Pulp & Paper Canada Summer 2017

PULP& PAPER CANADA

SPRING 2017 OVER 100 YEARS OF SERVING THE INDUSTRY SUMMER 2017

IRVING

LEAPS

FORWARD

pulpandpapercanada.com

PULP MARKET OUTLOOK LONG-TERM CANADIAN PROSPECTS POORLY MAINTAINED TENSION GAUGES

PULP& PAPER CANADA

Summer 2017 Vol. 118, No. 3 An Annex Business Media Publication PRINT EDITION ISSN 0316-4004 ONLINE EDITION ISSN 1923-3515

OVER 100 YEARS OF SERVING THE INDUSTRY

COVER STORY 12

Irving leaps forward

A recent project with Valmet results in higher pulp yield, improved quality, lower maintenance and chemical savings

FEATURES 14 Signs of wear and tear

Poorly maintained tension gauges may cause severe damages

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State of the pulp industry

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Long-term prospects

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Despite growing demand for market pulp, it will take several years for it to catch up with major supply increases coming on stream before year-end

Conference speakers stress Canada must adapt in order to compete

22 Technology focus: Machine clothing

A smart cleaner system for machine clothing, plus an updated paper machine clothing reference guide

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

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IN EVERY ISSUE

4 Editorial 6 News 11 Opinion: Canopy 23 Technology News 25 Classified Ads 26 Bioeconomy Update

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MISSION STATEMENT: To promote the pulp and paper industry in Canada by publishing news of its people and their innovations in research, technology, management and financing, as well as forecasts of future trends.

Serving the industry since 1903.

For breaking news, visit www.pulpandpapercanada.com Cover photo: Irving

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Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

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EDITORIAL

The neuroscience of paper emotions

T

his June, the results of a unique survey to determine the preference for the use of paper over digital communications were released after a yearlong process that involved the input of more than 7,000 consumers across 10 countries. Produced by Toluna, The Attractiveness and Sustainability of Print and Paper survey was commissioned by Two Sides, a global advocacy organization for the use of paper communications.

The survey, according to Two Sides, concludes that there is a clear preference for print on paper across all countries and regions analyzed. It found that 85 to 89 per cent of respondents agree, that when forests are responsibly managed, it is environmentally acceptable to use trees to produce products such as wood for construction and paper for printing. In the same vein, 88 to 91 per cent of respondents agreed that, when responsibly produced, used and recycled, print and paper can be a sustainable way to communicate.

“These findings may also be partially explained by neuroscientific studies that have shown that our brains have a much more emotional and meaningful connection when we read on paper versus screens,” wrote Two Sides’ Phil Alyssa Dalton Riebel. Another neuroscience study was recently Editor commissioned by Canada Post to illustrate the attractiveness of direct mail over online and email advertising.

A Bias For Action, produced by True Impact Marketing, used brain imaging and eye-tracking technologies to see into the brains of people interacting with physical (direct mail) and digital (email, display) advertising media. The researchers developed two integrated campaigns featuring mock brands, applying the same creative and messaging across both physical and digital media formats. The 270 participants were later given memory tests to assess their recall of branded material.

True Impact Marketing found that it takes 21 per cent less thought to process direct mail over digital messaging, and that the paper product creates a 70 per cent higher brand recall.

Researchers found the motivation response created by direct mail is 20 per cent higher and even better if it appeals to senses beyond touch, such as smell and hearing. They also found direct mail gets the message across faster, explaining that our brains process paper media quicker than digital media.

“Physical fills a much-needed, and very human, sensory deficit in the virtual world, where we spend most of our time these days…The most important renaissance in advertising has gone largely unnoticed,” wrote Deepak Chopra, Canada Post president and CEO in a guest editorial column for The Globe and Mail. “In their race to find the next big breakthrough, marketers didn’t stop to realize that paper catalogues and marketing mail are emerging as an effective tool, even to engage digital natives. If there is one thing Steve Jobs taught us well, it is that customers don’t always know what they really want. You have to figure it out for them.”

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Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

Editor ALYSSA DALTON 905-713-4378 adalton@annexweb.com National Accounts Manager LAURA GOODWIN 289-928-8543 lgoodwin@annexweb.com

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Tough little cookies.

A crushed roll of paper can cost manufacturers and their customers countless hours, dollars, and headaches.

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3" CENTER HOLE PLUG

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CORSAVER™ PLUG Designed for fine coated papers, the name says it all – this little gem can withstand three times more pressure than most other center hole plugs on the market. In independent testing, our CorSaver plugs withstood a 10,000 lb crush in a .668” walled paper tube.

4" CENTER HOLE PLUG

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CORSAVER PLUG

INDUSTRY NEWS

PHOTO: Rayonier/Tembec

An American high purity cellulose company acquiring a Canadian forestry one, as a potentially new Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) looms overhead, has raised a few questions.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Rayonier Advanced Materials has announced it will buy Tembec in a takeover deal that values the Quebec-based company at US$807 million.

Speaking from Tembec headquarters in Montreal, Que., Tembec CEO James Lopez and Rayonier president and CEO Paul Boynton stressed several times that Rayonier intends to continue all existing Tembec operations and perhaps invest in more. Boynton also repeated that Rayonier intends to maintain a strong presence in Quebec, Ontario and France, where Tembec currently holds its operations.

The new joint company’s Canadian headquarters will be based in Montreal, while corporate headquarters will be in Jacksonville.

Choosing not to directly answer a question on whether the new joint company would stand up for Canadian lumber producers’ rights or side with the U.S. Lumber Coalition, Boynton stated only that the company’s best interests would be upheld in the event of a new lumber agreement.

On the topic of guaranteeing Canadian operations of Tembec with a potential SLA

coming, Boynton said, “We fully recognize FPInnovations president/CEO there’s some optimization, but we’re going steps down to work on that with both teams…To decide Yvon Pelletier, chairman on the optimal structure. We have U.S.of the board of direcbased assets, we are acquiring Canadiantors for FPInnovations, based and French-based assets…Our chalhas announced Pierre lenge is how do we grow them. We think it’s Lapointe will step down a very good model that you have here [that from his position as presican be applied to Rayonier].”

Pierre Lapointe dent and CEO. Lapointe The acquisition is not expected to affect will remain in office until the potential amount the company might his replacement is appointed, which pay for softwood lumber duties. the association estimates will likely be “Here’s the reality,” Lopez said. “Tembec this fall. is a public company now and most of our “I am very grateful for the work Pierre shareholders are U.S.-based now…What’s has done since taking office on Decemreally important is Rayonier’s commitment ber 1, 2008,” said Pelletier. FPInnovato keeping headquarters here in Montreal… tions says he is known for his energy and They’re going to invest a major amount of dynamism, and above all, his passion for their cash flow into Canadian operations.” innovation and research.

Once the deal is closed, Lopez will step Earlier this year, Lapointe was recdown and leave Boynton to lead the new ognized by the Royal Swedish Academy hybrid company. As a combined company, of Engineering Sciences and The Royal revenue will total approximately US$2 bilCanadian Geographical Society for his lion. contribution to science both nationally Lopez said liquidity is important in and internationally. regards to a potential SLA. Adding that Over his career, he has led various the risk to the company this time around projects such as building the world’s is significantly less than the last time a softfirst nanocrystalline cellulose demwood lumber agreement went into effect onstration plant in partnership with in 2006 because of the smaller lumber Domtar; implementing the first celluoperations running today. lose filaments demonstration plant in “While the duties, I’m sure, will be an the world in partnership with Kruger; annoyance they will not affect this comas well as creating a lignin extraction pany’s ability to maintain a strong balance plant in Thunder Bay, Ont., in partnersheet and continue with capital,” Lopez ship with Resolute Forest Products. said.

“I firmly believe that FPInnovaAddressing the curiosity surrounding tions is a model for research institutes. a U.S. company buying a Canadian forest I have been extremely proud to repreproducts manufacturer at such a pivotal sent FPInnovations to our members and time for the two countries’ trade relations, stakeholders, in Canada and around the Lopez offered the example of the US$400 world,” he said. “Our Strategic Action million-acquisition of Ontario-based Grant Plan, business model and all the work Forest Products by Atlanta-based Georgiadone by our employees will certainly Pacific in 2010 to illustrate that a similar position FPInnovations for a very sucacquisition has been done before. cessful future.”

Cascades has announced the arrival of Cascades EVOK on the American market, describing it as the first polystyrene foam tray that contains a minimum of 25 per cent recycled content and 100 per cent manufactured in North America.

EVOK, it says, is a high-quality polystyrene foam tray for a wide range of food industry applications. Launched in Canada in 2013, it is now also 6

Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

produced in the U.S. in an effort to help meet the needs of businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. Cascades says that with a content of 25 per cent recycled material, the greenhouse gas emissions of EVOK made in the U.S. is reduced by 15 to 20 per cent compared to regular polystyrene foam. By replacing regular polystyrene foam trays with EVOK, Cascades says it can lower its carbon footprint by an equivalent of 750 metric tonnes of CO2 annually. www.pulpandpapercanada.com

PHOTO: Cascades

Cascades EVOK expands into the United States

PHOTO: FPInnovations

Rayonier to buy Tembec

PHOTO: MEI

INDUSTRY NEWS

Resolute CEO recognized for advocacy work on behalf of forest products industry

Harmac Pacific selects FITNIR’s FT-NIR online analyzer

Resolute president and CEO Richard Garneau has been awarded the John Dobson Medal for Free Enterprise, where he is being recognized for a “lifetime of principled leadership and advocacy on behalf of Canada’s forest products industry.”

