NOTIFICATION: The Technology Channels will soon be discontinued.
Click here to download complimentary copies of Fastmarkets RISI’s pulp and paper newsletters.

Tissue

GARDNER, MA, Sept. 3, 2020 (Press Release) -Seaman Paper Company (Seaman Paper), a leading global manufacturer of environmentally sustainable specialty paper and packaging solutions, and Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC), an NGO and global alliance working toward a world free of plastic pollution, are pleased to announce a partnership focused on reducing the amount of single-use plastic used in packaging applications across retail, eCommerce, and other supply chains.

Seaman Paper is a dynamic leader not only in the paper industry but also in social, environmental, and economic responsibility. Through its Soft Steps Forward Initiative, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to manufacturing high-quality products while reducing negative environmental impact, continuously examining and enhancing procedures to improve sustainability performance.

"As Seaman Paper pursues its own efforts to eliminate single-use plastics with our growing portfolio of paper-based alternatives, we are delighted to add our voice, expertise, and assistance to the important work Plastic Pollution Coalition is doing," said Seaman Paper CEO Ken Winterhalter. "Together as collaborative thought leaders, we believe we will play a significant role in educating businesses and consumers about viable alternatives to harmful plastic packaging, and create positive change for people and the planet."

The PPC is a global alliance comprising more than 1,200 organizations, businesses, citizens, and policymakers from 75 countries. Its mission is to work toward a world free of the toxic impact plastic pollution has on humans, animals, waterways, the ocean, and the environment.

“Plastic Pollution Coalition welcomes Seaman Paper to our global Coalition,” said Dianna Cohen, Co-Founder, and CEO of Plastic Pollution Coalition. “An essential part of our mission is to connect businesses and organizations to companies that can help them reduce their reliance on plastic. The world is simply drowning in plastic, and we are committed to helping businesses and consumers realize that companies can be a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem.”

About Seaman Paper Company

Seaman Paper, headquartered in Gardner, Massachusetts, is a leading global manufacturer of lightweight specialty tissue papers. The family-owned company has been making paper in Massachusetts since 1946. Over the last decade, Seaman Paper has grown domestic and global manufacturing operations to meet their customers' needs worldwide. The company's paper-based, sustainable solutions help customers protect what is most important to them. To learn more about Seaman Paper, please visit www.seamanpaper.com.

About Plastic Pollution Coalition

Plastic Pollution Coalition is a growing global alliance of more than 1,200 organizations, businesses, and thought leaders in 75 countries working toward a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on humans, animals, waterways, and the ocean and the environment.

Plastic Pollution Coalition is a project of Earth Island Institute, a 501(c)3, a non-profit organization, organized and existing under the laws of California (Federal Tax ID #94-2889684)

Seaman Paper and Plastic Pollution Coalition team up to reduce worldwide single-use plastic packaging

Posted in: Tissue 09/04/2020 - 02:05

GARDNER, MA, Sept. 3, 2020 (Press Release) -Seaman Paper Company (Seaman Paper), a leading global manufacturer of environmentally sustainable specialty paper and packaging solutions, and Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC), an NGO and global alliance working toward a world free of plastic pollution, are pleased to announce a partnership focused on reducing the amount of single-use plastic used in packaging applications across retail, eCommerce, and other supply chains.

Seaman Paper is a dynamic leader not only in the paper industry but also in social, environmental, and economic responsibility. Through its Soft Steps Forward Initiative, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to manufacturing high-quality products while reducing negative environmental impact, continuously examining and enhancing procedures to improve sustainability performance.

"As Seaman Paper pursues its own efforts to eliminate single-use plastics with our growing portfolio of paper-based alternatives, we are delighted to add our voice, expertise, and assistance to the important work Plastic Pollution Coalition is doing," said Seaman Paper CEO Ken Winterhalter. "Together as collaborative thought leaders, we believe we will play a significant role in educating businesses and consumers about viable alternatives to harmful plastic packaging, and create positive change for people and the planet."

The PPC is a global alliance comprising more than 1,200 organizations, businesses, citizens, and policymakers from 75 countries. Its mission is to work toward a world free of the toxic impact plastic pollution has on humans, animals, waterways, the ocean, and the environment.

“Plastic Pollution Coalition welcomes Seaman Paper to our global Coalition,” said Dianna Cohen, Co-Founder, and CEO of Plastic Pollution Coalition. “An essential part of our mission is to connect businesses and organizations to companies that can help them reduce their reliance on plastic. The world is simply drowning in plastic, and we are committed to helping businesses and consumers realize that companies can be a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem.”

About Seaman Paper Company

Seaman Paper, headquartered in Gardner, Massachusetts, is a leading global manufacturer of lightweight specialty tissue papers. The family-owned company has been making paper in Massachusetts since 1946. Over the last decade, Seaman Paper has grown domestic and global manufacturing operations to meet their customers' needs worldwide. The company's paper-based, sustainable solutions help customers protect what is most important to them. To learn more about Seaman Paper, please visit www.seamanpaper.com.

About Plastic Pollution Coalition

Plastic Pollution Coalition is a growing global alliance of more than 1,200 organizations, businesses, and thought leaders in 75 countries working toward a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on humans, animals, waterways, and the ocean and the environment.

Plastic Pollution Coalition is a project of Earth Island Institute, a 501(c)3, a non-profit organization, organized and existing under the laws of California (Federal Tax ID #94-2889684)

SAO PAULO, Sept. 3, 2020 (Press Release) -After seven months in competition, the three winners of CMPC's Softys Water Challenge were finally announced, an initiative led by Softys in alliance with the UC Innovation Center and the Amulén Foundation, issued a call to entrepreneurs with solutions to provide access to drinking water in Latin America. The competition, which seeks to improve access to drinking water in Latin American communities that do not currently have it, received 85 projects from 31 countries, of which 19 went through an acceleration process.

First place went to Isla Urbana, a Mexican solution that designs and installs rainwater collection systems on the roofs of houses, providing an efficient and sustainable alternative source of drinking water to vulnerable communities. Softys will provide this enterprise with additional financing to implement its solution in a Latin American community lacking drinking water.

