Ahead of the Curve

Redefining the Future: News from PaperCon 2017

26 Apr 2017 This annual event combines an expert-led technical program with a world-class exhibit. AoTC reports back from Minneapolis on some of this week’s event highlights.

Mentors Can Make A Difference

19 Apr 2017 Got relationship goals? A new ‘Mentor Match’ program for the pulp, paper, and related industries can help. Building leadership skills, gaining process knowledge, and collecting sage advice are all benefits associated with having a mentor. Mentors can also help their mentees gain that almost intangible “feel for the industry” that can lead to higher job success and satisfaction. According to a recent article by Forbes.com contributor Kaytie Zimmerman, “among millennials, there is a collective shout to employers to develop them, mentor them, and give them opportunities to lead. Companies that offer their youngest employees the ability to grow within their organization are more likely to hang on to them or prevent job-hopping.”

Top Young Professionals are Ready to Make Their Mark

12 Apr 2017 JAN BOTTIGLIERI and SAMANTHA GEIER The next generation of industry leaders are not interested in “the way things were” for pulp, paper, and packaging producers. They’re interested in the opportunities ahead, and in how they can launch careers that take full advantage of those opportunities.

Nanotech and the Forest-Based Bioeconomy

05 Apr 2017 As a leader in scientific research and policy-making for the Canadian Forest Service, John Kozij has a keen interest in innovation, market growth, and sustainability for forest products. He serves as director general of the Policy, Economics and Industry Branch of the Canadian Forest Service, and holds a degree in economics from Simon Fraser University and a Masters in economics from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

How to Prepare for OSHA

29 Mar 2017 GRAEME RODDEN Mention OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to mill management in the US and often the reaction is one of dread—the fear of fines or other legal proceedings. It needn’t be this way.

Well-managed forests are key to a low carbon future

22 Mar 2017 PHIL RIEBEL In countries such as Canada and the US, continually improving sustainable forest management practices will play a key role in mitigating climate change and ensuring a long-term wood supply. Yesterday (March 21) was celebrated around the world as International Day of Forests and this year’s theme was Forests and Energy.

Side-stream, byproduct – or revenue source?

15 Mar 2017 “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” the saying goes. Yet this need not only apply to resale store bargains and attic discoveries. For pulp and paper companies, the concept of finding value in process by-products can mean large-scale gains. These additional revenue sources are a boon in a highly competitive global market, and are sparking the development of innovations that boost sustainability as well as the bottom line.

Mill Management and Teamwork

08 Mar 2017 TAPPI recently caught up with Scott LeBeau, resident mill manager with Graphic Packaging International in Kalamazoo, MI, to ask him what he felt was important to managing a successful mill. Here’s what he had to say.

Sack and kraft packaging demand is shifting to consumer application

01 Mar 2017 JOHN NELSON World demand for sack and kraft paper used in packaging is set for healthy annual growth of three percent across the next five years, according to the latest exclusive research from Smithers Pira.

Celluforce’s Sebastien Corbeil on commercializing nanotech

22 Feb 2017 As president and CEO of CelluForce—the world leader in the development and production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)—Sebastien Corbeil has an expert perspective on commercializing nanotechnology in the pulp and paper industry. Corbeil has more than 20 years of international business experience; he holds an MBA from DePaul University and a M. Eng in Chemical Engineering from McGill University. CelluForce was founded in 2012 with the mission to commercialize cellulose nanocrystals; Corbeil joined in April, 2015. Current company shareholders are Domtar, FPInnovations, Schlumberger and Fibria.