Week of 26 January 2026: Maintenance in the near future--Robots and Agentic AI

So far this month, I have written about current possibilities in maintenance--essentially ideas, components, and protocols available off-the-shelf right now. Thought I would wrap up the month with concepts that are just around the corner.

More on Sustainability

Red Leaf Pulp, a Canadian company, is pioneering North America's first large-scale, non-wood pulp mill using wheat straw to make high-quality pulp for sustainable packaging, tissue and molded products.

From Antarctic Ice to Mill Uptime: The Rise of AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance in Mills

While researching for my writing, I was poring over a stack of HR materials when I came across a highly popular LinkedIn article on the subject. It was spectacularly out of touch - in fact, the advice would've invited eye rolls in every paper mill and been tossed in the garbage, it was so impractical.

Seeing Around Corners

There's a critical skill in both business and in life that involves seeing into the future...accurately. It involves the ability to "read the tea leaves" as some people say. The idiom originates from the ancient practice of tasseography, a form of early fortune-telling that involved interpretation of loose tea leaf formation at the bottom of your empty cup. Sounds ridiculous to me, but hey, some people put their belief behind such parlor games. However, in the ensuing centuries, better leading indicators were developed to shine some light on what both the short-term and long-term future look like. In other words, how you should play the game to win.

From Ambition to Action: Setting Meaningful Environmental Targets in the Pulp, Paper and Packaging Industry

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance is increasingly measured by how well companies define and meet internal environmental targets. For the pulp, paper, and paper-based packaging sectors, setting clear and credible goals is no longer optional - it's essential.

Closed Loop ERP

The closed loop ERP is the end of the rainbow for Industry 4.0. The promise of Industry 4.0 is the enterprise that is fully connected from the plant floor to the top of the enterprise with real time data used for automated processes.

[Adv.] AFT

(Adv.) SAP offers you an easy direct link to their breaking developments

Report: Paper Trail to Nowhere, Investigative Findings on Domtar

The company, formerly known as Paper Excellence, was previously investigated in a 2022 report by Greenpeace Canada and partner organizations, which exposed its complex ownership structure, including links to Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and the larger Sinar Mas Group -- companies with a documented track record of environmental and human rights violations. This led to hearings with the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources (RNNR) to which Wijaya failed to appear and participate to clarify his company's activities.

Greenpeace Canada investigation reveals Domtar's lobbying resulted in over $200M of Canadian public funds

A two-part investigative report released today by Greenpeace Canada reveals that Domtar, the largest pulp and paper company to ever operate in Canada, has been receiving significant amounts of public funds from the government while expanding corporate control on the forestry industry with limited transparency and accountability. Domtar's operations cover 22 million hectares of forest across Canada, or almost 10% of all managed forest land across the country.

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Fiber Processing

Steam and Condensate Chronicles

Where is Jim this week?

As I travel, I am always looking for someone to go to dinner with, share a barbeque sandwich lunch and so forth.

Miami student receives Paperitalo Publications endowed scholarship

Natalie Lang, left, is shown receiving the Paperitalo Publications endowed scholarship from Jim Thompson, at the Miami University Paper Science & Engineering Foundation Meeting, April 8, 2025. Natalie will be a sophomore in the fall.

Smurfit Westrock fined £433k after machine fall fractured worker's skull

The Nottingham company - now part of the Smurfit Westrock firm - pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 8(1)(a) and (c) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

Two men arrested after Georgia-Pacific facility break-in, Glynn County, Florida police say

Both face burglary charges.

Chilean CMPC to invest US$280 million in port terminal in Brazil

The construction of the terminal will be carried out through a joint venture between CMPC and Neltume Ports.

Sonoco Products Company Announces Retirement of Chief Operating Officer Rodger Fuller After 40-Year Career

Since becoming Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2020, Fuller has been responsible for the Company's global consumer and industrial operations as well as its diversified businesses and Information Technology.

Canfor Corporation's acquisition of Canfor Pulp moves forward after go-shop period ends with no offers

The agreement enables Canfor Corporation to acquire all Canfor Pulp shares it does not already own. Shareholders will receive either 0.0425 Canfor Corporation shares or $0.50 in cash per Canfor Pulp share. Canfor Corporation currently owns 54.8% of Canfor Pulp's issued shares.

Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force begins 90-day consultation to reform industry

The Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force has held its first meeting to begin work on restructuring and modernizing Canada's forest industry. The initiative aims to enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and product diversification.

Massive fire at closed Georgia-Pacific facility in Emporia, Virginia

Georgia-Pacific shut down the facility last July.

Grenadier Packaging acquires Dutch firm MM Packaging Leeuwarden

MM Packaging Leeuwarden, based in the Netherlands, is known for producing folding cartons and maintains relationships with customers in both the Dutch and broader European markets.