In the opinion of Nabani Vera, Isla Urbana director of communications, the simplicity and effectiveness of the ecotechnology that gives each family the ability to supply itself with water without having to depend on any external agent or actor was the differentiating element that made them worthy of the first place. "We're really happy. While our project is not aimed at receiving awards and recognition, they are of great help to confirm that we're doing things right, in addition to inspiring us to continue working with the dedication, passion and joy," he said.

Vera says that their solution not only allows for immediate deployment, but it is also designed to last for a long time. With proper maintenance, it can operate for over 30 years without problems.

Remote Waters came in second, a startup that provides a seawater or groundwater purification technology that turns it into clean and safe drinking water for communities with limited access to this resource. It consist in a purifier that is easy to operate and move and treats contaminated water or salt water, which provides an effective response, for example, to communities that are currently supplied by wells, where the water often water requires additional treatment.

Meanwhile, third place went to Watergen, an Israeli venture that has been present in Chile for two years and whose solution consists of a device that produces drinking water from generators that take advantage of the ambient humidity to turn it into purified drinking water, capable of supplying water at the domestic and/or community level.

Strong interest in first version

Thus, the Softys Water Challenge concluded its 2020 version with a virtual awards ceremony broadcast by streaming after receiving over 500 applications, with 85 projects from 31 countries meeting 100% of the competition terms and 19 semifinalist projects accelerated with the support of the Center for Innovation UC.

The jury was composed of Softys Latam Legal Manager Cristóbal Somarriva, President of the Amulen Foundation Jorge Matte, Executive Director of the UC Innovation Center Conrad Von Igel; Ignacio Lira, Assistant Manager of Public Affairs for Empresas CMPC; Marcello Basani, Water and Sanitation Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); Executive Director of Startup Chile Maria de los Angeles Romo; Hiroshi Wald, CEO of Austral Capital Partners;,and Zoraida Sánchez, Coordinator of the Water Access Program at the Avina Foundation, Peru.

The Softys Water Challenge is an initiative that connects the efforts that Softys - a subsidiary of CMPC that produces hygiene and personal care products – is making to achieve water efficiency, manage risks associated with water and to work with the supply chain, among others. In the same way, it is directly related to the objective of promoting the development of local communities, a commitment that is part of the Softys Sustainability Strategy 2020 - 2023, which also contributes to the targets set in the Empresas CMPC Corporate Strategy.

"It was months of intense work, after which we were able to identify the three solutions that best pursued the goals of the Softys Water Challenge, which is to bring drinking water to places that lack it, more so in these times in which hygiene and health are so important. This is the purpose that inspires us at Softys; we provide the best care that people need every day and in every stage of their lives," said Nicole Sansone, Softys manager of Personal Care and Sustainability for Latam.

For his part, UC Innovation Center Executive Director Conrad von Igel added that "the entrepreneurs who were part of the first generation Softys Water Challenge did a remarkable job; we were able to get to know 85 technology solutions from the five continents that are applicable to different contexts of drinking water shortages. By promoting a culture and an environment that favors innovation and entrepreneurship, the university private sector and civil society together can have an impact on the daily lives of people with technology, providing them with access to this vital resource."

Verónica Puga, executive director of the Amulén Foundation, explained that "we are proud to be part of the Softys Water Challenge, a unique opportunity to convene innovations from all over the world to resolve this reality affecting thousands of families in Chile and Latin America. The initiative is also a powerful tool for exploring and implementing new technologies, as the country urgently needs to incorporate innovation to solve the serious water crisis affecting us."

About Softys

Softys is a subsidiary of Empresas CMPC and specializes in the production and sale of hygiene and personal care products such as toilet paper, napkins, kitchen rolls, towels, diapers for children and adults, and feminine protection products, in addition to being a major supplier of some of these products to hospitals, clinics and other health centers. Softys is a leader in Latin America, reaching over 500 million consumers with operations in 8 countries: Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and Uruguay. Its brands Elite, Babysec, Ladysoft, Cotidian, Higienol, Sublime, Kitchen, Confort, Nova, Premier, Sussex and Elite Professional offer innovative and sustainable solutions for the hygiene and well-being of the people of the region.

To find out more about its products and initiatives, visit:https://www.softys.com/

Innvoative rainwater collection system wins CMPC's Softys Water Challenge Competition

Posted in: Tissue 09/03/2020 - 17:39

SAO PAULO, Sept. 3, 2020 (Press Release) -After seven months in competition, the three winners of CMPC's Softys Water Challenge were finally announced, an initiative led by Softys in alliance with the UC Innovation Center and the Amulén Foundation, issued a call to entrepreneurs with solutions to provide access to drinking water in Latin America. The competition, which seeks to improve access to drinking water in Latin American communities that do not currently have it, received 85 projects from 31 countries, of which 19 went through an acceleration process.

First place went to Isla Urbana, a Mexican solution that designs and installs rainwater collection systems on the roofs of houses, providing an efficient and sustainable alternative source of drinking water to vulnerable communities. Softys will provide this enterprise with additional financing to implement its solution in a Latin American community lacking drinking water.

In the opinion of Nabani Vera, Isla Urbana director of communications, the simplicity and effectiveness of the ecotechnology that gives each family the ability to supply itself with water without having to depend on any external agent or actor was the differentiating element that made them worthy of the first place. "We're really happy. While our project is not aimed at receiving awards and recognition, they are of great help to confirm that we're doing things right, in addition to inspiring us to continue working with the dedication, passion and joy," he said.

Vera says that their solution not only allows for immediate deployment, but it is also designed to last for a long time. With proper maintenance, it can operate for over 30 years without problems.

Remote Waters came in second, a startup that provides a seawater or groundwater purification technology that turns it into clean and safe drinking water for communities with limited access to this resource. It consist in a purifier that is easy to operate and move and treats contaminated water or salt water, which provides an effective response, for example, to communities that are currently supplied by wells, where the water often water requires additional treatment.

Meanwhile, third place went to Watergen, an Israeli venture that has been present in Chile for two years and whose solution consists of a device that produces drinking water from generators that take advantage of the ambient humidity to turn it into purified drinking water, capable of supplying water at the domestic and/or community level.

Strong interest in first version

Thus, the Softys Water Challenge concluded its 2020 version with a virtual awards ceremony broadcast by streaming after receiving over 500 applications, with 85 projects from 31 countries meeting 100% of the competition terms and 19 semifinalist projects accelerated with the support of the Center for Innovation UC.