The Dobson Medal is presented annually by the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) in recognition of a career spent defending free markets and entrepreneurship.

Michel Kelly-Gagnon, MEI CEO, saluted Garneau’s courage and commitment to Resolute’s shareholders, customers, communities and employees, when awarding the medal to Garneau.

“We look for individuals who are vocal in their defence of the free market and who go above and beyond in fighting regulatory overreach or the lobby groups that aim to undermine the market economy. This year’s winner is one hell of a fighter,” he said.

In his remarks, Garneau commented on the need for the forest products industry to continue to defend itself against attacks of misinformation and intimidation.

“We have a moral and ethical obligation to fight back — to hold people accountable — to tell the truth. When people distort reality and inflict harm, we must not be afraid to confront them. Life has taught me that you must stand up for what you believe in. That’s how I conduct myself each and every day. At Resolute, it is an essential component of our culture, something we call, ‘principled leadership,’” said Garneau.

FITNIR Analyzers has been awarded with supplying its FT-NIR online analyzer system to Harmac Pacific.

A single analyzer and field sampling station system will analyze seven recovery and recaust streams at the Nanaimo, B.C., mill.

“Harmac’s primary intention for installing FITNIR Online is to stabilize the TTA (Total Titratable Alkali) for more consistent slaker operations and a higher CE (Causticizing Efficiency),” said Doug Barbour, production engineer. “With that, Harmac will see an improvement in white liquor strength and stability, potentially translating to an increase in digester yield.”

Harmac Pacific considered other available liquor analyzer technologies, but a number or attributes elevated FITNIR’s position to the top, it says, including the technology’s broad acceptance within the pulping industry as well as overall life cycle cost.

“With a slight delay in initiating this project due to market downturn, we are pleased to finally be proceeding with the installation of FITNIR Online at Harmac Pacific,” said Ryan Prontack, engineering superintendent. “We are looking forward to improved operations from having an online liquor analyzer and expect to see a very quick return on investment on the project.”

“We are excited to add Harmac Pacific to our growing list of Canadian pulp and paper installations,” added Thanh Trung, vice president of technology for FITNIR Analyzers.

“We are pleased to contribute to the reinvestment of yet another locally owned and operated mill.”

Equipment delivery to Harmac Pacific is being planned for this June in preparation for a target start-up date of July 31.

The Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft mill produces kraft pulps made from custom blends of Douglas fir, western hemlock, balsam fir, interior SPF and western red cedar, and is sold in Asia, Europe, and North and Latin America.

Mohawk debuts new Strathmore Impress fine paper line Mohawk, a North American manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, has introduced its new fine paper line made with pure cotton fiber — Strathmore Impress.

To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Strathmore brand, Mohawk said it thought it would be fitting to craft a new paper to honour the heritage of Strathmore and the “innovative spirit” of Mohawk.

Strathmore Impress is offered in multiple shades, weights and sizes and allows the seamless combination of digital printing with letterpress, engraving and foil stamping, says Mohawk.

“Since 1892, the Strathmore name has been synonymous with the finest American made papers,” said Chris Harrold, VP and creative director at Mohawk. “Given that 2017 was the 125th birthday of Strathmore, we www.pulpandpapercanada.com

thought it would be great to launch a new line that brings legendary craftsmanship to a new generation of letterpress printers, emerging social stationers and discriminating designers.”

“Strathmore Impress has been designed with a tactile, luxurious finish but also engineered using proprietary i-Tone surface treatment which allows printers to easily combine digital and impact processes such as letterpress on a single sheet,” noted Mike Madura, Mohawk VP product development/ management.

The paper line is available in two established shades of white: Ultimate White and Soft White along with two new colours: Light Gray and Light Pink.

Mohawk says the line will be available in 18pt for digital presses, as well as 20pt and 40pt for traditional printing techniques in a range of sizes from 8 ½ x 11 to 26 x 40.

Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

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INDUSTRY NEWS

PHOTO: CN

CN names 2017 EcoConnexions award winners

their supply chains through energy efficiency and carbon reduction programs, sustainability policies, public reporting to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), and through modal shift to rail.

Congratulations to the pulp and paper industry partners under CN’s recognition program: • Canfor • Domtar Corporation • Kruger Products LP • Resolute Forest Products

Canadian National Railway (CN) is recognizing 32 of its customers for their sustainability practices which it says are aligned with the objectives of the CN EcoConnexions program.

Customers are invited to partake in the annual awards program based on their ability to reduce GHG emissions by converting from truck to rail shipments.

The awards are handed out to customers who are working to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency across

Georgia-Pacific invests $400 million to grow consumer products business Georgia-Pacific has announced investments totalling more than $400 million for its GP Consumer (retail) tissue and towel business in an effort to support further growth for key customers’ private label brand products, it says.

The company has approved funding for a paper machine using through-air-dried (TAD) technology, associated converting equipment and infrastructure work. A final decision on the location of the new operations, which will be in the eastern United States, is expected to be announced soon, as startup is projected for 2019. Roughly 80 jobs would be created to support operations, says Georgia-Pacific.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to GP Consumer’s current and potential customers who plan to grow their premium private label towel brands, as well as to expand Georgia‑Pacific’s own Brawny premium paper towel brand,” said Fernando González, president, GP Consumer business.

• Tembec • Verso Corporation • West Fraser • Weyerhaeuser

“CN is proud to partner with these companies and congratulates each of them on their sustainability efforts,” said JJ Ruest, CN executive vice-president and chief marketing officer. He said CN will plant 100,000 trees, in partnership with Tree Canada, in recognition of its customers’ commitment to sustainable business practices.

Describing itself as a “true backbone” of the economy, CN transports more than $250 billion worth of goods annually.

New VP finance/CFO for West Fraser Chris Virostek has taken over as vice-president finance and CFO of West Fraser following Larry Hughes’ retirement this spring.

A Chartered Professional Accountant, Virostek has held a number of senior financial roles at Masonite International Corporation since 2002, most recently as senior vice president of strategy and corporate development.

“Larry has contributed greatly to West Fraser during his 10 years as part of our senior executive team,” said Ted Seraphim, president and CEO. “Before joining West Fraser, he was our outside legal counsel and served on our board from 2002 to 2005. Larry has played a pivotal role in the growth of West Fraser and we have all benefitted from his practical approach and thoughtful advice.”

The diversified wood products company says Hughes will remain with the company until the end of June to help with the transition and thereafter may provide advisory services to West Fraser’s management.

Verso launches machine-glazed natural kraft paper lines

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Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

www.pulpandpapercanada.com

PHOTO: Verso

Verso Corporation, a producer of flexible packaging, technical, and label and converting papers, has introduced its GlazeBag NK and GlazeWrap NK products, joining its NK Series of machine-glazed natural kraft papers manufactured using unbleached virgin fiber.

These products, Verso describes, boast a natural look and feel with excellent performance for food service, industrial and flexible packaging applications.

Designed for standard and premium retail bag applications, GlazeBag NK is a multipurpose natural kraft paper that promises “excellent printability” and “outstanding stiffness” for structural integrity and high-speed converting performance.

“Our focus is on creating high-performance, unbleached natural kraft papers for demanding converting processes,” said Mike Weinhold, Verso president of graphic papers. “With its oil and grease resistance, low porosity for moisture holdout, and consistency in extrusion laminating and waxing, our NK Series is a great complement to our trusted portfolio of lightweight bleached foodservice and flexible packaging papers.”

GlazeWrap NK, with basis weights (3000 sq. ft.) ranging from 15 lb. to 40 lb., is a multipurpose natural kraft paper designed for a range of converting and packaging applications. Verso describes GlazeWrap NK as a “perfect choice” for foil and film laminated products ranging from premium food pouches and wraps, to construction and industrial packaging applications.

The NK Series, including GlazeBag NK and GlazeWrap NK, is produced at Verso’s Androscoggin Mill in Jay, Maine.

Updated digital database is the “Holy Grail of directories” for North America’s best environmental papers Canopy of Vancouver, B.C., has launched its updated Ecopaper Database, described by the non-profit organization as the Holy Grail of directories for North America’s Best Environmental Papers. The 2017 iteration of this online resource features more than 450 printing and writing grade papers, office stationery products and packaging with high recycled, agricultural residue/alternative or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) fiber content.

All of these papers are available in

North America, including nearly 60 products made with straw that is left over from the food grain harvest or other alternative fibers.

“Not all ecopapers are created equal when it comes to their environmental benefits. Canopy’s Ecopaper Database helps customers discern which papers have the smallest impact on our forests and climate,” said Nicole Rycroft, Canopy’s founder and executive director.

“It’s a go-to for busy executives looking for the best ecopapers on the market — be it for their next annual report, copy paper or packaging.”

Supported by the Environmental Paper Network, the 2017 Ecopaper

PHOTO: Sappi

PMP to supply Intelli-Jet V to Sappi

Paper Machinery Producer signed a contract with Sappi North America, in December 2016, for the delivery of an Intelli-Jet V hydraulic headbox for its paper machine 12 (PM12), located in Cloquet, Minnesota. The Intelli-Jet V project goal, explains Paper Machinery Producer (PMP), is based on machine maintenance and quality. The delivery, erection, and startup are scheduled for this October.

The scope of delivery includes a 212-in. (5.38-m) Intelli-Jet V hydraulic headbox that will improve paper quality, including strong formation. PMP explains other benefits of the Intelli-Jet V technology include hydraulic and thermal stability, sheet edge quality, clean operation and improved headbox access.

