below please find a selection of the latest news from the world of pulp and paper.

Our new ipw Quality and bio-fibre issue is out now and should be on the way to our subscribers. The digital version of the issue can be found here.

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Researchers carrying out projects in a wide range of activities relevant to forest-based science, products using forest-based raw materials, process improvements or other innovations throughout the value chain are invited to submit their application for the Blue Sky Young Researchers & Innovation Award Europe 2019 by 30 September 2019 (see eligibility criteria here below).

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Stora Enso to supply production technologies and key process equipment for rebuild of the fiberline and drying machine as well as for modernization of the stock preparation system at its Oulu Mill, Finland. Start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2020.

The Opening Ceremony of Paper Vietnam 2019 officially took place this morning (26 June 2019) at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). The Organizers were honored to welcome the presences of prominent representatives who are leader, professionals & experts from government agencies, associations and reliable organizations at home and abroad.

Intergraf’s Economic Report ‘The Evolution of the European Graphic Industry’ provides extensive economic information about the European graphic industry. It shows historical developments of turnover, as well as the number of companies and employees, and also comparisons between countries. It also provides data on the production of printed products in the European Union and trade with key international trade partners. Furthermore, it gives highlights about the economic development of sectors which are relevant to the graphic industry, including paper, ink, press, energy and postal markets.

UPM decided to permanently close paper machine 10 at UPM Plattling, Germany, with the aim to further increase cost competitiveness of the paper business and reducing coated mechanical paper capacity in Europe by approximately 155.000 tonnes. The decision is based on the plan announced in April 2019.

Sappi’s Lanaken mill in Belgium has recently undergone a two month long rebuild on its PM8. As of June, 12th 2019 the PM now has the ability to produce woodfree coated paper in addition to light weight coated paper.

CEPI, the European association representing the forest fibre and paper industry, announces that Jori Ringman has unanimously been appointed by the CEPI Board as successor to Sylvain Lhôte at the helm of the Brussels-based organisation.

Metsä Board – part of the Metsa Group – is proud to announce that it will establish a Paperboard and Packaging Excellence Centre in Äänekoski, Finland. The new centre will combine packaging design and R&D excellence under the same roof to be able to boost the development of new paperboard and packaging solutions of the future.

The secretariat of CEPI has the great regret to inform you about the sudden and unexpected death of our Director General, Sylvain Lhôte, French national, aged 51, on Thursday 6 June 2019 from heart failure.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from MG TEC Industry to supply two complete tissue production lines for their mill in Dej, Romania. Start-up is scheduled for 2020 (TM1) and 2022 (TM2), respectively. The turnkey order comprises two PrimeLineCOMPACT V tissue machines with steel Yankee as well as complete stock preparation systems, pumps, automation, hall ventilation, and electrification.

Alaska Airlines made history recently, flying the first commercial flight using the world’s first renewable, alternative jet fuel made from the remains of logging and thinning in sustainably managed forests. Aviation biofuel is made from forest residuals, the limbs and branches that are left after the harvesting of managed forests. The renewable, clean jet fuel was produced during five years of research and testing conducted by the Washington State University-led Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö, a global actor in fiber-based materials, has renewed its EcoVadis Gold rating level for the company’s sustainability management and performance for the third consecutive year. EcoVadis is “one of the leading systems” for evaluating suppliers' environmental aspects, working conditions, social responsibility, and procurement practices.