The jury was composed of Softys Latam Legal Manager Cristóbal Somarriva, President of the Amulen Foundation Jorge Matte, Executive Director of the UC Innovation Center Conrad Von Igel; Ignacio Lira, Assistant Manager of Public Affairs for Empresas CMPC; Marcello Basani, Water and Sanitation Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); Executive Director of Startup Chile Maria de los Angeles Romo; Hiroshi Wald, CEO of Austral Capital Partners;,and Zoraida Sánchez, Coordinator of the Water Access Program at the Avina Foundation, Peru.

The Softys Water Challenge is an initiative that connects the efforts that Softys - a subsidiary of CMPC that produces hygiene and personal care products – is making to achieve water efficiency, manage risks associated with water and to work with the supply chain, among others. In the same way, it is directly related to the objective of promoting the development of local communities, a commitment that is part of the Softys Sustainability Strategy 2020 - 2023, which also contributes to the targets set in the Empresas CMPC Corporate Strategy.

"It was months of intense work, after which we were able to identify the three solutions that best pursued the goals of the Softys Water Challenge, which is to bring drinking water to places that lack it, more so in these times in which hygiene and health are so important. This is the purpose that inspires us at Softys; we provide the best care that people need every day and in every stage of their lives," said Nicole Sansone, Softys manager of Personal Care and Sustainability for Latam.

For his part, UC Innovation Center Executive Director Conrad von Igel added that "the entrepreneurs who were part of the first generation Softys Water Challenge did a remarkable job; we were able to get to know 85 technology solutions from the five continents that are applicable to different contexts of drinking water shortages. By promoting a culture and an environment that favors innovation and entrepreneurship, the university private sector and civil society together can have an impact on the daily lives of people with technology, providing them with access to this vital resource."

Verónica Puga, executive director of the Amulén Foundation, explained that "we are proud to be part of the Softys Water Challenge, a unique opportunity to convene innovations from all over the world to resolve this reality affecting thousands of families in Chile and Latin America. The initiative is also a powerful tool for exploring and implementing new technologies, as the country urgently needs to incorporate innovation to solve the serious water crisis affecting us."

About Softys

Softys is a subsidiary of Empresas CMPC and specializes in the production and sale of hygiene and personal care products such as toilet paper, napkins, kitchen rolls, towels, diapers for children and adults, and feminine protection products, in addition to being a major supplier of some of these products to hospitals, clinics and other health centers. Softys is a leader in Latin America, reaching over 500 million consumers with operations in 8 countries: Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and Uruguay. Its brands Elite, Babysec, Ladysoft, Cotidian, Higienol, Sublime, Kitchen, Confort, Nova, Premier, Sussex and Elite Professional offer innovative and sustainable solutions for the hygiene and well-being of the people of the region.

To find out more about its products and initiatives, visit:https://www.softys.com/

WILMINGTON, DE, Sept. 2, 2020 (Press Release) -The unfolding of the past several months has led to more unpredictability than any of us could have imagined. Stay-at-home orders, social distancing guidelines and consumer panic buying have created major irregularities in tissue and towel market dynamics and consumption patterns. These challenges also present a great opportunity to help tissue and towel producers adapt and respond to these sudden changes.

Pushing for Productivity

As consumers around the world actively stockpiled supplies and household staple items, tissue makers were pushed to maximize production. In some countries, bath tissue sales increased by more than 50% during the early months of the pandemic. Though machine utilization rates spiked to nearly 100%, there were still difficulties meeting demand. For Solenis, being part of a larger effort to help customers increase output through higher production efficiency was an opportunity to transform our expertise and capabilities into tangible benefits for our customers and, ultimately, for consumers who rely on their products every day. Our teams partnered with tissue makers across the globe to help optimize wet-end process and coating stability to improve productivity and paper quality. These efforts have helped multiple customers achieve record machine speeds to meet the unexpected surge in demand.

Beyond great chemistry and applications, many of our customers have also leveraged the Solenis OPTIX™ Applied Intelligence adaptive analytics platform to optimize their papermaking processes and meet quality targets. We have documented successes in reducing off-spec tissue production by helping customers significantly improve wet tensile target adherence and reduce variability.

Managing Fiber Supply Challenges

Tissue made from recovered fiber accounts for approximately 30% of global production. Over the past few months, the recovered paper market has experienced extreme volatility. An unprecedented surge in tissue and packaging board demand, combined with reductions in office wastepaper and old corrugated cardboard availability, has tightened supply.

This has forced some tissue makers to switch from higher quality office waste to lower quality alternatives, which can result in lower strength and increased wet-end contamination. We have collaborated with a number of these tissue manufacturers, helping them evaluate and modify their dry-strength and contaminant control solutions to overcome these challenges.

An increasing number of tissue makers are also producing tissue made from non-wood alternative fiber, such as bamboo, which is not related to the pandemic per se, but it is exacerbating some of the other challenges affecting the industry. Non-wood tissue accounts for approximately 10% of global tissue production. Though more common right now in the Asia Pacific market, non-wood tissue will continue to expand across the other regions. In fact, several recently launched direct-to-consumer tissue brands are selling 100% bamboo tissue outside of Asia.

This type of tissue is seen as a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative. However, non-wood pulps typically contain higher levels of contaminants, such as silica and fines, which create Yankee coating challenges related to hardness, dusting and abrasiveness. Solenis has partnered with tissue makers to address challenges related to improving softness/hand feel, machine runnability and extending doctor blade life.

Preparing for New Paper Towel Opportunities

In the wake of the global pandemic, there is a renewed emphasis on hand hygiene that has resulted in more hand washing and hand drying occasions. Many establishments are also replacing hot and jet air dryers with paper towel dispensers in public restrooms. In addition, experts recommend cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces at least once a day to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission via surface contact. All of these trends are driving an increase in paper towel usage and pushing manufacturers to enhance their product requirements.

Solenis is well-positioned to help tissue makers produce more — and higher quality — paper towels. Our extended network of field professionals and application experts collaborate directly with paper producers to customize solutions to their unique needs. At the same time, our global manufacturing footprint allows us to deliver a variety of wet- and dry-strength products efficiently and cost-effectively to any mill, anywhere in the world. Our additives have enabled towel producers in all regions to enhance product quality in the areas of wet strength (for improved durability when used with disinfectants/cleaners), absorbency and scrubbability (to ensure the towel can clean a wider surface area).