The headbox will be supplied with a Consistency Profiling System to provide basis weight control, resulting in what PMP describes as uniform paper web structure and better CD basis weight profiles. PMP’s Intelli-Jet V hydraulic headbox technology is part of the company’s Intelli-Paper platform for papermakers. There are over 130 Intelli-Jet V headboxes currently in operation on six continents.

In addition to the headbox, PMP will provide stock approach equipment including the CP Pump and Screen, as well as basic engineering of stock approach items.

The delivery also includes a thermal compensation system, which PMP explains will stabilize the thermal performance of the headbox by maintaining a uniform temperature of the most crucial headbox parts.

The control of temperature of these parts, continues PMP, will have a direct impact on CD flow profiles and will help minimize the time required to obtain quality production after start-up.

Headquartered in Boston, Sappi North America is one of the continent’s largest companies in converting wood fiber into products for four businesses, including coated printing papers, specialized cellulose, release papers and specialty packaging. www.pulpandpapercanada.com

Database also features links to what Canopy bills as robust procurement policies posted by select mills with commitments to not source from ancient and endangered or high conservation value forests.

The searchable database includes book, magazine and newspaper grade papers, as well as copy papers, commercial printing papers, tissue, office products stationery, fine-text-writing papers, packaging, board, and now molded food service containers. All papers listed in the database have been screened according to The Paper Steps, a paper-grading tool developed by members of the Environmental Paper Network.

Catalyst Paper names senior executive changes Catalyst Paper has announced two senior executive appointments that involve Ned Dwyer and Om Bhatia.

Dwyer has been appointed COO and will oversee the company’s five manufacturing operations in Canada and the United States. Dwyer, who brings more than 30 years of experience in the pulp and paper sector to his new role, boasts a strong track record for leading operational and performance improvements.

Meanwhile, Bhatia has been named executive vice president and CFO, bringing more than 15 years of experience in the financial services sector.

He previously held a progression of senior positions in the pulp and paper industry.

“We are pleased to welcome Ned and Om to Catalyst,” said Joe Nemeth, president and CEO. “Both are seasoned executives with deep track records of success. Their talent and experience will strengthen our leadership capability and support our company’s efforts to transform our business for the future.”

Catalyst Paper manufactures diverse papers such as coated freesheet, coated one side (C1S), flexible and industrial packaging, food service, coated and uncoated groundwood, newsprint, directory, and market pulp. It operates five mills across North America and is headquartered in Richmond, B.C. Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Voith, Ray Sono enter strategic partnership Voith, a global technology company, and Ray Sono, a German digital service provider, have concluded a strategic partnership — joining up to build a new business division for industryoriented digitization solutions under the auspices of Ray Sono AG. To supplement its core business, Ray Sono is to establish the agency on the market as a new digital service provider for industry. To do so, Voith is acquiring a 60 per cent stake in Ray Sono AG. The cooperation model is geared to the strengths of the two partners, they say, combining traditional skills with new business models.

The aim is to develop industry-oriented digitization solutions above all in the fields of the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0. Voith is taking on the role of pilot customer in this new business division of Ray Sono. The know-how and resources of this new unit at Ray Sono will, in the future, be available to the existing customers of the agency.

Ray Sono AG will continue to operate with independent management and will remain active on the market under its own brand as an independent service provider for digitization in the B2C and B2B environment. There will also be no changes for customers, business partners and employees as a result of Voith’s stake, they say.

The partnership of the two companies is also aimed at implementing digital solutions within Voith’s portfolio, such as the virtualization of machines and systems and the improvement of existing digital solutions.

Andritz to acquire Paperchine USA International technology group Andritz has signed a contract for acquisition of Paperchine Inc., owned by AstenJohnson Holdings Ltd., headquartered in Charleston, S.C. The purchase is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities and is expected to be closed by the end of June.

A global supplier of highly engineered equipment and services to paper manufacturers, Paperchine and its subsidiaries employ a workforce of approximately 180.

It operates a manufacturing facility in Vancouver, B.C., along with several others in the United States, Germany and Thailand.

Operating more than 250 sites around the world, Andritz is a supplier of plants, equipment, and services for hydropower stations, the pulp and paper industry, the metalworking and steel industries, and for solid/liquid separation in the municipal and industrial sectors as well as for animal feed and biomass pelleting. The company says the acquisition will strengthen

New safety standard for WLS nonwovens machines In the shape of standard VN 3260/ TN 0790, Voith Paper and Trützschler Nonwovens have developed a new safety standard for wet-laid spunlaced (WLS) nonwovens machines, saying the standard will help producers ensure “safe and reliable operation” of their machines.

It also provides the basic prerequisite for meeting expectations in respect of production and quality, the parties say.

Voith and Trützschler jointly developed the manufacturing process for wet-laid and hydroentangled nonwovens. The machines on which the materials are produced consist of paper machine components and of components from

its presence in North America and add new products, such as the horizontal GapFormer, SigmaPro headbox, dewatering elements (former Johnson Foils), moisturizer (former VIB), and related service to its offerings for international clients.

“We are very excited about this complementary acquisition that extends the Andritz product range for paper and board machines,” said Michael Pichler, SVP Andritz Global Pulp Drying and Paper Division manager.

AstenJohnson CEO Kevin Frank added, “The sale of Paperchine fits with our strategy to focus on growth in technical textiles, including paper machine clothing, advanced fabric, and nonwovens. Our friends and associates at Paperchine have successfully positioned the company as a leading global brand. They will have the opportunity to continue to grow with the support of Andritz, while building on the strong foundation they have established as a part of the AstenJohnson family.” nonwoven machines. The manufacturing process for wet-laid nonwovens is similar to that for producing paper: A suspension consisting of water and fibers up to 40 mm long is passed over a wire on which a homogeneous fiber mat forms. The hydroentangling or spunlacing process produces bonded nonwovens that can be textured if required.

Drying and winding of the nonwovens are done on other machine components.

The standard combines various Voith and Trützschler safety standards for paper and textile machines in a new document. They say the safety standard has been incorporated by the International Standardization Organization as the basis for developing an international standard.

Improving energy efficiency at Kimberly-Clark’s Alabama mill Kimberly-Clark Corporation has approved a $75-million investment to build a new on-site combined heat-power plant at its tissue mill in Mobile, Ala. The plant, to be constructed over a two-year period, is expected to improve the facility’s long-term energy efficiency and costs, as well as boost overall competitiveness within Kimberly-Clark, it says.

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Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

“The Mobile team is excited about the role this state-of-the-art energy supply will play in strengthening our position as a strategic manufacturing site for Kimberly-Clark, and as an employer of choice in southwest Alabama,” said Todd Visscher, mill manager for Kimberly-Clark’s Mobile operations. “The investment in highly efficient energy technologies will improve our outlook for long-term opera-

tions at the site.”

The investment is guided by Kimberly-Clark’s Sustainability 2022 strategy to reduce emissions and costs through energy efficiency projects across its operations.

Employing a workforce of more than 600, the mill produces bath tissue and paper towels under the Scott, Cottonelle, and K-C Professional brand names. PPC www.pulpandpapercanada.com

OPINION

Straw papers are poised to shift from being an eco-novelty to a viable product

By Neva Murtha, senior corporate campaigner, Canopy s evidenced by a recent Canopy webinar – co-hosted by the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba – agricultural residue pulps and papers are clearly ready for prime time. The message from the market: Launch commercial-scale production in North America and watch the sales take off.

More than 60 participants, including equity and venture capital firms, banks, and major philanthropic foundations joined Canopy, the three governments, Staples, EarthColor and two supply chain experts to discuss the market and technical readiness for straw papers and the opportunity awaiting investors. The webinar served as an immersion for investors, with a review of quantified marketplace demand; trials undertaken to date; the viability of the fiber for multiple uses; the strong interest from the print and retail sectors; and the latest technological advances.

Notable bell-weathers of the marketplace signalled clear market readiness for these kinds of eco-solution products.

As one of the world’s largest resellers of freesheet paper, Staples has already taken a leading role. It stocks and uses a range of agricultural residue-based papers including copy, cut-sheet, packaging and shipping materials. Straw-based copy paper is available to consumers in Staples stores and online, and ag-res products are used widely internally. Its message to investors was one of strong support for North American agricultural residue production facilities, noting that straw products expand the range of product options available to them to retail. Domestic production is seen as a natural progression that has the potential to rapidly accelerate over the next five years.

Canopy has run several agricultural residue paper trials with well-known authors and publishers as well as glossy magazines.

Each has clearly demonstrated the viabilwww.pulpandpapercanada.com

PHOTO: Jan van der Crabben

A

ity of straw-based pulps and papers for commercial application. Through Canopy’s experience supporting large publishers, brands and printers to implement their environmental policies, it’s been clear that the market is looking for these kinds of solutions.

David Podmayersky agrees. As chief sustainability officer for EarthColor, Podmayersky told webinar participants that ag-res pulps and papers are, “The new wave of thinking of sustainable design in the circular economy. They are financially viable and…a great win-win-win story.

The environment wins, society wins and the economic financial model is incredibly viable.”

EarthColor has been providing commercial print and related services for over 30 years and has grown into one of North America’s largest privately held printers with over 500 print experts nationwide.

