Ian Melin-Jones
Fibria announces CEO succession
Marcelo Castelli will take over the post from Carlos Aguiar on July 1st, with the latter assuming a position on the Board of Directors in 2012
Fibria has announced that it has initiated the process of succession to the position of CEO. Carlos Aguiar, who has been in the post since Fibria was founded, on September 1, 2009, will be succeeded by Marcelo Castelli, currently director of Forestry, Paper, Strategy and Supplies, who will take up his new post on July 1, 2011.
Carlos Aguiar affirmed that, “The planning of this process took into consideration my personal expectations and the company’s strategic planning, approved by the shareholders. I leave the post confident that I have fulfilled my duty and with the satisfaction of being able to successfully bring to a close more than 40 years’ experience as an executive in the pulp industry. In 2012, Aguiar will assume a place on Fibria’s Board of Directors. “That way, I will be able to continue to contribute my knowledge and experience towards furthering Fibria’s success as a Brazilian global leader of the sustainable forestry business”, he added.
Marcelo Castelli has more than 25 years’ experience in the pulp and paper sector. He qualified in mechanical engineering, with specialization in pulp and business management, and during his career has held leadership positions in the areas of production, projects and business at major companies in the sector, such as Aracruz and VCP. At Fibria, he headed the Integration Project, where he was responsible for developing the conceptual and administrative guidelines and the merging of the operations of the new company that was being put together. Castelli commented that, “It will be a tremendous challenge and I hope to continue to contribute to the best of my ability towards the steady growth and development of the company”.
conVerd and Finch Establish Eco-Responsible Partnership
conVerd LLC and Finch Paper LLC have announced that the two companies are partnering to produce substrates for digital wide-format, screen, and commercial applications that require full-color quality with an environmental platform. The foundation of the relationship is the companies’ mutual interest in creating recyclable, renewable products.
Previous joint developments include conVerd Enviroboard, an environmentally responsible substrate for the wide-format signage market, which is otherwise dominated by fossil-fuel based products. Enviroboard garnered significant interest since its debut and is quickly becoming the number one source of sustainable rigid media. The product was also granted the Green Product of 2010, by the International Sign Association (ISA).
Enviroboard is made with FSC®-certified fiber and includes 10% post-consumer waste fiber. Unlike most substrates used for signage, Enviroboard is made from renewable resources and is 100% recyclable.
This closer relationship supports conVerd’s environmental position and affords the company access to Finch’s expertise in paper manufacturing and forest stewardship; as well as providing it with the supply chain management necessary to meet growing demand among large distributors, retailers and printers.
Holmen VIEW – a first step towards HD quality
High Definition Television is a reality. The high definition image gives HDTV an extra dimension. Don’t be surprised to see paper offering a kind of ‘HD quality’ – with extremely good image reproduction – on the market in the not too distant future.
The people whose job it is to speculate on the paper of tomorrow are Tommy Wiksand, sales and development director, and Jan Andersson, technical sales & product development manager.
Looking ahead, the duo see today’s standard paper being replaced by other types of paper. Some of them will have top-class image reproduction and a feel that underlines the message that the sender wants to communicate.
New and more refined
Holmen VIEW can be seen as a step in this direction. Compared with traditional standard paper, the newly developed paper has excellent image reproduction and a silky feel.
Keeping a product range in step with the market is not just about launching new additions. Existing products with low demand must, of course, be weeded out. It is also important to take existing knowledge in one segment and see if it can be applied to others.
Tommy Wiksand comments: “We’ve refined the surfaces of our directory paper, for example. This has allowed us to reach other segments of the market that need this type of paper with high opacity and good print surfaces.”
Increased business
Across the market, more and more players are also realising what an even more effective collaboration between different message-carrying media can lead to.
“The paper catalogue is very important for online trade, acting as a tangible reminder that the company exists. Combining media thus helps to secure more business,” states Tommy Wiksand.
With refined segmentation and greater knowledge about customer preferences, large-scale print runs are no longer necessary, suggesting that the pace of development is likely to accelerate.