The New “Normal”

Post-COVID-19, the world will likely operate very differently. Suppliers must evolve as much as the customers they serve, which is why Solenis is actively working to enhance, extend and redefine our capabilities to align with the changing world. We have an exciting pipeline of new activities planned for the next 12 months and look forward to helping producers navigate through these tumultuous times.

About the Author:

Richard Cho has held the position of global marketing director for Solenis Tissue & Towel since 2016. In this role, he is responsible for developing the global strategy, driving the innovation pipeline and leading digital communication for this vertical market. Prior to Solenis, Richard was the director of global marketing for Industrial Specialties at Ashland. Earlier in his career, Richard held brand management positions at Diageo and Campbell Soup Company. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

About Solenis

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, paper, oil and gas, petroleum refining, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of process, functional and water treatment chemistries as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets and minimize environmental impact. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 39 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of approximately 5,200 professionals in 120 countries across five continents.

Solenis executive statement: handling tumultuous times in tissue and towel market

Posted in: Tissue 09/02/2020 - 10:14

WILMINGTON, DE, Sept. 2, 2020 (Press Release) -The unfolding of the past several months has led to more unpredictability than any of us could have imagined. Stay-at-home orders, social distancing guidelines and consumer panic buying have created major irregularities in tissue and towel market dynamics and consumption patterns. These challenges also present a great opportunity to help tissue and towel producers adapt and respond to these sudden changes.

Pushing for Productivity

As consumers around the world actively stockpiled supplies and household staple items, tissue makers were pushed to maximize production. In some countries, bath tissue sales increased by more than 50% during the early months of the pandemic. Though machine utilization rates spiked to nearly 100%, there were still difficulties meeting demand. For Solenis, being part of a larger effort to help customers increase output through higher production efficiency was an opportunity to transform our expertise and capabilities into tangible benefits for our customers and, ultimately, for consumers who rely on their products every day. Our teams partnered with tissue makers across the globe to help optimize wet-end process and coating stability to improve productivity and paper quality. These efforts have helped multiple customers achieve record machine speeds to meet the unexpected surge in demand.

Beyond great chemistry and applications, many of our customers have also leveraged the Solenis OPTIX™ Applied Intelligence adaptive analytics platform to optimize their papermaking processes and meet quality targets. We have documented successes in reducing off-spec tissue production by helping customers significantly improve wet tensile target adherence and reduce variability.

Managing Fiber Supply Challenges

Tissue made from recovered fiber accounts for approximately 30% of global production. Over the past few months, the recovered paper market has experienced extreme volatility. An unprecedented surge in tissue and packaging board demand, combined with reductions in office wastepaper and old corrugated cardboard availability, has tightened supply.

This has forced some tissue makers to switch from higher quality office waste to lower quality alternatives, which can result in lower strength and increased wet-end contamination. We have collaborated with a number of these tissue manufacturers, helping them evaluate and modify their dry-strength and contaminant control solutions to overcome these challenges.

An increasing number of tissue makers are also producing tissue made from non-wood alternative fiber, such as bamboo, which is not related to the pandemic per se, but it is exacerbating some of the other challenges affecting the industry. Non-wood tissue accounts for approximately 10% of global tissue production. Though more common right now in the Asia Pacific market, non-wood tissue will continue to expand across the other regions. In fact, several recently launched direct-to-consumer tissue brands are selling 100% bamboo tissue outside of Asia.

This type of tissue is seen as a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative. However, non-wood pulps typically contain higher levels of contaminants, such as silica and fines, which create Yankee coating challenges related to hardness, dusting and abrasiveness. Solenis has partnered with tissue makers to address challenges related to improving softness/hand feel, machine runnability and extending doctor blade life.

Preparing for New Paper Towel Opportunities

In the wake of the global pandemic, there is a renewed emphasis on hand hygiene that has resulted in more hand washing and hand drying occasions. Many establishments are also replacing hot and jet air dryers with paper towel dispensers in public restrooms. In addition, experts recommend cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces at least once a day to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission via surface contact. All of these trends are driving an increase in paper towel usage and pushing manufacturers to enhance their product requirements.

Solenis is well-positioned to help tissue makers produce more — and higher quality — paper towels. Our extended network of field professionals and application experts collaborate directly with paper producers to customize solutions to their unique needs. At the same time, our global manufacturing footprint allows us to deliver a variety of wet- and dry-strength products efficiently and cost-effectively to any mill, anywhere in the world. Our additives have enabled towel producers in all regions to enhance product quality in the areas of wet strength (for improved durability when used with disinfectants/cleaners), absorbency and scrubbability (to ensure the towel can clean a wider surface area).

The New “Normal”

Post-COVID-19, the world will likely operate very differently. Suppliers must evolve as much as the customers they serve, which is why Solenis is actively working to enhance, extend and redefine our capabilities to align with the changing world. We have an exciting pipeline of new activities planned for the next 12 months and look forward to helping producers navigate through these tumultuous times.

About the Author:

Richard Cho has held the position of global marketing director for Solenis Tissue & Towel since 2016. In this role, he is responsible for developing the global strategy, driving the innovation pipeline and leading digital communication for this vertical market. Prior to Solenis, Richard was the director of global marketing for Industrial Specialties at Ashland. Earlier in his career, Richard held brand management positions at Diageo and Campbell Soup Company. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

About Solenis

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, paper, oil and gas, petroleum refining, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of process, functional and water treatment chemistries as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets and minimize environmental impact. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 39 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of approximately 5,200 professionals in 120 countries across five continents.

BRUSSELS, Sept. 1, 2020 (Press Release) -Cepi, the Confederation of European Paper Industries, and EPIS, the European Pulp Industry Sector Association and its members, present their #GreenSource initiative, a European-wide effort to explain how the forest-fibre industries make the 2050 climate neutrality target a reality.

The forest-fibre industry wishes to offer innovative solutions to the needs of the European citizens and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle while making sure that forests keep growing, absorbing CO2 and protecting biodiversity.

