Weekly Spotlight
WestRock to be Name of Combined MWV, RockTenn

Over the Wire

TAPPI

May 21, 2015
GapCon
"WestRock draws on the strongest elements from each of our legacy names," said Steve Voorhees, who will be the CEO of WestRock Co. "The name speaks to our determination to build on the long track record of success and growth that has been established by both companies..."
 
Application Deadline June 30 for Manufacturing Leadership Courses at Georgia Tech
Initial course offerings begin this fall. Upon approval by the Georgia Board of Regents, the courses may lead to a professional master’s degree in manufacturing leadership. Applications for fall 2015 courses are due June 30 and will require an undergraduate transcript and letters of recommendation.
 
SCA Partners with Wish of a Lifetime, Brookdale to Grant Lifelong Wishes for Seniors
Together, Wish of a Lifetime and SCA will fulfill the lifelong wishes of three senior citizens who have overcome challenges in their lives. Brookdale, the nation's largest operator of senior living communities and longtime Wish of a Lifetime partner and SCA customer, will support the fulfillment of two of the three wishes.
 
Domtar, Student Conservation Assn. Help Restore River Park North
This project is the latest in a series of collaborations between Domtar and SCA; previous efforts have improved municipal, state, and provincial parks in Kingsport, Tenn., Lancaster, S.C., Nekoosa, Wis., and Montreal and Windsor, Que., Canada, among other locations. Domtar also supports SCA's engagement of thousands of local youth in conservation projects...
 
SFI, Habitat for Humanity Partner to Build New Home for Greenwood Family
The project was supported by a Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI), Washington, D.C., Conservation and Community Partnerships grant, which provides funding to revitalize local communities using wood products certified to the SFI Standard to provide safe, affordable housing with sustainable forest resources.
 
TAPPI/PCA Work Simulation Workshop Set for July 21-22
Highly-participative, full two-day workshop will guide cross-functional, multi-disciplined management participants through "hands-on" scenarios to better understand and eventually better manage their overall Asset Reliability Maintenance functions.
 
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 Establishing New Tissue Awards
"There have been some great contributions to the advancement of tissue and converting," says Scott Springmier of TAPPI, "and our TAPPI volunteers have decided we are long overdue to recognize them." The Tissue Division is establishing three new awards to recognize outstanding contributions in the industry.
 
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.
 
Market Roundup
AF&PA Releases 55th Annual Survey of Paper, Paperboard, Pulp Capacity
The survey reports U.S. industry capacity data for 2014 and 2015 for all major grades of paper, paperboard,and pulp, as well as fiber consumption, based on a comprehensive survey of all U.S. pulp and paper mills. Survey respondents represent more than 88% of the U.S. industry capacity.
 
U.S. Tissue Price Index Edges Lower in April
The U.S. tissue price index decreased slightly in April. The new level as of this past month is close to a four-year low.
 
Paper Packaging to Impact U.S. Food Contact Paper Market through 2019
"Manufacturers of food products prefer food contact paper for cost-efficient packaging, as their light weight and durability enables reduced transportation and handling costs," said the VP of Technavio. "Retailers and product manufacturers also use paper packaging materials to increase their brand visibility, and distinguish their products from other products available on the market."
 
U.S. Wood Pellet Exports Increase for 12th Consecutive Quarter in 4Q/14
With more than 20 new export-oriented pellet plants being built or having credible plans to operate in the next two years in the southern U.S. states, further significant growth in North American pellet exports can be expected.
 
U.S. Bleached Kraft Pulp Imports Decline
U.S. bleached kraft pulp imports were down 2.8% y/y through the first quarter of this year. Bleached softwood kraft was down 3% and bleached hardwood kraft (BHK) was off by 2.5%.
 
U.S. Paper, Bioplastic Cup, Lid Market Projection, 2015-2019
The abstract suggests the paper packaging/cup industry can benefit positively compared with other sectors of cups mentioned. A key market trend identified is increased demand for biodegradability—a challenge for conventional petrol-plastics and foil/metal materials, while paper products are more easily recyclable and can even be composted if necessary in proper conditions.
 
NSK Corp
Pulp & Paper
Fibria Announces Construction of New Pulp Line at Três Lagoas Unit
The new production line in Brazil will have annual pulp production capacity of 1.75 million metric tons. Combined with its existing capacity, already in operation, the Três Lagoas unit will reach a total annual production capacity of 3 million tons, making it one of the world’s largest eucalyptus pulp production sites.
 