EarthColor provides its marketing communications clients with sustainable products like straw-residue based Step Forward Paper and a range of eco-engineering tools, products and procedures to minimize the carbon footprint throughout the supply chain. Podmayersky is confident agricultural residue papers offer the quality EarthColor and its customers demand.

In closing, Podmayersky stated, “Over the next decade there is enormous opportunity to integrate agricultural residue papers as the next big thing. This certainly would work with our clients.”

Mark Lewis, president and CTO at Sus-

tainable Fibre Technologies highlighted North American biomass potential, noting there are approximately 370 million tonnes of forest resources available — and one billion tonnes of agricultural residues. Lewis emphasized the efficiencies of agricultural residue pulp production, highlighting lower capital costs, chemical consumption, water usage and energy consumption.

The pulp produced through the Phoenix process test facility in Washington State can feed into a broad array of products including printing and writing grade papers, bathroom tissue, paper towels, food service wares, unbleached paperboard and industrial packaging.

The facts about agricultural residue papers tell a compelling and exciting story. The feedstock for North American production is abundant; the technology proven; the product quality top-notch; the cost-savings clear and the environmental benefits enormous. Greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption are reduced and the carbon storage benefits of intact forest landscapes can be retained. Sales of straw residue provide a “second harvest” for farmers, offering revenue for a product currently treated as waste.

Canopy’s Second Harvest campaign has been laying the groundwork, in the marketplace and with producers, for more than a decade. This is the year we will see commercial scale North American agricultural straw pulp and paper production break ground to make this vision a reality. PPC Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

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COVER STORY Irving’s two-phase modernization project represents the largest investment in the Canadian pulp and paper industry since 1993.

IRVING LEAPS FORWARD Valmet CompactCooking project boasts higher pulp yield, better quality, lower maintenance and chemical savings

By Mark Williamson

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Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

Irving got, and some extra benefits as it turned out. The project was right on schedule and 10 per cent below budget, according to Brewster. The startup was excellent, reaching target production on the third day and running for 75 days continuously after which a recovery boiler washdown was scheduled.

Most importantly, the 600,000 manhour project was completed with only one lost-time accident. Irving Pulp and Paper was the general contractor for the project with Valmet providing valuable pre- and post-installation assistance as team members. www.pulpandpapercanada.com

PHOTO: Irving

hen Irving Pulp and Paper of Saint John, N.B., started up its new continuous pulping operation in March 2016, it was a milestone in the Canadian pulp and paper industry. The two-phase modernization project for the bleached kraft pulp mill represented the largest investment in the Canadian pulp and paper industry since 1993. In addition to new chip screening and handling, the new continuous digester pulp line is based on Valmet’s CompactCooking

technology which replaced 14 batch digesters. In a second phase following the fiber line startup, a new pulp dryer will replace three existing dryers.

For this major investment, Irving was expecting significant returns based on increased mill capacity now and in the future, higher yield, flexibility of operation for hardwood and softwood pulps, reduced maintenance and operating costs, and improved pulp quality. As outlined in a presentation by Irving’s senior project advisor Jim Brewster, now retired, at Valmet’s recent Customer Days in Sweden, that is exactly what

Good team design, operator training The challenge in the design phase of the digester was to accommodate hardwood and softwood pulp swings, as the hardwood species (birch and maple) are much denser than softwood species (spruce, balsam fir and pine). Therefore, the residence times for hardwood pulp in the digester are considerably longer at the lower cooking temperature characteristic of CompactCooking.

“It was a very good team effort between Valmet and Irving to design the digester for maximum production of softwood yet sized also for the considerably lower hardwood chip flow,” said Brewster. The digester is sized for 1,866 adt/d of softwood pulp.

Operator training was another challenge since the 15 process operators had experience with batch cooking only, but none with continuous cooking. Process simulation and interactive multimedia training provided by Valmet were invaluable ingredients needed to bring the operators up to a high level of proficiency before startup.

Nice and steady operation Brewster noted that one of the key features of Valmet’s two-vessel digester is the excellent liquor impregnation provided by ImpBin chip impregnation system. It combines the basic features of the traditional chip pre-steaming bin, impregnation vessel and flash system.

Impregnation of chips at low temperature for a longer time has proven to be very effective at generating pulps with very low reject content.

Although some further optimization continues, Irving Pulp and Paper has achieved the estimated results plus more, and some unexpected side benefits.

Brewster noted, “We had significant problems with high rejects with batch digesters, now we have very few.”

Hemicellulose protection and high pulp yields are achieved as well at the lower temperatures. He said the crosscolumn uniformity is excellent, with no digester circulation required. Cooking temperatures are dramatically lower than the previous batch digesters, at 140 degrees C for hardwood and 148 degrees C for softwood. “The machinery is very robust and reliable. Everything runs nice and steady,” he concluded.

Expected results, plus more Although some further optimization continues, Irving Pulp and Paper has achieved the estimated results plus more, and some unexpected side benefits. The mill is able to run at a 50 t/d higher production rate with constant recovery boiler solids loading. A good part of that is higher yield from the digester. Oxygen delignification effectiveness is up 5 to 10 per cent at lower reactor temperatures and there has been a 15 to 20 per cent decrease in chlorine dioxide and caustic soda consumption at the same pulp Kappa number to the bleach plant. Those savings are attributed to an integral pulp washing zone in the digester which reduces black

liquor carryover. That lower carryover decreases chemical consumption in downstream delignification and bleaching operations. Even the mill effluent quality is better with BOD down 20 per cent and COD down 12 per cent Energy consumption is down as well.

The mill electrical load has been reduced by 1.5 MWe. Process steam is down 40 tonnes/hour, which is then diverted to the condensing turbine, saving 80,000 tonnes per year of biomass.

“It has revolutionized the energy system in the mill,” Brewster said.

Softwood pulp strength has improved although there is some further optimization required. Surprisingly, improved runnability on the pulp dryers due to improved drainage properties was an unexpected benefit, with web breaks down 60 per cent. The pulp dryers are no longer a mill limitation.

The expected lower maintenance costs are being realized according to preliminary numbers. The mill-wide costs are down about 10 per cent, although the digester reductions are higher.

In summary, Irving Pulp and Paper is “delighted with the results,” according to Brewster. “We are looking forward to further optimization.” PPC Mark Williamson is a journalist engineer.

RESULTS • Improved yield Pulp production is up by approximately 50 tonnes per day at constant recovery boiler loading.

• Lower energy consumption Mill electrical load down approximately 1.5 MWe and biomass consumption down 80,000 tonnes per year.

• Improved pulp quality Higher freeness has significantly improved pulp dryer runnability.

• Lower maintenance costs To be determined (preliminary approximately 10%).

• Improved pulp strength Higher softwood strength, but more work to be done.

• Lower bleaching costs 15 to 20% reduction of CIO2 and NaOH.

www.pulpandpapercanada.com

• Improved O2 delignification Softwood delignification up 5 to 10% at lower reactor temperatures.

• Improved effluent quality Final BOD and COD discharges down 20% and 12% respectively.

Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

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MAINTENANCE

SIGNS OF

WEAR & TEAR Poorly maintained tension gauges may cause severe damages

By Marcel Lensvelt

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lmost every paper mill using forming fabrics has one — a mechanical tension gauge to measure the tension of paper machine clothing, mostly forming fabrics. When these instruments are not in perfect condition, they can cause serious problems, such as torn fabrics, too narrow and/or too long fabrics, and bearing failure.

Working principle To understand the risks, it is important to understand how the mechanical tension gauges work. The working principle is shown in Image 1. The sensor bar at the bottom is pushed into the fabric by a predefined spring load. The amount of travel of the bar is converted through spindle and clockwork into a value on the dial.

The higher the fabric tension, the more the bar is pushed upwards, causing the needle to rotate clockwise, indicating a higher value on the dial.

What happens when the devices get older?

Worn sensor bar In many older tension gauges, the sensor bar is worn down for several millimetres, resulting in a flat contact surface compared to the original rounded bar.

Now remember the working principle of the gauge. In fact, the travel of the sensor bar is converted into a tension value.

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Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

Actual tension: 7 kN/m

7

Desired tension: 6 kN/m 6

5

4

Error by worn gauge Measured tension

3

2

1

0 Step 1- measured only 5kN/m with worn gauge

Step 2 - overcompensated tension to achieve “normal” value on the gauge

If the fabric tension is measured and the gauge shows 5 kN/m, the machine tension is increased until the gauge shows the desired 6 kN/m on its dial.

In Image 2, a worn bar is compared to a new bar. The spring load is equal in both cases, and the fabric deformation will be practically the same with an old or worn sensor bar. However, Image 3 shows the worn sensor bar will travel further downwards than its new counterpart, resulting in different travel distances between the old and new sensor bar.

Leaking bellow seal The tension gauges are used in a very wet environment and the splash water can be quite corrosive. Aging effects of the rubber material and the moving spindle will wear out the bellow, no longer making it watertight. When process water can enter the instruments interior, soon the bearings of the spindle will start corroding. This internal corrosion will give the spindle extra mechanical resistance during the measurement. In other words, with a certain amount of fabric tension,

the sensor bar will not travel as easy upwards as it should.

Worn tension gauges give too low test results In summary, the two most common defects on mechanical tension gauges are a worn sensor bar and a leaking bellow, causing internal friction. Both defects have the same effect on the measurements — the gauge will show tension values lower than what they really are.

A worn sensor bar will move the spindle downwards and, hence, the needle moves counterclockwise towards lower values on the dial. More friction on the bearings makes the spindle “stick” when it should be moving up, again resulting in lower values on the dial.