A recent scientific study commissioned by Cepi on the Climate effect of the forest-based sector in the European Union shows that, thanks to the forests and forest-based products, we take 806 million tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere every year – this corresponds to 20% of the EU’s annual emissions - while bringing 3.5 million jobs, especially to rural areas.

“We can help decarbonise the economy and revolutionise consumption habits thanks to our innovative alternatives to fossil-based materials. According to a recent Material Economics^[1]study, 25% of plastics could be easily replaced with paper and board already today without compromising end-product functionality.” Jori Ringman, Cepi DG.

We provide fossil-free alternative solutions for many sectors already today: media, packaging, health care and hygiene but also and increasingly for textiles. Cellulose-based materials might even replace the graphite used in portable technologies and the virtually limitless possibilities in biorefineries help us champion in bio-based green chemistry.

In times of COVID-19, it’s important to remember that we are delivering packaging, tissue and hygiene products that are essential to EU citizens while being good for the planet and good for the European economy.

#GreenSource is the common voice of our industry rising to tell the world how we are making a difference in the transition to a sustainable and climate-friendly future.

[1] https://materialeconomics.com/publications/sustainable-packaging

About Cepi:

Cepi is the European association representing the paper industry. We offer a wide range of renewable and recyclable wood-based fibre solutions to EU citizens: from packaging to textile, hygiene and tissue products, printing and graphic papers as well as speciality papers, but also bio-chemicals for food and pharmaceuticals, bio-composites and bioenergy.

We are a responsible industry: 92% of our raw materials are sourced in Europe and certified as sustainable, 91% of the water we use is returned to the environment, in good condition. We are the world champion in recycling at the rate of 72%. At the forefront of the decarbonisation and industrial transformation of our economy, we embrace digitalisation and bring 20 billion value addition to the European economy and €5.5 billion investments annually.

Through its 18 national associations, Cepi gathers 500 companies operating 895 mills across Europe and directly employing more than 180,000 people.

Cepi and EPIS presents #GreenSource initiative to explain ways to achieve 2050 climate neutrality target by forest fibre industry in Europe

Posted in: Tissue 09/01/2020 - 06:24

BRUSSELS, Sept. 1, 2020 (Press Release) -Cepi, the Confederation of European Paper Industries, and EPIS, the European Pulp Industry Sector Association and its members, present their #GreenSource initiative, a European-wide effort to explain how the forest-fibre industries make the 2050 climate neutrality target a reality.

The forest-fibre industry wishes to offer innovative solutions to the needs of the European citizens and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle while making sure that forests keep growing, absorbing CO2 and protecting biodiversity.

A recent scientific study commissioned by Cepi on the Climate effect of the forest-based sector in the European Union shows that, thanks to the forests and forest-based products, we take 806 million tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere every year – this corresponds to 20% of the EU’s annual emissions - while bringing 3.5 million jobs, especially to rural areas.

“We can help decarbonise the economy and revolutionise consumption habits thanks to our innovative alternatives to fossil-based materials. According to a recent Material Economics^[1]study, 25% of plastics could be easily replaced with paper and board already today without compromising end-product functionality.” Jori Ringman, Cepi DG.

We provide fossil-free alternative solutions for many sectors already today: media, packaging, health care and hygiene but also and increasingly for textiles. Cellulose-based materials might even replace the graphite used in portable technologies and the virtually limitless possibilities in biorefineries help us champion in bio-based green chemistry.

In times of COVID-19, it’s important to remember that we are delivering packaging, tissue and hygiene products that are essential to EU citizens while being good for the planet and good for the European economy.

#GreenSource is the common voice of our industry rising to tell the world how we are making a difference in the transition to a sustainable and climate-friendly future.

[1] https://materialeconomics.com/publications/sustainable-packaging

About Cepi:

Cepi is the European association representing the paper industry. We offer a wide range of renewable and recyclable wood-based fibre solutions to EU citizens: from packaging to textile, hygiene and tissue products, printing and graphic papers as well as speciality papers, but also bio-chemicals for food and pharmaceuticals, bio-composites and bioenergy.

We are a responsible industry: 92% of our raw materials are sourced in Europe and certified as sustainable, 91% of the water we use is returned to the environment, in good condition. We are the world champion in recycling at the rate of 72%. At the forefront of the decarbonisation and industrial transformation of our economy, we embrace digitalisation and bring 20 billion value addition to the European economy and €5.5 billion investments annually.

Through its 18 national associations, Cepi gathers 500 companies operating 895 mills across Europe and directly employing more than 180,000 people.

HELSINKI, Sept. 1, 2020 (Press Release) -UPM is one of the founding members of the #GreenSource initiative, to promote the role of forest-fibre industries in the effort to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality target by 2050. #GreenSource brings together members of EPIS, the European Pulp Industry Sector Association and Cepi, the Confederation of European Paper Industries.

The forest fibre industry wish to play a central role in offering solutions that responds to the needs of the European citizens and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle while making sure that forests keep growing, absorbing CO2 and protecting biodiversity.

A recent scientific study commissioned by Cepi on the Climate effect of the forest-based sector in the European Union shows that, thanks to the forests and forest-based products, 806 million tons of CO2 is taken out of the atmosphere every year – this corresponds to 20% of the EU’s annual emissions - while bringing 3.5 million jobs, especially to rural areas.

In times of COVID-19, it’s important to remember that the forest fibre industry is delivering packaging, tissue and hygiene products that are essential to EU citizens while being good for the planet and good for the European economy.

“We are, and will continue, empowering people to make sustainable choices by providing a growing portfolio of climate-friendly products based on sustainably-sourced, renewable, and recyclable materials.” says Anna Maija Wessman, EPIS Secretary General.

“We are proud of being part of this alliance and want to take an active role in promoting pulp and other wood fibre-based products as a truly sustainable solution”, says Tomas Wiklund, SVP Pulp Sales and Marketing, UPM.

#GreenSource is the common voice of our industry rising to tell the world how we are making a difference in the transition to a sustainable and climate-friendly future.