AF&PA Announces 2014 Paper Recovery Rate
"U.S. paper recovery’s ongoing success is possible thanks to the voluntary, market-driven product recovery system," said AF&PA's CEO. AF&PA Board Chairman and Sappi North America President and CEO Mark Gardner added that "industry education programs and initiatives, and the millions of Americans who recycle every day help ensure continuously high paper recovery rates."
 
Chinese Researchers Help Paper Mill Realize Zero Waste Discharge
Xu Nanping of the Chinese Academy of Engineering told the state press agency that treatment film filtering technology has turned the 32,000-metric tons of wastewater discharged by Jiangsu Oji Paper Co. each day into clean water, industrial salt, and dried mud.
 
Domtar Windsor Mill First Forestry Industry Approved under Canada’s CSA-PAD
The inspection and control of the product being realized to the facility, the passage to customs, is made much more quickly. This makes it easier to import fiber, which represents 25% of the deliveries to the Windsor mill.
 
GapCon, Fomat Join Forces
Part of the agreement is a novel type of yankee hood system jointly developed by the companies and especially designed for the needs of the tissue manufacturing process. It also provides additional features...
 
Tembec Suspends Operations at Three Quebec Sawmills
James Lopez , president and CEO, said that "Tembec has already expressed its concerns, on many occasions, to the Québec Government regarding wood costs at its sawmills in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Unfortunately, these costs have increased more than 20%..."
 
Containerboard/Packaging
AR Packaging Invests EUR 3 Million in Newly Acquired Krakow, Graz Plants
AR Packaging, Germany, this past week announced its plan to expand the plant in Krakow, Poland, and invest in upgrading of machinery equipment at the plant in Graz, Austria after their acquisition from MeadWestvaco Corp. (soon to be WestRock).
 
Smurfit Kappa Converting PM from Containerboard to Brown Machine-Glazed Paper
Smurfit Kappa’s Sangüesa mill in the North of Spain is being hailed as an "ambitious project" site. Production volume will be up to 30,000 metric tpy of glazed papers, a product being used more (especially in European markets) in favor of plastics for paper packaging food, creating shopping bags, or making gift paper.
 
G-P to Close Parchment, Mich., Food Wrap Plant
"This is a strategic decision based on our business needs and ability to be competitive long-term and has nothing to do with the quality of work from G-P's employees at the plant," the company said in a press release about the historic U.S. mill site, marking the end of the paper industry in the city. Most of the complex was shuttered in 2000.
 
Iggesund Expands Presence in North America
Iggesund established inventory position and sheeting capabilities in Pomona, Calif., USA, with the objective of making Invercote readily available for quick-turn market demand. "Now is the time to increase our presence on the West Coast, where we know there is a density of brand owners who will appreciate the quality level we offer..." said the president of Iggesund Americas.
 
KapStone Mill Division President Stresses Need for Increased Productivity
In addition to an undetermined number of positions eliminated through attrition or layoffs, the KapStone letter said the company will cut costs through reduced capital spending, more efficient use of energy and chemicals, plus worker retraining programs.
 
Pöyry to Provide Engineering for Kotkamills Folding Boxboard Machine
With a focus on environmental sustainability, this project responds to growing customer demand by introducing high-quality recyclable barrier board to the market. Unlike other generally used plastic-coated boards, the barrier board of Kotkamills (Finland) can be recycled without any special measures.
 
VPK Packaging Plant Opening in Stevens Point
VPK Packaging Group is already in the process of shipping specialized machinery to the U.S. from Germany, with plans to install the machinery during the last two weeks of May and open a core winding site in Stevens Point, Wis., USA, with production beginning in June.
 
Legislative
U.S. Decision Delayed on Probe into Canadian Mill’s Subsidies
American investigators have until later this summer to decide whether a Point Tupper paper mill violated international trade law by accepting millions in government subsidies. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it will delay a preliminary decision into its paper mill probe at the request of the American paper companies that filed the complaint...
 
Nanotechnology
Sappi to Launch Pilot Plant for Low-Cost Nanocellulose Production by End of Year
The research team claims they have been able to drastically reduce the amount of energy needed to power the process, as well as the need for expensive chemicals. The pilot plant will test the manufacturing of dry redispersible Cellulose NanoFibrils (CNF).
 
New Products
ANVER Announces New Air Powered Vacuum Lifter with 180 Degree Flip
Product features include an adjustable bale with a fully integrated operator control handle for easy maneuverability, an all-steel welded frame with dual air cylinders to rotate loads horizontally and vertically, and a locking attach/release valve and vacuum reservoir to maintain vacuum hold in case of a power outage.
 