What happens in daily practice In many paper mills, the tension gauges are used as long as the needle is still www.pulpandpapercanada.com

IMAGES: Feltest Equipment BV

After a certain period of use, the instrument will start showing signs of wear and tear. Mechanical wear of the sensor bar and a leaking bellow seal are the most common problems with older tension gauges and these two phenomena represent the highest risks.

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Image 1

moving — the accuracy is too often not questioned.

For every paper machine clothing position, the operators know the desired fabric tension, for example 6 kN/m. If the fabric tension is measured and the gauge shows 5 kN/m, the machine tension is increased until the gauge shows the desired 6 kN/m on its dial. However, due to the problems described above, the true fabric tension will then be clearly over the 6 kN/m mark.

When paper machine clothing runs at a higher than expected tension, a number of things can happen: • the fabrics may stretch, finally running

Image 2

out of tension possibilities, • the fabrics can become narrow, • the dewatering behaviour of forming fabrics can change, • the seam can be overloaded, resulting in torn fabrics, and • the fabric guiding rolls cannot handle the extra tension, and a roll-bending or bearing failure may occur.

In conclusion The negative effects of poorly maintained tension gauges are often underestimated.

The summary of this article is clear — a regular service or timely replacement of this precision measuring instrument can

Image 3

prevent many costly problems and damages including production loss, bearing failure and increased clothing costs. PPC Marcel Lensvelt is managing director of Feltest Equipment BV, marcel.lensvelt@ feltest.com.

Frequent wet-end breaks are caused by poor efficiency of pulp drying machines.

That’s where FPInnovations comes in.

Through a unique, science-driven approach that integrates years of expertise and advanced diagnostic tools, we work with our members and customers to resolve issues related to wetend runnability.

Pulp Drying Mills -8 x 5.5 - EN.indd 1 PPC_MillMap_FPInnovations_June.indd 1

www.pulpandpapercanada.com

Contact us to learn how we can help reduce downtime and increase your pulp drying efficiency.

514-360-4100 info@fpinnovations.ca

fpinnovations.ca blog.fpinnovations.ca 6/7/2017 4:15:13 PM 2017-06-08 10:07 AM

Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

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MARKET OUTLOOK

State of the

PULP INDUSTRY Despite growing demand for market pulp, it will take several years for it to catch up with major supply increases coming on stream before year-end

By Treena Hein

O

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Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

PHOTO: Resolute

vercapacity remains a major factor in the global outlook for pulp and paper in 2017.

Indeed, by the end of the year, global market pulp production will be at an unprecedented all-time high in human history.

“APP [Asia Pulp & Paper] has built a huge mill in Oki, Indonesia with a total capacity of 2.8 million tonnes of hardwood pulp a year,” explains Brian McClay, principle at Montreal, Que.-based Brian McClay & Associates market intelligence consulting firm. “Compare that to the largest pulp mill in Canada having a capacity of about 650,000 tonnes. One of the two Oki plant lines began operation in December, and the second is expected to come online in August.”

McClay adds that by the fall, Metsäfibre will start a 1.3 million t/y NBHK/ BHK (Non-Bleached/Bleached hardwood Kraft Pulp) mill in Finland and Fibria will have a 2 million t/y BEK (eucalyptus) mill running in Brazil. All of this builds on last year’s startup of four new or rebuilt softwood market pulp lines in the U.S., Brazil and Sweden, which McClay says totals 1.4 million tonnes of new capacity.

Yes, demand for pulp is also growing, but without any capacity decreases, McClay says it will still take three years to catch up with supply. “Global pulp demand increased 4 per cent in 2016 on the back of accelerating consumption of tissue and packaging paper, offsetting declining demand for printing and writing grades,” he observes. World demand for all tissue paper increased almost 4 per cent last year with growth in premium

and ultra-premium grades — the ones that use 100 per cent market pulp — higher than that. McClay says bathroom tissue is the biggest growth area, with China using so much more of it than before, along with its growing demand for other items such as paper towels, wipes, facial tissue, and diapers.

“Demand is also strong in some other emerging markets like Indonesia, Vietnam, Turkey and Mexico and these products all use virgin fiber,” McClay notes.

“It’s more than compensating for the reduced demand for printing and writing grade pulp.”

Arnaud Franco agrees that it’s only a matter of time until pulp demand is on par with what’s about to be produced globally.

“While significant capacity expansions are expected over the next two years, longterm demand is expected to catch up,”

confirms the director and senior analyst in the Pulp & Printing & Writing division, Pulp and Paper Products Council, in Montreal. However, Franco adds that there are many large projects which are not yet included in his capacity figures, which “may widen the capacity gap farther down the road.”

Packaging and e-commerce In addition to increased demand for tissue products, McClay says there is also a strong and growing global demand for bleached chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp (BCTMP) used to make coated cartonboard for high-end product packaging.

Two-thirds of the demand is from China, where the middle-class continues to grow, and McClay says this is great news for Canadian pulp mills owned by companies like Tembec, West Fraser, Resolute Forwww.pulpandpapercanada.com

PHOTO: Metsä Group Set to reach full capacity by summer 2018, Metsä Group’s bioproduct mill in Finland will produce softwood and birch pulp for board, tissue, printing paper and specialty products.

est Products and Canfor. Franco believes Chinese demand for chemical market pulp is likely to grow about 5 per cent per year over the next five years.

Asian demand is also strong for Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC), according to International Paper’s Q1 2017 report, which refers to OCC as “a significant headwind.” In December 2016, the company expanded significantly into pulp, acquiring Weyerhaeuser’s pulp business for $2.2 billion. The deal included five pulp mills and two converting facilities that produce fluff pulp, softwood pulp and specialty pulp products for diapers, tissue, textiles and so on.

Global pulp demand is also receiving a boost because paper recycling is about to peak, with developed economies in North America, Europe and Japan consuming less printed paper than in the past.

Franco explains however, that the same factors which have depressed demand in the mature markets — electronic communications supplanting paper-based communications, and the rise of digital advertising, for example — are also affecting emerging markets enough to offset gains from a rising middle-class which consumes more print. “Certain sectors such as office paper are more insulated,” he says, “but still face challenges.”

McClay echoes the sentiment, noting that “recovered paper’s share gains of the world’s fiber furnish since the 1960s is 18

Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

plateauing, and that demand growth for virgin market pulp should accelerate. And what’s collected from institutions and companies like Walmart is lower quality and more expensive.”

However, he points to e-commerce as another key consumer trend in mature markets and as a positive force in pulp demand.

“World e-commerce doubled from 2012 to 2016, and parcels mailed out

by Amazon and other companies are paper-centric, requiring boxes, labels, tapes and various wrapping and paper stuffing,” he explains. “You’re going to see the use of little plastic air pillows for stuffing being displaced by recycled waste paper as well.” These packages are going to private homes, McClay notes, and only 53 per cent of American households, for example, have access to curbside recycling.

Tissue becomes a heavyweight segment In Franco’s view, the largest overall enduse segment for market pulp globally is now tissue paper. “We expect that tissue will be strong, following global population growth, a relatively better economic outlook and the continued move towards western consumption habits in emerging markets,” he says. “Other enduse sectors which are expected to grow include absorbent hygiene products —

this includes diapers, feminine hygiene and adult incontinence — which have strong potential as the taboo of using such products fades…particularly adult incontinence and feminine hygiene products in emerging markets.”

These products are made primarily from southern pine trees, Franco notes, and the council estimates growth prospects for that sector to average about 3.5 per cent per year. For its part, Domtar states in its Q1 2017 preliminary report that its Personal Care operations saw strong sales growth over that period.

Overall however, Franco notes that demand for softwood pulp will grow at a slower rate than hardwood, largely due to the fact that tissue products are made predominantly from hardwood pulp. He says global hardwood pulp demand is set to grow 3 per cent per year on average over the next five years (5 million tonnes total), which is a little lower that the average of 3.8 over the five-year period of 2011 to 2016.

Political effects Touching base on recent political developments, McClay says he doesn’t see Brexit having much direct impact on pulp and paper, but it might have an indirect impact “if UK-EU negotiations get nasty, which is likely.”

The reign of Donald Trump is another story. “I would guess he has had a positive impact on newsprint consumption since he began his campaign and has revived media brands like The New York Times and Washington Post, but it’s not easy to identify any other effects,” McClay explains. “However, if he pursues unfair trade actions as robustly as his rhetoric proclaims, global economic growth will slow and take paper demand with it.”

One last item to watch, in his view, is demand for dissolving pulp. It is used to make thousands of items but mostly goes into viscose staple fiber (VSF), which is turned into yarn and then blended with cotton and polyester to make apparel and other textiles. Indeed, McClay says viscose fabrics are increasingly competitive against polyester and cotton, making their outlook bright. McClay says it is great news for Canada that there are five mills here that make dissolving pulp, with viscose holding “tremendous growth potential over the long term.” PPC www.pulpandpapercanada.com

INTERNATIONAL TRENDS

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS Conference speakers stress Canada must adapt in order to compete

By Jacob Sandler

D

espite uncertainty surrounding the short-term future of the Canadian market dominating the pulp and paper world, most speakers at two separate May conferences presented optimistic views about the country’s long-term prospects. For many, the inevitability of short-term instability provides an opportunity for innovation, diversification, and expansion into new markets.