No nerds
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Tommy and Jan are convinced that paper has its place in tomorrow’s media mix.
“But don’t think we’re just some kind of narrow-minded paper nerds. It’s all about making smart use of paper in different communication situations. And paper doesn’t have an automatic place in the media mix,” says Jan Andersson.
It is necessary for the producers to keep a close eye on customer wishes and work their way up the value chain, an approach that forms an integral part of Holmen Paper’s overall strategy. The company has been working for a number of years now on migrating its mills from standard to specialist products. In this respect, the company has an important competitive advantage in its access to virgin fibre and what that means in the form of bulk and scope for bleaching.
Win-win
Another strategic move by Holmen Paper is to get even nearer to its customers. A close dialogue often provides a good idea of what products customers really want.
Naturally, not all wishes can be realised, but in the majority of cases any wishes are carefully analysed to examine which segment a new/adapted product would fit into and what potential exists.
“If the analysis suggests that it feels right and that we have the resources to take it forward, we then carry out a more extensive customer survey,” explains Jan Andersson.
If the response is positive, an internal development process is launched. When it comes to the initial test-runs, it is often necessary to work on site with the customer. This is an excellent way to build up experience, in order to further fine-tune the product, creating a win-win situation for both parties.
Product development in practice
Holmen VIEW, Holmen XLNT, Holmen PREMIUM and Holmen BOOK – four examples of new and improved products from Holmen Paper.
The latest example is the uncoated paper that feels like silk, Holmen VIEW, which was developed as an attractive alternative to LWC and SC paper for magazines, supplements and product catalogues. The well established Holmen XLNT has also broadened its range in recent years. The paper is now available in a brightness of 60 and in four grammages. Customer demand for wider reels – over 3.8 metres – has also been satisfied.
In addition, a larger range of the SC paper Holmen PREMIUM is now a reality. There were many requests for brightnesses of 72 and 80, which have given rise to Holmen PREMIUM 72 in four grammages and Holmen PREMIUM 80 in six grammages.
International Paper Announces Strategic Entry into India, Agrees to Purchase Shares of Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills
International Paper has entered into agreements with Mr. L.N. Bangur, and related family members and affiliates to purchase approximately 53.5 percent of the outstanding shares of Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited for approximately US$257 million in cash. In addition, International Paper has agreed to a US$62 million non-compete payment to the sellers.
Pursuant to Indian securities law, International Paper will also launch a mandatory public tender offer to acquire up to an additional 21.5 percent of the outstanding shares of APPM for approximately US$104 million in cash. International Paper anticipates acquiring up to 75 percent of APPM's outstanding shares through these two transactions.
Once completed, the transaction will position International Paper as the first global paper and packaging company with a significant position in India's fast growing economy.
"APPM is an established and highly respected company in India, and is an excellent platform for International Paper to grow with the Indian paper and packaging markets," said John Faraci, chairman and chief executive officer of International Paper. "Both APPM and the India paper and packaging industry are growing at substantial rates, and we believe that IP's global operations and technical expertise can accelerate that growth and create value for customers as well as IP and APPM shareholders."
L.N. Bangur, executive chairman, Bangur Group, said, "We have built a strong business in India, and the next phase of growth requires a different set of resources and capabilities. International Paper is the right company to take the business forward and deepen maturity of the sector in India."
"International Paper has a proven track record of bringing global best practices in operational excellence, industrial safety as well as social responsibility into our emerging market investments, and we intend to do the same in India with APPM," said Tom Kadien, senior vice president of IP's Consumer Packaging and IP Asia businesses. "This investment will be positive for employees and their communities, customers, shareholders and the state of Andhra Pradesh."
APPM is one of the leading integrated paper manufacturers in India, with two mills with combined capacity of about 250,000 metric tonnes of uncoated freesheet paper annually. The existing and capable management team and 2,500 employees of APPM will continue to operate the business, supplemented by additional IP leadership and technical resources.