IBS/Transphase Super Steam Vac Improves Dewatering
The first model was successfully installed last summer to improve the dewatering capacity of a paper machine that had an inefficient suction couch and overall low sheet solids leaving the former. Initial startup performance demonstrates a 7.33% increase in solids entering the press section.
 
Published Pricing
Sappi to Raise European Coated Fine, Mechanical Paper Prices
Sappi, Johannesburg, South Africa, announced this past week that continuously rising input costs and, consequently, declining profit margins have made corrective pricing measures inevitable as Sappi Europe’s (Brussels, Belgium) business is unsustainable at current price levels.
 
Sustainability
New Rainforest Alliance Project Focused on Sustainable Forestry in Southeast U.S.
"Sustainable land-use practices and certification can help these private landowners to leverage the value of their natural resources while protecting the unique habitats, water quality, and biodiversity of the Southeast region of the country." Working with Avery Dennison, Columbia Forest Products, Domtar, and Staples, the Rainforest Alliance aims to create sustainable management plans and improve market opportunities for these small landowners.
 
Energy
Biomass to Biobutanol: Cost Effective Alternative to Petroleum-Based Production
Cobalt will offer complete systems for sugar mill, pulp and paper, and biomass power facility retrofits with a cost-effective biorefinery module, taking advantage of benefits of co-location (feedstock supply, logistics, permits) while enhancing overall facility returns.
 
People
Smurfit Kappa Announces Retirement of CEO McGann
According to the company, Gary McGann has been recognized within the industry and by capital markets as the outstanding CEO of their sector. Their board is grateful for his substantial contribution in leading the group’s growth and development over the last 13 years.
 
TAPPI News
Gulf Coast TAPPI's 2015 Annual Meeting
The Gulf Coast TAPPI Local Section will be hosting its 2015 Annual Meeting, June 10-13, at the Seascape Resort and Conference Center in Destin, Fla., USA, with two days of technical workshops and one day devoted exclusively to fun and recreational activities.
 
2015 PEERS Conference to Feature More Focused Learning on What You Need today
2015 PEERS features keynote speaker, John D. Williams, CEO and president of Domtar. Three special all-day workshops are also being offered prior to the start of the 2015 PEERS Conference, October 25-28 in Atlanta, Ga., USA. Each presents an opportunity to expand your knowledge and learn from our industry’s best.
 
In Memoriam: Michael Ray Harwood
Michael served on the board of directors of numerous industry associations including TAPPI for many years and was a founding member of the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation. In 2014, he was recognized as one of the "50 most influential leaders in the global pulp and paper industry."
 
Northeast PIMA / TAPPI Local Section 2015 Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament
Online registration is now open for this annual event that supports the section scholarship fund. Spots do fill quickly! Checks and all major credit cards are accepted for this June 12 event in Auburn, Maine. Deadline for entry is June 5.
 
TAPPI eLEARNING Courses: Cost Effective Online Education
From general safety orientations to mill-specific classes, our direct eLEARNING courses are designed with both student and our industry's employers in mind. Select courses are now available and can also be customized.
 
In Memoriam: Charles J. Green
Known by many in the paper industry as a "guru" on paper curl and how to eliminate or at least minimize it, Charles passed away on April 28 after a short illness.
 
Learn the Latest on Nanocellulose-Based Materials for Antibacterial Packaging
In addition to discussing the industrialization of nanocellulose, this one-hour free June 3 webinar will explain how microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) will be used in the future to enhance barrier at high humidity with clay and oxidized nanocrystals. Sponsored by the TAPPI Nanotechnology Division.
 
TAPPI and Smithers Pira Present a "Total Focus" on Specialty Papers
Coming off a record breaking year in 2014, including a 40% growth in attendance, Specialty Papers 2015 will bring together experts from across the specialty papers supply chain on the most topical content relevant to this sector of the industry. Sponsored by TAPPI and Smithers Pira, this year's conference will return to "The Brew City" (Milwaukee, Wis., USA) this September 15-17.
 
TAPPI Press: The Glossary of Terms Used in Flexographic Printing on Corrugated Board
This glossary defines hundreds of terms commonly used in flexographic printing and pre-press operations. It will be a valuable reference for everyone involved in converting and printing. TAPPI members have a chance to purchase this useful text for less than $30.00.
 
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: 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!