PHOTOS: J. Sandler

PwC Global Forest, Paper & Packaging Conference In an analysis of global geopolitical risk, Alexander Kazan, Eurasia Group, wasted no time in pointing to the U.S. as a major source of uncertainty and potential risk. U.S. President Donald Trump is more interested in bilateral agreements than pursuing a global multilateral agenda, and the U.S. is definitively out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP). While withdrawal from NAFTA is unlikely, it will be renegotiated. However, the U.S. has less leverage than they think due www.pulpandpapercanada.com

to the increasing availability of other markets. As global trade deals shift, we can expect to see the leverage of the U.S. dollar wane and a shift towards a multi-currency global economy.

In Europe, despite Marine Le Pen’s defeat in the French election, the populist threat will continue through the decade leading to ongoing political unrest. While Russia remains a significant source of instability from a security perspective, economically, it continues to be a single resource country failing at diversification and playing only a minor role in the global economy.

Presently, China is limiting itself to domestic concerns and is not ready for a global leadership role. Over the next few years, we can expect to see an increase in trade retaliation between the U.S. and China, likely in the form of escalating duties.

Emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America hold positive economic outlooks, but Kazan warns that numerous countries are going through elections in the next two years, and just as in the U.S. and

Europe, there exists dissatisfaction and political uncertainty.

Speaking about market performance, Ken Peacock, chief economist and vice president of the Business Council of British Columbia, shared a forecast for the Canadian and U.S. economies. The U.S. economy has shown slow and steady growth and is expected to strengthen through 2017 to 2018, despite ongoing political uncertainty. Canada’s economy is also poised to do better after two years of ~1 per cent growth. The long-term economic outlook for western Canada is especially positive due to population growth and an increased global demand for Canadian resources.

Kevin Mason, managing director of ERA Forest Products Research, outlined current and future Canadian and American paper industry trends. Newsprint is in decline, disrupted by changing news sources and the rise of social media.

Uncoated woodfree is more stable due in part to the adjustable retail pricing of its end product. Coated woodfree prices are at a 12-year low despite facing less of a decline in demand than most Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

19

other paper grades; this is due largely to companies who prioritize volume over profits disrupting the market.

The tissue and specialty market is increasingly risky, with lots of inexperienced companies jumping in due to the decline of paper. While there is excess capacity, it is an increasingly destabilized market. Containerboard prices continue upward with producers continuing to push excess tonnes offshore to keep the market snug. In the OSB markets, there are few companies, with the potential for incredible pricing in 2017. The short-term future of the lumber market remains less certain due to tension surrounding the SLA. With 30 per cent of the U.S. South capacity now owned by B.C. companies, Mason described opening Canadian sawmills south of the border as an if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em approach.

During the Executive Perspectives panel, Ted Seraphim of West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. provided an optimistic outlook for the future of the industry.

Despite an almost guaranteed short-term decline in the Canadian market, Seraphim emphasized the need for ongoing innovation, “We’re only just starting to realize the potential for wood building as a renewable resource.”

He stressed there needs to be reinvestment and recruitment at a time when the industry is increasingly hightech and entry-level positions require more specific training.

Alex Manisty, head of strategy, DS Smith, noted that in addition to innovation, having a detailed understanding of a client’s changing needs and an integrated system approach to meeting them makes a business more competitive.

The CEO of FPAC, Derek Nighbor, gave a political perspective of the forestry sector, stating that as a major sustainable contributor to the national economy, and one that provides employment in remote and northern communities, there is a huge amount of support from government for ongoing forestry innovation. One of the key challenges Canada will face moving forward is developing infrastructure that supports the industry. Regarding the SLA, Nighbor seemed unphased, stating that the forestry industry has been in an economic climate like this before.

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Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

In an interview with Kevin Bromley, Canadian leader of Forest, Paper & Packaging Practice, PwC, he expressed a similar sentiment to Nighbor, stating, “I was heavily involved in the last [SLA] in 2001, so I think we’re going down the same path as last time.” Even with a very different U.S. government, Bromley said he’s not seeing a lot of differences.

He acknowledged that, like last time, small companies will be hit the hardest. Despite this, he says the U.S. will remain our largest market, as “they just don’t produce enough.” When asked for his advice for Canadian forest product companies to move ahead, Bromley said there needs to be more innovation and “a greater focus on using the organizations that exist, like COFI and FPAC, to have a greater voice in what’s going on.”

Global Softwood Log & Lumber Conference Russ Taylor, president of International Wood Markets Group, opened the conference with a global overview of the softwood market. He predicted continued growth in global consumption.

Global production will also continue to trend upward at ~2 per cent growth a year, as will global exports. Foreign markets will continue to expand, with China, Japan, and South Korea continuing to increase log imports. Canadian exports to the U.S. are forecasted to drop by 10 to 15 per cent in 2018 as a result of the SLA. There will be mill reductions over the next five years, but the expectation is that by 2020/2021, the U.S. will need the Canadian industry at full capacity once again.

In the European market, Peter Nilsson, president of Bergs Timber, Sweden, predicted that consumption will continue to increase faster than production. He cited Brexit, the uncertain future of the E.U., and the stability of North African markets as primary sources of concern for European sawmills.

In an analysis of the Russian softwood industry, Roman Romanovsky, VP business development of Russian Forest Products Group, said the Russian share of the Chinese import market is in decline. Its competitiveness is not limited by cost position, but by export www.pulpandpapercanada.com

duties and wood availability issues due to limited infrastructure development.

Despite this, overall Russian export volumes have increased 47 per cent over the last 10 years. Due to high-interest rates on loans for Russian companies, more are looking to form partnerships with foreign investors.

York Guan, business manager at LuLi Group, discussed the diversification of the Chinese market. Formerly dependent almost entirely on Russia for softwood imports, New Zealand, U.S., and other countries now have a bigger role.

Canadian imports to China are expected to remain stable in the next few years.

New Zealand’s industry is well established, with infrastructure in place at all levels. As Andres Katz, forest economist for Resource Management Services, USA/ NZ, summarized, 2016 was a record year for logging exports and the market will continue to grow despite demand from China slowing for the remainder of 2017.

In the Special Topics & Regions Session, Yuichi Shinohara, president of Shinohara Shoten, gave an outlook of the Japanese lumber and log markets. In Japan, the majority of log imports come from North America, along with a large portion of its lumber. While the population is in decline, wooden houses were up 57 per cent compared to non-wooden

www.pulpandpapercanada.com

One of the key challenges Canada will face moving forward is developing infrastructure that supports the industry. houses in 2016. Wood remains a traditional element in Japanese building and there are rapidly expanding remodelling and non-residential markets with growing needs for custom products.

In a presentation on global timberland trends, Mark Bishop, senior VP, Timberlands, Brookfield, Canada, said that despite an increase from Latin American markets in private timberland transactions, U.S. timberlands still account for the dominant share of private global transactions. With the U.S. market remaining attractive and potential investment capital increasing, pricing is expected to rise.

In a session titled Plight of Secondary B.C. Wood Processors, Russ Cameron, president of the IWPA of BC, gave a bleak perspective on the future of independent wood processors in Canada. He described independent wood processors as having essentially been priced out of their own market. From the IWPA’s perspective, a quota-based SLA is an opportunity to restore independent wood processors’ access to the market.

Hamir Patel, a forest products analyst

from CIBC, stated more wage growth for young Canadians is needed. Higher wages will lead to housing growth and, presently, Canada is underbuilt. As far as the SLA is concerned, Patel believes a quota agreement is likely.

Kevin Mason, managing director of ERA Forest Products Research, Canada, concurs with Patel’s prediction of a volume-based deal. Yet, with U.S. production remaining unpredictable, it is difficult to gauge the impact any agreement will have on the Canadian industry. The faster U.S. production ramps up, the less Canadian wood it will need in the shortterm. In the long-term, it will gradually become dependent on Canadian imports once again.

In the final panel session on log and lumber supply chains, talk returned to the need for innovation: Canadian mills were built and designed for 2x4, 2x6, and wood chips, but presently, anything varying from that is complicated.

As global markets look for a wider variety of products, the Canadian industry will have to adapt in order to compete. PPC

Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

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TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

FOCUS ON MACHINE CLOTHING Cleaning system promises to reduce freshwater consumption by up to 90 per cent

Coldwater describes its EZ eco smart cleaner technology as a “quantum improvement” in wire and press felt cleaning over the less effective oscillating showers that have been in use for many years.

The system features an inverter motor controlled rotating head with 32 nozzles, giving a full impact diameter of 120 mm with operating pressure of 150 bar. The force created by the variable speed rotating head nozzles boast deep cleaning action throughout the structure of the forming wire, making it “very effective” at removing stickies and contaminants, says the company. As well, the traversing head promises to deliver twice as much cleaning impact in the same amount of time as traditional oscillating showers. According to Coldwater, they get fabrics cleaner with less water, often reducing freshwater consumption by up to 90 per cent, it notes. www.coldwatergroup.com

Xerium ships its first forming fabric from Kunshan plant Xerium Technologies has shipped its first forming fabric from its Kunshan, China, machine clothing plant.

“We are extremely excited to now be producing world-class forming fabrics for our customers here in China and the greater Asia-Pacific market,” said Bob Burke, Xerium Asia president. “We are

very proud of the entire team in Kunshan.

Their dedication and hard work helped pave the way for Xerium to now be a local producer of forming fabrics in addition to press felts for the Asia-Pacific region from the new Kunshan plant. The technology transfer process from our Xerium Germany team has been extremely successful and we look forward to producing our newly launched high-performance TransForm portfolio in the near future.”