UPM Pulp

UPM is one of the world's leading producers of northern softwood, birch and eucalyptus pulp. We supply global customers in end use segments such as tissue, specialty and packaging as well as printing and writing papers, and board, through our own sales and technical service network close to customers. UPM Pulp operates four modern pulp mills, three in Finland and one in Uruguay, as well as eucalyptus plantations in Uruguay. UPM Pulp employs approximately 1,800 people. Annual pulp production capacity is 3.7 million tonnes. In 2019 we started the construction of a 2.1 million tonne/year greenfield eucalyptus pulp mill near Paso de los Toros in central Uruguay. The mill is scheduled to start up in the second half of 2022. Pulp Business is part of the UPM Biorefining Business Area which combines the integrated production of pulp, timber and biofuels with a synergistic supply chain of wood raw materials.

UPM

We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 18,700 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 10.2 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils.

UPM joins #GreenSource campaign to promote positive awareness about wood fibre-based products

Posted in: Tissue 09/01/2020 - 03:41

HELSINKI, Sept. 1, 2020 (Press Release) -UPM is one of the founding members of the #GreenSource initiative, to promote the role of forest-fibre industries in the effort to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality target by 2050. #GreenSource brings together members of EPIS, the European Pulp Industry Sector Association and Cepi, the Confederation of European Paper Industries.

The forest fibre industry wish to play a central role in offering solutions that responds to the needs of the European citizens and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle while making sure that forests keep growing, absorbing CO2 and protecting biodiversity.

A recent scientific study commissioned by Cepi on the Climate effect of the forest-based sector in the European Union shows that, thanks to the forests and forest-based products, 806 million tons of CO2 is taken out of the atmosphere every year – this corresponds to 20% of the EU’s annual emissions - while bringing 3.5 million jobs, especially to rural areas.

In times of COVID-19, it’s important to remember that the forest fibre industry is delivering packaging, tissue and hygiene products that are essential to EU citizens while being good for the planet and good for the European economy.

“We are, and will continue, empowering people to make sustainable choices by providing a growing portfolio of climate-friendly products based on sustainably-sourced, renewable, and recyclable materials.” says Anna Maija Wessman, EPIS Secretary General.

“We are proud of being part of this alliance and want to take an active role in promoting pulp and other wood fibre-based products as a truly sustainable solution”, says Tomas Wiklund, SVP Pulp Sales and Marketing, UPM.

#GreenSource is the common voice of our industry rising to tell the world how we are making a difference in the transition to a sustainable and climate-friendly future.

UPM Pulp

UPM is one of the world's leading producers of northern softwood, birch and eucalyptus pulp. We supply global customers in end use segments such as tissue, specialty and packaging as well as printing and writing papers, and board, through our own sales and technical service network close to customers. UPM Pulp operates four modern pulp mills, three in Finland and one in Uruguay, as well as eucalyptus plantations in Uruguay. UPM Pulp employs approximately 1,800 people. Annual pulp production capacity is 3.7 million tonnes. In 2019 we started the construction of a 2.1 million tonne/year greenfield eucalyptus pulp mill near Paso de los Toros in central Uruguay. The mill is scheduled to start up in the second half of 2022. Pulp Business is part of the UPM Biorefining Business Area which combines the integrated production of pulp, timber and biofuels with a synergistic supply chain of wood raw materials.

UPM

We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 18,700 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 10.2 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils.

SAO PAULO, Aug. 26, 2020 (Press Release) -Since the coronavirus started to spread in Latin America, Empresas CMPC decided to take an active role in helping the community to cope with this pandemic that has brought both health and economic consequences, especially in those areas where the company has operations.

Last April, CMPC acquired a total of six machines for the manufacture of surgical type masks for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru, motivated by generating a local, timely, safe and quality supply that collaborates in the task of reducing the risks of viral disease contagion.

In the case of Chile, CMPC committed 3 million masks -produced by the machine installed in the Softys mill in Puente Alto- to the National Supply Center (Cenabast), the entity in charge of the deliver of the masks to the public health services of all over the country and other entities according to their needs. To date, the company has donated 2 million masks to it and the main beneficiaries has been municipalities, foundations and firefighters.

In addition, to date, the company has delivered another 200 thousand masks to various entities and communes in Chile, such as the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights to be delivered to the Gendarmerie health officials throughout the country; and different communities of the country.

In the case of Brazil, from April to date, the company has donated more than 600 thousand masks in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, of which 400 thousand were destined to the State Government and the rest to the Gaucho municipalities where the company is present with forestry operation. By the end of August, a total of 1 million masks will have been donated for that state, all of them produced by Softys. Furthermore, in the state of Paraná, 260 thousand units have already been donated, of which 200 thousand were destinated for the State Government and 60 thousand for the municipality of Mallet; in Sao Paulo 560 thousand masks were delivered up to July, of which 350 thousand correspond to the State Government, 150 thousand to the municipality of Caieiras and 60 thousand to the municipality of Mogi das Cruzes. Finally, in Pernambuco 160 thousand masks were donated: 100 thousand for the State Government; 30 thousand for the municipality of Jaboatão dos Guararapes and 30 thousand for Recife.

Also, CMPC announced that will add a new mask manufacturing machine in Chile, which will also be installed at the Puente Alto mill. Thus, the company will achieve a production of 3 million masks per month in that country.

CMPC Solidaria

The initiative consists in delivering meals to elder people, many of whom are currently having difficulties to buy their basic needs, in the communes where CMPC has an industrial and forestry presence in southern Chile.

The solidarity meals are being held from Monday to Sunday during the months of July and August, in 6 communes of the Biobío and La Araucanía regions, being prepared every day between 60 and 150 servings per commune. This adds up to more than 50 thousand meals in these two months. In the commune of Puente Alto in the Metropolitan region, there will be also served, for two months, 200 solidary meals.

In addition, the project seeks to reactivate local small and medium-sized enterprises, for which reason, for the food preparation service there were hired local cooks and for the distribution of the meals, school buses and carriers, all of them from each sector, thus reaching directly to the home of each older adult.

All CMPC Solidaria processes have compliance with strict protocols for the prevention of infections, either by CMPC volunteers and contracted enterprises.

Supporting the population at risk

In addition to this initiative, in order to help in taking care of the most vulnerable population in the context of the health crisis caused by the Coronavirus, CMPC made a donation to the National Service for the Elder People of Chile (SENAMA) consisting of 100,000 units of Cotidian adult diapers and one thousand units of 1-liter Elite Professional alcohol gel bottles.