The share purchase and public tender are expected to be completed as early as the third quarter of 2011, subject to regulatory and other approvals, including the Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and, if applicable, the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Note: All USD monetary amounts are approximations based on an Indian Rupee to U.S. Dollar exchange rate of INR 45 per US$.
Stora Enso appoints Juan Carlos Bueno as Executive Vice President, Head of Latin America, and member of Group Executive Team
Stora Enso has appointed Juan Carlos Bueno, 42, to head the Group’s operations in Latin America and as a member of the Group Executive Team as of 1 April 2011.
Juan Carlos Bueno is a native Colombian and has worked for the global science company DuPont in various positions since 1992. For the past several years he has been the Vice President leading the DuPont Agricultural Products business in Brazil. He has some twenty years of experience from finance, sales, marketing and general business management.
“We welcome Juan Carlos Bueno to the Stora Enso team with high expectations. He will bring us a combination of solid business experience and totally new insights into Latin America. Throughout his career Juan Carlos has demonstrated strong strategic and operational capabilities in the changing economic and market conditions not only in Latin America, but also in Europe and North America,” says Stora Enso CEO Jouko Karvinen.
Nils Grafström, 64, after a long successful career first in Stora, then Stora Enso, and for the past eight years as head of Stora Enso Latin America, will retire as previously planned in June 2011.
Clariant’s Paper Business to raise prices
Clariant’s Business Unit Paper, a leading supplier of Optical Brighteners, Colorants and Chemicals to the Paper industry, announces price increases across its product portfolio.
The adjustments, which take immediate effect, are necessary to recover significant on-going cost inflation in raw materials, labor, energy and transportation.
Price increases of 8% will affect all product groups and as contracts allow. Selected individual products will experience higher increases due to the severe impact of their particular raw material cost increase.
Clariant’s customers will be contacted individually regarding the specifics of the price increases as they apply.
For more information about Clariant’s Paper Business, please visit www.paper.clariant.com.
Nippon Paper Group, Inc. Damage Caused by the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake
We again express our deepest sympathies to victims of the earthquake that struck off the coast of the Tohoku district in the Pacific Ocean on March 11, 2011.
The following summarizes the current status of the Group:
1. Confirmation of the safety of Group employees
Ishinomaki Mill, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Ishinomaki, Miyagi) The highest priority continues to be placed upon confirming the safety of the employees at the Ishinomaki Mill and of employees at other related companies near the Ishinomaki Mill.
Iwanuma Mill, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Iwanuma, Miyagi) The highest priority continues to be placed upon confirming the safety of the employees at the Iwanuma Mill and of employees at other related companies near the Iwanuma Mill.
The safety of all employees at the Nakoso Mill of Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Iwaki, Fukushima), Akita Mill of Nippon Daishowa Paperboard Co., Ltd. (Akita, Akita), Kitakami Paper Co., Ltd. (Ichinoseki, Iwate) and Daishowa Uniboard Co., Ltd. (Iwanuma, Miyagi) has already been confirmed.
2. Status of key mills
Ishinomaki Mill, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Ishinomaki, Miyagi) The mill remains under complete closedown. Heavy equipment was brought in to clear a passage through the dirt and rubble that was deposited on the mill grounds by the tsunami. At present the dirt, rubble and scattered materials are being cleaned up. In order to restore operations, damage done to the equipment is being confirmed.
Iwanuma Mill, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Iwanuma, Miyagi) The mill remains under complete closedown. While working to ship the products in the
warehouse that were not damaged, confirmation of the status of equipment and materials continues in preparation to resume operations.
Nakoso Mill, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Iwaki, Fukushima) The mill remains in a state of complete closedown. While working to ship the products in the warehouse that were not damaged, measures continue to be taken to restore the boilers which were damaged in the earthquake.
Kitakami Paper Co., Ltd. (Ichinoseki, Iwate) Thanks to the operation of the boilers, operation of the paper machines was sequentially resumed starting on March 24.
Akita Mill, Nippon Daishowa Paperboard Co., Ltd. (Akita, Akita) Operation of the equipment that had been under closedown was resumed on March 18.