Xerium believes the location of the Kunshan plant, which is in the heart of the Yangtze River papermaking region of China, will significantly help increase its competitive position – “first with press felt production” and by being able to closely partner with customers in China and other areas in Asia.

The forming fabric on a papermaking-type machine is a continuous belt, or multiple belts on some machines, made of specially engineered synthetic mesh upon which various grades of fibrous products are formed, explains Xerium, noting that forming fabrics essentially act as a high-tech filter media separating the fiber from water.

Highly engineered weave patterns and multiple layering of modern forming fabrics are specially designed to meet stringent requirements for mechanical stability while running on the machine, resistance to abrasion, controlled water drainage rates, fiber retention, and overall quality of the paperboard, tissue, or paper being produced, says Xerium. Small differences in forming fabrics can be the difference between a machine running effectively, or having downtime due to inferior performance, it notes.

“Customers have really welcomed Kunshan as the new local source of highvalue press felts when we opened it in 2015. Now we can deliver the most mod-

ern forming fabric technology from this same facility, Xerium is locally positioned to deliver the most modern machine clothing products to the largest machines in the world,” said Harold Bevis, Xerium president and CEO. www.xerium.com

Paper machine clothing guide

AstenJohnson says the second edition of its Paper Machine Clothing book is being finalized for print and will be available in September. Interested papermakers, managers, engineers, professionals, and students can pre-order a copy by visiting AstenJohnson’s website. Paper Machine Clothing, which builds on the first edition, is a hardback 200+ page reference resource that provides information about key papermaking topics as well as some of the latest technology available in paper machine clothing. Practical guides for troubleshooting and properly applying machine fabrics are included throughout the book, explains the company. In brief, the book gives an introduction to pulp and papermaking technology and then covers the main processes of forming, pressing and drying in detail. Design, manufacturing, testing, application and service of paper machine fabrics for each machine section are also highlighted.

New features in the second edition include: international units; a chapter devoted to lean manufacturing and Six Sigma; papermaking tips for forming, pressing and drying; a chapter on paper machine auditing; and an expanded troubleshooting section. www.astenjohnson.com/ papermachineclothing

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Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

www.pulpandpapercanada.com

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Next generation latex binder BASF has launched APEX, describing it as a portfolio of versatile and cost-effective binders for the paper coating market. According to the company, APEX offers lower high shear rheology, high binding strength, and long runnability without coating buildup on blade or rod coating application methods. Depending on the formulation, the APEX product line will help manufacturers of coated paper and boards to formulate with a reduced amount of binder without sacrificing performance, promises BASF. www.basf.us

Voith MiniGrinder boasts precise removal of surface irregularities

The MiniGrinder, developed by Voith’s OnSite Yankee Service, promises to enable the “easy and accurate” removal of surface irregularities, old coatings and chatter marks. The MiniGrinder’s compact design allows for it to be used on any tissue machine without the need to remove and re-install key machine parts, as is normally the case with conventional grinding machines, says the company, adding that this reduction in maintenance time leads to quicker restart time.

Voith says one customer even reported a 14-hour reduction of downtime.

According to the company, the grinding force of the head is equivalent to that of conventional tangential grinding heads, boasting maximum precision for all types of applications. The MiniGrinder is well suited for various metal surfaces, says Voith, adding that the exhaust air system used with the MiniGrinder removes the airborne dust that occurs during the grinding process, which as a result, helps to reduce the cleaning effort while protecting the health of personnel working on and around the Yankee cylinder. www.voith.com

www.pulpandpapercanada.com

Sliding vane pumps for industrial applications

Blackmer says its GNX and GNXH series sliding vane pumps are now available, describing them as the market’s only alignment free reduced speed positive displacement pumps. The pumps, Blackmer explains, are designed to handle a variety of non-corrosive, non-abrasive industrial liquids and petroleum products. Boasting a larger operating range than competitive designs, Blackmer GNX and GNXH series pumps promise to offer higher flows and higher pressure. These pumps are available with a commercialgrade gear reducer with more operating speeds that allows for precise flow selections. GNX and GNXH series pumps are self-priming, and the self-adjusting vanes help maintain this capability, says the company, adding that the pumps are currently available in 2-in. and 2.5-in. flanged port sizes. Larger 3-in. and 4-in. flanged port sizes will be released later this year. Typical applications for the pumps include fuel oils, lube oils, jet fuels, gasoline, edible oils and a variety of solvents and thinners. www.blackmer.com

Pump control valve promises to prevnt damaging backflow DeZURIK says the APCO SmartCHECK pump control valve combines the functionality of an electric motor operated pump control valve with the best features of APCO’s CVS-6000 swing check valve.

Boasting maximum performance and economy, the APCO SmartCHECK Pump Control Valve (CPC) is a single valve that is engineered to control pressure surges during normal pump startups and shutdowns, and to close pos-

itively upon power failure, says DeZURIK, noting that it doesn’t require expensive hydraulic power units, accumulators and maintenance intensive hydraulic controls.

The SmartCHECK valve has an internally pressure balanced design that boasts reliable closure, as well as speed adjustments that control fluid acceleration and deceleration, minimizing pressure surges. During power outage or loss of pressure, the built-in check valve will close to prevent damaging backflow without fear of sticking open, it adds. The unit is suitable for many applications including raw sewage, wastewater, raw water, clean water or any fluid pumped through a pipeline. In the event a pipeline needs to be drained or backflushed, the optional hold-open feature of the SmartCHECK valve allows for reverse flow that can be initiated either electrically or manually. www.dezurik.com

Remote process monitoring system Buckman says Buckman OnSite is “ready when you are, wherever you are,” making sure vital process information flows to everyone who needs it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Buckman OnSite promises to give users access to automated control data, manually entered data, safety data sheets and more. According to the company, the remote monitoring system is designed with Cloud-based technology to enlighten and empower users, saving them time, labour and money. The system features a notification pane for alerts, comments and process controller access, and boasts easy file import and export. www.buckman.com

New technology combines specialty chemistries and process control With declining fibre quality, higher strength requirements at lower packaging weights and reductions in fresh water usage, traditional single-component strength additives become limited in packaging paper and board manufacturing. In addition, generating useful production insights from the large amount of process data can be challenging for mill operators. Solenis, a specialty chemicals company, has launched Fusion Strength and Performance Technology that merges Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

23

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

a dual-component dry strength solution with exclusive cluster analysis software and Solenis’ OnGuard monitoring and control tool. The company says it combined these elements into a single solution that can be customized to each mill’s production requirements and business goals. For mill operators, Fusion Strength and Performance Technology is designed to deliver increased strength and production with lower costs, reduced weights, less reliance on virgin fibre, increased use of lower-cost recycled fibres, reduced freshwater usage and reduced process variation, says the company, adding that as a result, mills can get improved insights from their manufacturing data and implement tighter process control. The dualcomponent dry strength solution overcomes the deficits of single-component systems, it notes, and the cationic-anionic approach extends the performance of traditional strength additives and allows papermakers to achieve high strength needs. “We are excited to launch this program that fuses chemistry and technology to generate significant savings and ultimately build a competitive advantage for our customers,” said Stéphane Ménard, global marketing director.

problem-solving information. Until now, Leine & Linde’s ADS Online capabilities have only been offered as an optional module for existing encoders. The newest 850 shaft encoder and the 861/862 hollow-shaft encoder versions now have this functionality as a standard.

The addition of online access to the current capabilities of Advanced Diagnostic System (ADS) also boasts enhanced functionality with vibration and temperature monitoring. ADS Online monitors various parameters of encoder function such as: output voltage level is correct, output states change correctly, the correct number of pulses are present each revolution, and that the optics performs within defined levels for supply current and brightness. In addition, vibration levels, hours of operation and internal temperature are also measured and logged. The operator can set alarm levels on any of these parameters, as well as set logging intervals for trend evaluation. www.leinelinde.com

Valmet enhances Valmet IQ Web Monitoring System

www.solenis.com

Diagnostic system aims to result in more efficient paper mill production In an effort to help paper mills increase their condition monitoring capability, Leine & Linde has announced an integrated Advanced Diagnostic System (ADS Online), which monitors various environmental and operational parameters of the encoder and reports this information to the system operator. The result of this system is more efficient production, says Leine & Linde, as maintenance and operational personnel will be able to plan preventative maintenance during scheduled main- tenance cycles to further evaluate and replace encoders.

Utilizing the new ADS Online, Leine & Linde 800 rotary encoder series promises to provide additional 24

Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

where cleanliness might present a problem, says the company. www.valmet.com

Electromagnetic flowmeter promises reliable measurement Krohne now offers the Optiflux 4000 electromagnetic flowmeter, which it says is ideal for pulp and paper i n d u s t r y applications, including chemical dosing, bleaching, colouring, and black liquor processing. The Optiflux 4000 offers reliable measurement under demanding conditions, including temperatures up to 356 degrees F, pressures up to 36,259 pound-force per square inch (psi), and solids contents as high as 70 per cent. Boasting fully welded construction, full bore pipe construction, absence of moving parts, and wearresistant liner materials, the Optiflux 4000 is suitable for harsh environments or with aggressive and abrasive media like those found in pulp and paper applications. It is available with a choice of housing and flange materials, including stainless steel, duplex, and 6mo. To deal with the challenging noisy process fluids like viscous pulp stock, low noise electrode options are also available. www.us.krohne.com

Valmet has introduced a “completely renewed” version of its Valmet IQ Web Monitoring System, which it says is an integral element of the Valmet IQ Process and Quality Vision System. The company says the web monitoring system is now more compact in size, adding that its enhanced features provide pulp and papermakers with higher quality images than before for analysis purposes, enabling them to take virtually instantaneous corrective measures. These features help to maximize production line efficiency and product quality, notes Valmet, adding that the web monitoring system camera is compact in size and boasts a modular structure. Furthermore, a separate washer can be added if the camera is located in a challenging environment

Gauge for nuclear level, density and interface measurements Thermo Fisher Scientific says plant operators in the pulp and paper industry can now reduce their on-site radioactive source size requirements by using a nuclear gauge for the density, level and interface measurement o f h i g h l y v i s c o u s p ro c e s s materials.