SENAMA will be in charge of distributing this aid, which will be delivered by the public entity in the most affected regions, such as La Araucanía, Biobío, Ñuble and Metropolitan.

In addition, on April 28, at the Chilean government house, the company made its contribution to nine residences of the National Service for Minors (Sename), which consists of hygiene and prevention elements, such as alcohol gel, surgical gloves, surgical masks, lab coats and face shields that will benefit 251 highly vulnerable boys and girls.

Also, CMPC donated 100,000 diapers to Teletón (Foundation dedicated to children´s rehabilitation), to be distributed among the families of the institution, and the company announced a new contribution consisting of 20,000 masks to support the work of the Teleton´s professionals, especially for when they return to face-to-face care in their rehabilitation centers.

Protecting individual collectors

Also, CMPC, committed to Chile’s paper and cardboard individual collectors, donated 250 hygiene and personal care kits together with the Ministry of Environment and the Fabril Development Society (Sofofa), and together with the Municipality of Santiago, the company officialized the contribution of another 250 kits and food baskets for the individual collectors that have a relationship with the company through its subsidiary Fibras, the largest recycler of paper and cardboard in the country.

Sanitizing streets and public spaces

On the other hand, continuing with CMPC’s commitment to its neighbors, the company is taking sanitary measures in the Chilean communes of Puente Alto and Buin (Metropolitan region); Santa Juana, Santa Bárbara, Quilaco, Contulmo, Tirúa, San Rosendo, Nacimiento, Laja, Los Ángeles and Mulchén (Biobío region); Angol, Los Sauces, Collipulli, Ercilla, Victoria, Nueva Imperial, Cunco, Chol Chol, Carahue, Toltén, Loncoche, Cañete, Gorbea and Villa Mininco (La Araucanía region), such as disinfection in public spaces, entrances of health centers, entrances of the plants of the company, and in the busiest streets.

Mobile Clinics

Also, together with the NGO Desafío Levantemos Chile, the company is part of the “Mobile Clinics” project, an initiative that seeks to decongest the public and private health network of the La Araucanía region, and also the commune of Puente Alto in the Metropolitan region, through vans that allow people to take medical care at their private homes, get medicines, get vaccinated against flu and even test for the coronavirus without having to leave their homes. To date, six Mobile Clinics are operating in the above-mentioned localities.

Field hospital in southern Chile

Since March of this year, the company enabled its former offices in the city of Los Angeles, Biobío region, in Chile, in order to transform them into a field hospital that seeks to help the regional health service decongest the Dr. Víctor Ríos Ruiz Assistance Complex, serving patients of low and medium complexity.

On June 4, CMPC handed over to the regional health authorities the fully equipped premises located on Avenida Alemania.

The dependencies were enabled with clinical spaces, a resuscitation room, staff residence, interior cladding, clinical and administrative furniture, as well as bathroom fixtures and accessories, with the provision of hot and cold potable water.

CMPC carries initiaves to help the community cope with the health and economic effects of the pandemic

Posted in: Tissue 08/26/2020 - 16:34

SAO PAULO, Aug. 26, 2020 (Press Release) -Since the coronavirus started to spread in Latin America, Empresas CMPC decided to take an active role in helping the community to cope with this pandemic that has brought both health and economic consequences, especially in those areas where the company has operations.

Last April, CMPC acquired a total of six machines for the manufacture of surgical type masks for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru, motivated by generating a local, timely, safe and quality supply that collaborates in the task of reducing the risks of viral disease contagion.

In the case of Chile, CMPC committed 3 million masks -produced by the machine installed in the Softys mill in Puente Alto- to the National Supply Center (Cenabast), the entity in charge of the deliver of the masks to the public health services of all over the country and other entities according to their needs. To date, the company has donated 2 million masks to it and the main beneficiaries has been municipalities, foundations and firefighters.

In addition, to date, the company has delivered another 200 thousand masks to various entities and communes in Chile, such as the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights to be delivered to the Gendarmerie health officials throughout the country; and different communities of the country.

In the case of Brazil, from April to date, the company has donated more than 600 thousand masks in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, of which 400 thousand were destined to the State Government and the rest to the Gaucho municipalities where the company is present with forestry operation. By the end of August, a total of 1 million masks will have been donated for that state, all of them produced by Softys. Furthermore, in the state of Paraná, 260 thousand units have already been donated, of which 200 thousand were destinated for the State Government and 60 thousand for the municipality of Mallet; in Sao Paulo 560 thousand masks were delivered up to July, of which 350 thousand correspond to the State Government, 150 thousand to the municipality of Caieiras and 60 thousand to the municipality of Mogi das Cruzes. Finally, in Pernambuco 160 thousand masks were donated: 100 thousand for the State Government; 30 thousand for the municipality of Jaboatão dos Guararapes and 30 thousand for Recife.

Also, CMPC announced that will add a new mask manufacturing machine in Chile, which will also be installed at the Puente Alto mill. Thus, the company will achieve a production of 3 million masks per month in that country.

CMPC Solidaria

The initiative consists in delivering meals to elder people, many of whom are currently having difficulties to buy their basic needs, in the communes where CMPC has an industrial and forestry presence in southern Chile.

The solidarity meals are being held from Monday to Sunday during the months of July and August, in 6 communes of the Biobío and La Araucanía regions, being prepared every day between 60 and 150 servings per commune. This adds up to more than 50 thousand meals in these two months. In the commune of Puente Alto in the Metropolitan region, there will be also served, for two months, 200 solidary meals.

In addition, the project seeks to reactivate local small and medium-sized enterprises, for which reason, for the food preparation service there were hired local cooks and for the distribution of the meals, school buses and carriers, all of them from each sector, thus reaching directly to the home of each older adult.

All CMPC Solidaria processes have compliance with strict protocols for the prevention of infections, either by CMPC volunteers and contracted enterprises.

Supporting the population at risk

In addition to this initiative, in order to help in taking care of the most vulnerable population in the context of the health crisis caused by the Coronavirus, CMPC made a donation to the National Service for the Elder People of Chile (SENAMA) consisting of 100,000 units of Cotidian adult diapers and one thousand units of 1-liter Elite Professional alcohol gel bottles.

SENAMA will be in charge of distributing this aid, which will be delivered by the public entity in the most affected regions, such as La Araucanía, Biobío, Ñuble and Metropolitan.