Voith Paper seals tissue cylinder from Metsä Tissue Stotzheim in record time
"Due to the fast and uncomplicated assistance of Voith Paper, we could re-start production in record time after this scheduled downtime. The high flexibility of Voith Paper´s roll experts enabled us to get one of our suction press rolls completely serviced in this short time", stated Michael Hegemann, manager of technical operations in Stotzheim, Germany.
Voith tissue engineers worked through the day and night to seal the Yankee and to re-start production as soon as possible on Metsä Tissue´s PM 2. During the downtime, Metsä Tissue noticed some problems with the sealing of the Yankee cylinder.
Voith Paper and Metsä Tissue worked out an operation schedule to not only be able to seal the Yankee, but also to service the suction press roll in the Voith Service Center at the same time. The roll experts from Voith Paper were able to grind, balance and totally service the roll. During the service, they also noticed damage to the bearing housings and were able to replace them. The suction press roll was returned to the customer completely overhauled just two days later.
Re-installation of the serviced roll and the successful work on the Yankee allowed PM 2 to re-start production after only four days of downtime.
Metsä Tissue is one of Europe´s leading suppliers of tissue paper products to households and professional users. In twelve production units located all over Europe, Metsä employs some 3,200 people, doing a turnover of EUR 940 million. Metsä Tissue is part of the finnish Metsäliitto Group.
Ashland Inc. introduces new water technology that improves safety and sustainability
Driven to improve chemical handling safety for customers, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), is introducing the Ultra-Serv™ SOLID chemical delivery system. The new system eliminates the hazards and concerns associated with transporting liquid chemicals within commercial, institutional and industrial facilities where workers or others must contend with potential exposure.
“Our customers are very excited about this innovative way to manage their water treatment program,” said Andrew Ledlie, manager, platform launch, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies. “We not only have improved the safety associated with liquid chemical water treatment programs, but by reducing the volume of chemical used by 50 to 90 percent, we have also reduced the energy use associated with the production and distribution of those chemicals. It’s a significant step toward a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for commercial water treatment.”
Ashland formulation scientists were able to transform the company’s PerforMax™ liquid water treatment chemistry into a solid form that is activated within the Ultra-Serv SOLID chemical delivery system. The new formulation coupled with the enclosed system improves safety, reduces chemical delivery costs, eliminates thousands of pounds of plastic from the waste stream, eliminates hundreds of hours of time associated with liquid chemical handling, and reduces fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions.
Effective water treatment is essential to protecting critical heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems from scale, corrosion and bacteria; however, handling the necessary chemicals is time consuming and has potential risks. In fact handling chemicals is not an everyday event in most commercial facilities, which can increase the potential for accidents, injury and chemical spills. The Ultra-Serv SOLID chemical delivery system addresses these concerns. The system has already been proven successful in a variety of commercial applications including some campus locations.
People interested in learning more about the Ultra-Serv SOLID chemical delivery system should contact Andrew Ledlie at 905-544-8169 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A video demonstration is also available for Ashland’s Ultra-Serv SOLID chemical delivery system.
™Trademark of Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries
Metso establishes new Tissue Technology Award for energy-saving innovations
A Tissue Technology Award has been established by Metso to promote university students’ and scientists’ work on energy efficient innovations applicable to the tissue making industry.
A prize amount of totally 25,000 USD will be awarded for the best innovations.
The Tissue Technology Award will be given every second year and the first winners will be announced at the Tissue World conference in Nice, France, in 2013.
A sovereign jury will appoint the winners according to a specific selection process. The jury is formed by representatives from Karlstad University, Sweden, the Energy Square organization and Metso’s Tissue business line.
“Energy efficiency is a crucial issue for the tissue industry globally and it takes a wide perspective and open minds to explore new areas for innovation,” says Marco Marcheggiani, President, Tissue business line, Metso. ”Being the clear market and technology leader in tissue Metso wants to stimulate innovative work also outside our own organization by this award.”
Detailed information about the Metso Tissue Technology Award including application regulations can be found at www.metso.com/tissueaward.