The Thermo Scientific InterfacePRO gauge can be used for traditional gamma transmission applications (level and density measurements) or in gamma backscattering www.pulpandpapercanada.com

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

applications on large process vessels and pipelines, the company says. The gauge is designed to improve process control and lower operating costs by enabling quick response to process changes or hazardous conditions.

“By significantly reducing the size of radioactive materials needed on site, the InterfacePRO gauge is designed to help operators improve plant safety and maximize efficiency even in the toughest operating environments,” said Lars Andersson, product line manager, level and density gauges.

Thermo says the gauge allows users to standardize process instruments on a single platform with features including: a suite of communications protocols, including HART, Profibus PA a n d F o u n d a t i o n F i e l d b u s ; commonality of electronics and spare parts with Thermo Scientific DensityPRO and LevelPRO gauges; and EZCal II software for calibration and configuration. www.thermofisher.com

Eye protection products with anti-fog lens coating

“Fogging’s not only the leading challenge eye protection users face, it’s also a significant hazard that employers can’t afford to overlook,” said Wanda Sanchez-Miller, senior product marketing manager for Honeywell Industrial Safety.

Uvex HydroShield claims to eliminate fog 60 times longer and resists scratching two times longer than any other Uvex coated product, “even in the hottest, wettest, most demanding conditions.” www.uvex.us

Rotary lobe pump

www.abb.com

The Börger ONIXline rotary lobe pump is a positive displacement pump used for the conveyance of slurry, coatings, polymer, resins, sludge, and more. Börger says the robust carrier and timing gear combined with newly designed rotors, in a flow-optimized casing, ensure gentle and almost pulsation-free operation while achieving maximized efficiencies at high pressures. www.boerger.com

Honeywell has expanded the number of eye protection products available with Uvex HydroShield anti-fog lens coating by seven new offerings. Boasting “unrivaled performance,” the HydroShield is newly available on the Uvex Flex Seal Goggle in Clear lens; Uvex Stealth OTG in Clear, Gray and Amber lenses; and in three more lens tints on Uvex Livewire: Amber, SCT Gray and Low IR. HydroShield is also available on Uvex styles including Hypershock, Genesis, Genesis XC, Protégé and Stealth. Now, with more than 80 Uvex items and 13 lens tints featuring HydroShield, the company offers a variety of safety eyewear solutions that promise “longest-lasting, most consistently clear anti-fog performance” for both indoor or outdoor work environments. www.pulpandpapercanada.com

yield as well as customer satisfaction. The company says its dirt count web imaging system meets today’s demands for increased quality and runnability, with 100 per cent inspection of pulp and reduced customer claims. Using high resolution, complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) digital cameras together with machine vision tools to improve performance, the dirt count system promises to provide an “exceptional level of real-time defect detection on the fastest and widest width modern paper machines.” ABB says real-time detection of dirt and shives in pulp allows operators to take corrective actions earlier. Defects as small as 0.02 mm2 may be detected which enables ABB’s dirt count system to comply with defect size classifications in the ISO/TAPPI/ANSI standards, it says, adding that connectivity to mill-wide systems ensures that defect data can be acted upon at the quality management and process control levels.

Full-sheet dirt count system for pulp mills

ABB says its HPINet WIS dirt count system provides full web width inspection, imaging and identification in real-time, improving pulp quality and production

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Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

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BIOECONOMY

Bioeconomy proponents welcome Supercluster program Proponents leading the development of a bioeconomy supercluster welcome the federal government’s launch of the Innovation Superclusters Initiative, according to a statement from the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), noting that such superclusters will help advance high potential Canadian economic strengths.

The Canadian bioeconomy covers a wide range of Canadian traditional and non-traditional bio-sourced industrial sectors that employ more than two million Canadians, generating sales of $300 billion for the country, describes FPAC. “We believe that innovation development and deployment (including de-risking processes, products and markets) are key to our respective sectors’ competitiveness and diversification to ensure economic growth and job creation in rural and urban regions of Canada,” said Derek Nighbor, CEO of the association.

“We believe the bioeconomy is the primary industry that will enable Canada to be a global leader in environmental leadership transitioning Canada to a low carbon economy,” added A.J. (Sandy) Marshall, executive director of Bioindustrial Innovation Canada.

FPAC says the proposed supercluster already has significant industry participation and will be industry led, feedstock agnostic (e.g., wood fibre, agricultural residues, waste and other) and focus on achieving specific market outcomes aligned with enabling Canadian companies to be global leaders while creating jobs across Canada.

The BioDesign Supercluster will focus on two specific areas to achieve environmental, economic and social results: • Low carbon transportation with a focus on aviation fuels, bio-diesel and innovative lightweight components making Canadians travel more efficient through less fuel consumption.

• Sustainable low-carbon living environment with a focus on advanced and bio-sourced materials where Canadian companies are supplying domestic and global markets for a low carbon environment.

“Our proposed BioDesign Supercluster will focus on transformative processes and products. It will also link tier-one players along value chains that will build a sustainable low carbon economy where Canadians live and travel with bio based products,” continued Pierre Lapointe, president and CEO of FPInnovations.

Quebec torrefaction plant becomes fully operational Airex Energy says it has inaugurated its biomass torrefaction plant, located in the La Prade industrial park in Bécancour, Que. The industrial-size demonstration plant, which required around $10 million in public and private investments for its design, construction, and startup, showcases the latest biomass torrefaction technology, called CarbonFX. Describing it as unique and revolutionary, the technology promises to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions for many industries still using coal or coal byproducts.

Airex Energy’s torrefaction process transforms biomass residues into biocoal pellets, a clean and renewable fuel that can replace coal and oil. Biocoal’s unique properties allows it to 26

Summer 2017 PULP & PAPER CANADA

Airex Energy plans to export its CarbonFX systems worldwide.

easily disintegrate, so it can be ground up and combined with bituminous coal in thermal power stations producing electricity, without major changes to existing systems for handling, storing, and grinding coal, describes the company.

The CarbonFX system also produces biochar, a product with a high carbon content used for soil remediation, liquid filtration and metal reduction. Biochar, when mixed with compost or peat moss, promotes plant growth. Biochar also helps reduce metals and enables rehabilitation of former mining sites.

Airex Energy’s business model is to export its CarbonFX systems worldwide.

“We believe our technology will provide new ways for forestry companies to increase profitability while diversifying their sources of revenue. With this in mind, we have started marketing our CarbonFX systems in Canada and the United States, in order to roll out this technology in all markets generating substantial amounts of residual biomass,” said Sylvain Bertrand, CEO of Airex Energy.

New MOU strives to advance cleantech Siemens Canada and Kensington Capital Partners Limited have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at accelerating the commercialization of cleantech energy solutions in Canada, saying the collaboration will combine the “capabilities of Kensington’s financial expertise with the engineering and technological know-how of Siemens Canada.”

“As an asset manager, Kensington is all about relationships and we view our relationship with Siemens as one which will help investment programs in energy infrastructure and cleantech,” said Tom Kennedy, Kensington chairman.

The MOU identifies numerous focus areas including energy storage, transmission and distribution, combined heat and power plants, power generation, smart grid, micro grid and biomass.

Canada’s national cleantech industry revenue is expected to grow to $26 billion by 2018.

“Siemens and Kensington have a long-standing, trusted relationship and share a common goal to demonstrate innovation leadership in Canada,” said Lucy Casacia, vice president of Cities & Infrastructure Projects, Siemens Canada. www.pulpandpapercanada.com

Chemistry for light, bright and sustainable board Packaging has a critical role in protecting products as well as enhancing the brand and product experience. Through innovative chemistry and application expertise, Kemira works together with packaging & board makers to improve desired board properties such as strength and stiffness, weight and volume reduction, printability and functionality, and safety and hygiene for food packaging.

We are committed to the pulp and paper industry, and continue to help you create value through improved process efficiency, productivity and end product quality.

Let’s work together to build value into paper. www.kemira.com

Now, bleached Kraft has a brighter future.

Reduce chlorine dioxide and reversion with Vybrant™ enzymatic technologies from Buckman.

Your Kraft pulp may be fully bleached. But is it fully brightened? Now it can be with Vybrant enzymatic post-bleach technology. Our program uses specially selected enzymes to safely remove brightness-limiting chromophores in bleached pulp. So not only can you achieve a higher brightness with less bleaching, you can significantly reduce the reversion and yellowness that often require optical brighteners in the paper mill.

Buckman can help you: • Reduce bleaching chemical costs • Reduce production bottlenecks due to chlorine dioxide limits • Increase production • Improve effluent and reduce AOX Get brightness that meets the test of time.

Start gaining—and retaining—Kraft pulp brightness. Contact your Buckman representative or visit buckman.com for more information.

© 2017 Buckman Laboratories International, Inc. All rights reserved.