In addition, on April 28, at the Chilean government house, the company made its contribution to nine residences of the National Service for Minors (Sename), which consists of hygiene and prevention elements, such as alcohol gel, surgical gloves, surgical masks, lab coats and face shields that will benefit 251 highly vulnerable boys and girls.

Also, CMPC donated 100,000 diapers to Teletón (Foundation dedicated to children´s rehabilitation), to be distributed among the families of the institution, and the company announced a new contribution consisting of 20,000 masks to support the work of the Teleton´s professionals, especially for when they return to face-to-face care in their rehabilitation centers.

Protecting individual collectors

Also, CMPC, committed to Chile’s paper and cardboard individual collectors, donated 250 hygiene and personal care kits together with the Ministry of Environment and the Fabril Development Society (Sofofa), and together with the Municipality of Santiago, the company officialized the contribution of another 250 kits and food baskets for the individual collectors that have a relationship with the company through its subsidiary Fibras, the largest recycler of paper and cardboard in the country.

Sanitizing streets and public spaces

On the other hand, continuing with CMPC’s commitment to its neighbors, the company is taking sanitary measures in the Chilean communes of Puente Alto and Buin (Metropolitan region); Santa Juana, Santa Bárbara, Quilaco, Contulmo, Tirúa, San Rosendo, Nacimiento, Laja, Los Ángeles and Mulchén (Biobío region); Angol, Los Sauces, Collipulli, Ercilla, Victoria, Nueva Imperial, Cunco, Chol Chol, Carahue, Toltén, Loncoche, Cañete, Gorbea and Villa Mininco (La Araucanía region), such as disinfection in public spaces, entrances of health centers, entrances of the plants of the company, and in the busiest streets.

Mobile Clinics

Also, together with the NGO Desafío Levantemos Chile, the company is part of the “Mobile Clinics” project, an initiative that seeks to decongest the public and private health network of the La Araucanía region, and also the commune of Puente Alto in the Metropolitan region, through vans that allow people to take medical care at their private homes, get medicines, get vaccinated against flu and even test for the coronavirus without having to leave their homes. To date, six Mobile Clinics are operating in the above-mentioned localities.

Field hospital in southern Chile

Since March of this year, the company enabled its former offices in the city of Los Angeles, Biobío region, in Chile, in order to transform them into a field hospital that seeks to help the regional health service decongest the Dr. Víctor Ríos Ruiz Assistance Complex, serving patients of low and medium complexity.

On June 4, CMPC handed over to the regional health authorities the fully equipped premises located on Avenida Alemania.

The dependencies were enabled with clinical spaces, a resuscitation room, staff residence, interior cladding, clinical and administrative furniture, as well as bathroom fixtures and accessories, with the provision of hot and cold potable water.

WILMINGTON, DE, Aug. 19, 2020 (Press Release) -Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, is working with a North American tissue maker to deliver continuous process improvement with autonomous chemistry control through its secure OPTIX™ Applied Intelligence artificial intelligence (AI) platform.

Developed with ProcessMiner™, a leading AI platform, Solenis’ adaptive analytics system accurately learns complex variable relationships in pulp and paper manufacturing processes and yields a digital measure of product quality. Autonomous manufacturing using AI with machine learning allows for improved product quality, optimized use of raw materials and reduced water and energy consumption.

Deployed at St. Croix Tissue in Baileyville, Maine, OPTIX recently enabled the mill to accomplish something that was previously impossible. Using a closed-loop controller in conjunction with OPTIX quality parameter predictions, the mill was able to control its strength chemistry autonomously to ensure optimal chemical feed and adhere to target parameters.

“OPTIX has shown that it can reasonably predict different lab-tested parameters,” said Devin Rose, technical manager at St. Croix Tissue. “We’ve used this prediction in a closed-loop controller and successfully reduced variation in the final product. As a result, we’re excited about the value of this program.”

Launched by Solenis in early 2019, the novel OPTIX platform is operational in nine paper mills throughout North America and Europe, with additional deployments in progress. AI-powered predictive analytics of key quality parameters allows for on-the-fly process improvement, real-time process insights and continuous chemical control leading to improved target adherence, improved product quality and substantial cost savings.

COVID-19 is accelerating the need for autonomous manufacturing as operators seek to improve operational efficiency without making significant cap-ex investments and limiting human interaction. As a result, there has been mounting interest in the OPTIX platform, which enables the application of autonomous control to extend well beyond strength chemistry.

“Solenis continues to deliver innovative solutions that solve the complex problems that exist in the pulp and paper industry,” said Andreas Türk, president, Eurasia, Solenis. “Our partnership with ProcessMiner enables us to uniquely deliver the cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning technology required for real-time, predictive analytics and autonomous manufacturing. Our latest OPTIX offering, autonomous chemistry optimization, is another example of Solenis delivering the value our customers need to stay competitive.”

“Solenis has been the ideal partner for driving autonomous manufacturing in the pulp and paper industry, leveraging the technology we’ve developed,” said Karim Pourak, cofounder and CEO, ProcessMiner. “The deep domain expertise the Solenis team brings, coupled with our industry-leading data science team, has been a winning combination. We expect rapid adoption and mill expansion of the OPTIX platform in this industry as a result of our recent autonomous control success at St. Croix Tissue. With a shrinking workforce in manufacturing, AI is an investment that manufacturers need to consider in keeping up with demand and product quality service levels.”

For more details on OPTIX Applied Intelligence, please visit solenis.com/OPTIX.

About Solenis

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, paper, oil and gas, petroleum refining, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of process, functional and water treatment chemistries as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets and minimize environmental impact. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 39 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of approximately 5,200 professionals in 120 countries across five continents. For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com.

About ProcessMiner

The ProcessMiner™ platform predicts problems in real-time using AI within the manufacturing process. The platform is being rapidly adopted by the tissue and packaging industries, inclusive of manufacturers in the pulp, paper and plastics industries, and pilot projects are underway with water treatment and energy sectors of manufacturing. Visit www.processminer.com.

Solenis enables St. Croix Tissue in Maine to achieve ‘unprecedented’ autonomous chemistry control with AI platform

Posted in: Tissue 08/19/2020 - 20:11