard/Packaging
Green Bay Packaging Acquires Baird Display
"The acquisition is an excellent fit for Green Bay Packaging. Baird Display is an innovative company that adds to our point of purchase display capabilities and expands our market presence. Baird has excellent leadership values and a culture that parallels our own," said Will Kress, CEO and president of Green Bay Packaging.
 
Klabin to Hold Annual Shutdown at Monte Alegre Mill this Month
Among the main activities planned are inspections of boilers, digesters, systems of power generation, and distribution and controls of the production process. The planned shutdown will last between May 11 and 21.
 
MWV Completes Sale of Tobacco Folding Carton Business to AR Packaging
Included in the sale were operations at three facilities in Austria, Poland, and Russia, which manufacture and print hinge-lid boxes, display cartons, and high-impact cigarette packaging, as well as folding carton packaging for some chocolate confectionery and consumer apparel segments in western and eastern Europe. Other assets were also included...
 
New Products
Apex Introduces Free Anilox Appraisal Program
Apex International has established the Apex Anilox Appraisal Program, a free service aimed at addressing costly and avoidable printing challenges. Apex will provide a free, on-site appraisal and present troubleshooting options drawing on its global technical resources.
 
Cascades Launches Online Catalogue of Food Packaging Products
With hundreds of products to choose from, users will henceforth be able to consult the catalogue anytime and search results by food category, market segment, and brand, enabling them to find, easily and quickly, the container that best meets the specifications of their particular produce from the comfort of their home internet or smartphone.
 
Catalyst Paper Re-launches Coated Paper Line-up
Effective May 4, Catalyst became the sole manufacturer of the Orion®, Vision®, Escanaba®, Dependoweb®, Capri®, and Consoweb® brands. This suite of coated products is available for purchase now, with full production capability across all three Catalyst coated mills in Port Alberni, B.C. (Canada), and the U.S. mills in Rumford and Biron in June.
 
Fluorescent Additive Detects Hydraulic Fluid Leaks in Forestry Equipment
Undetected hydraulic fluid leaks cost the forestry industry untold amounts of money. This includes the costs of fluid replacement, problematic system operation, equipment breakdown, fines for environmental contamination, and the possibility of fluid injection injuries to personnel. This new technology could save 100 million gallons of hydraulic fluids in the industry each year.
 
MWV MiniModT Offers Beauty Care Brands Portability, Convenience
MeadWestvaco Corp. has introduced MiniModT, its new airless pump and pouch dispensing system. The MiniMod airless design incorporates an easy-to-push button actuator for comfortable and controlled dispensing, and a flexible pouch, which is available in "stock" 25 ml and 40 ml sizes, or can be fully customized to a desired shape or volume.
 
Neenah Starts up New Packaging Website
The site, now live, is intended as a creative and specification resource for brand managers, designers, printers, and converters who are responsible for luxe packaging and label design for premium and craft brands. With the launch, Neenah offers premium paper samples for customers.
 
PulpEye Introduces Online Measurement of Fiber Wall Thickness
The rapid and robust technology is based on an innovative light system for colorimetric based quantification of the desired properties. PulpEye has the rights and is now commercializing the technology as an add-on for their online pulp and fiber analyzer system. Fiber wall thickness is an important parameter as it influences the strength properties of the pulp, but so far it has not been possible to measure it online.
 
SCA Brings Industrial Low-Lint Cleaning Cloth to Market in North America
Offering softness, strength, absorbency, and low-linting, the new cleaning cloth is designed to improve the process of cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting sensitive components, tools, and surfaces across a range of industries. It has been designed and tested to meet the low-lint standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers.
 
Published Pricing
Specialty Cellulose Pricing Down Significantly Compared with 2014
As of May 1 prices were down an expected 4%. By the end of FY 2015 there is expected to be a 7%-8% total drop in pricing for specialty cellulose/dissolving pulp.
 
People
BPM Announces Retirement of Peshtigo Mill Manager
During his more than 40 years with the company, Cohorst held roles of increasing responsibility at the mill, such as machine room superintendent, with principle objectives to develop and improve manufacturing technologies and consistently implement ways to advance operations. In 2004, Cohorst was promoted to paper mill manager to oversee all manufacturing operations.
 
Iba President de Carvalhaes to lead ICFPA
The president of the Brazilian Tree Industry (Iba) has been confirmed as the new president of the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations. Elizabeth De Carvalhaes will serve in this capacity for the next two years. This is the first time an ICFPA member from the Southern Hemisphere will chair the top global organization in the forest products industry since it was created in 2002.
 
TAPPI News
Paper Machine Operations Course – May 19-21, 2015
TAPPI's popular, highly regarded Paper Machine Operations Course, to be held May 19-21, 2015, in Appleton, Wis., USA, helps attendees build confidence and knowledge of overall paper machine operations.
 
In Memoriam: R. W. "Bill" Burrows
Burrows was a valued member of TAPPI for more than 30 years and was CEO of Burrows Paper Corp. at the time of his passing. Bill graduated from the Berkshire School and then the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1971. He then served as a Lieutenant (SC) in the U.S. Naval Reserve until 1974. A fourth-generation paper maker, he worked at Burrows Paper from age 12...
 
TAPPI Press: The World of Market Pulp - Soft Cover
This work contains more than 460 photos, graphs, and high resolutions SEMs. The book highlights 60 global market pulps--pulps selected for their distinctive properties, outstanding attributes, and ability to represent the wide-range of market pulps available in the world. For a limited time, this title is available to both members and non-members for the same affordable price for this cutting edge industry information. Don't miss out!
 
In Memoriam: Richard E. Hergert
In addition to being a standout engineer in the industry, Hergert was a TAPPI member as far back as 1973. Richard worked as an engineer for Beloit Corp in the research division, retiring in 1998
 
TAPPI Press: New Edition of Starch and Starch Products in Surface Sizing & Paper Coating
The New Edition of "Starch and Starch Products in Surface Sizing & Paper Coating is a must have
for your professional reference library. Available to TAPPI members for $60 off list price.
 
Knowledge That Pulp Mills Need – Sharing Expertise at PEERS 2015
In today’s competitive environment, pulp mills are continuously searching for cost effective solutions to improve profitability. TAPPI members and affiliates within our PEERS network offer great opportunities for serious innovation work in pulp, paper, paper packaging/board, tissue, new energy and efficiency options, and more... Check out some upcoming highlights of this year's conference.
 
PPSA Announces Keynote Speaker for 2015 Conference
The conference "Engaging the Heart and Mind" will be held June 7-10 in Savannah, Ga., and will focus on bringing together safety and industry professionals, as well as lawyers and OSHA experts to navigate the ever-changing field of pulp and paper industry safety. Learn who PPSA has announced as their Keynote speaker...
 
TAPPI Press: Papermaking Science and Technology Book Series (Now Available Online)
This popular book series has been updated; second editions are out. The most comprehensive books ever written on pulp and papermaking are now available in electronic versions! TAPPI members save an additional 10% off list price.
 
TAPPI Press: The Ultimate Roll and Web Defect Troubleshooting Guide E-Book
The Ultimate Roll and Web Defect Troubleshooting Guide E-Book is an updated and expanded electronic version of The Roll and Web Defect Terminology – 2nd Edition. This new electronic edition has allowed updating and expanding on defects commonly found in paper and paperboard products and in the production and converting of nonwovens, films, and laminations.