ISS recommends shareholders approve Kimberly-Clark's planned Kenvue deal

Institutional Shareholder Services has recommended that shareholders approve plans by Kleenex maker Kimberly-Clark to buy Tylenol maker Kenvue, saying a tie-up could improve financial metrics.

Rottneros forecasts a significantly weaker result for the fourth quarter

Due to a continued weak market and lower prices as well as a weaker USD, Rottneros forecasts a significantly lower EBITDA result in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the same quarter last year.

Former West Fraser Timber employee arrested on embezzlement charges

According to an arrest warrant, Allen allegedly embezzled $53,852 from the company.

Canada and China sign memorandum on modern wood construction under new strategic partnership

Canada and China have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation on modern wood construction as part of their new strategic and economic partnership, according to the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada.

Helicopter registered to Weyerhaeuser crashes in Lincoln County, Oregon; pilot injured

The company said that the pilot is safe and sustained only minor injuries. Weyerhaeuser added that it's working with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board to determine what led up to the crash.

Smurfit Westrock among firms subject to €400m Italian 'cartel' lawsuit

Smurfit Westrock one of several cardboard box makers being sued in Milan court by hundreds of firms.

Sylvamo CEO Releases Shareowner Letter

Sylvamo, the world's paper company, is releasing a letter to shareowners from John Sims, chief executive officer.

Baling Machine Catches Fire At Smurfit Westrock New Lenox, Illinois Packaging Facility

Upon arrival, crews found a baling machine on fire in an isolated room, with smoke conditions throughout the building. The facility's automatic sprinkler system activated and successfully kept the fire in check, fire officials said. Fire crews then supplemented the sprinkler system with additional suppression efforts to further extinguish the fire.

Amcor Completes One-for-Five Reverse Stock Split

The reverse stock split was approved by Amcor shareholders at its annual general meeting of shareholders held on November 6, 2025. Amcor filed an amendment to its memorandum of association to effect the reverse stock split on January 14, 2026.

Arcadia Paper Mills completes purchase of paper mill in St. Helens, Oregon

Arcadia Paper Mills has completed its purchase of the former Boise paper mill in St. Helens, Oregon, marking the start of its plan to return manufacturing to the city.

West Fraser Timber facility in Solway, Minnesota Fined by MPCA for Air Permit Violations

MPCA investigators say West Fraser paid a fine of $15,250 for air permit violations.

Essity recognized on CDP's prestigious lists for forest and climate

Essity has been awarded a place on the environmental non-profit organization CDP's prestigious "A List" for its leadership in corporate transparency and performance on forests.

Smurfit Westrock demonstrates industry-leading performance by winning 15 WorldStar awards

Smurfit Westrock has once again demonstrated its leadership in paper-based packaging by picking up 15 WorldStar awards.

Sun Chemical supports safe, future-proof packaging with a full GIO-compliant portfolio ahead of the German Ink Ordinance enforcement

Sun Chemical is supporting food packaging manufacturers and brand owners for the German Ink Ordinance (GIO), effective from 1st January 2027. The company remains committed to providing an innovative portfolio of GIO-compliant inks, coatings and overprint varnishes that protect customer brands and ensure packaging is safe and future-ready.

Cascades ranks among the world's 100 most sustainable corporations for the seventh year in a row

Cascades Inc., a leader in the recovery and manufacturing of environmentally friendly packaging and hygiene products, is proud to announce that for the seventh year in a row, it has been ranked one of the world's 100 most sustainable corporations by Corporate Knights.

Metsä Group's AI application reforms the pricing of young stand management

Metsä Group brings more accuracy, predictability and transparency to the planning and pricing of young stand management by introducing a new artificial intelligence application based on satellite imagery and spatial datasets.

Stora Enso Proposes New Chairman

The nomination committee of forestry company Stora Enso has proposed that the company's board should consist of 8 members at the annual general meeting on March 24, 2026, with the re-election of 7 current members and the election of Jouko Karvinen as a new member. The committee also proposes that Håkan Buskhe be appointed as the new chairman of the board and Jouko Karvinen as vice chairman, according to a press release.

CO280 Recognized as a 2026 Global Cleantech 100 Company

This annual list recognizes companies poised to deliver market-ready climate solutions that advance a cleaner, more resilient global future.

Metsä Board appoints Albert Ulla as VP of Kaskinen mill

Albert Ulla has been appointed Vice President of Metsä Board's Kaskinen BCTMP Mill, effective 15 January 2026. He will report to Senior Vice President of Production and Supply Chain Jussi Noponen and will be based at the mill in Kaskinen, Finland.

Metsä Tissue Germany recognised as Top Employer for the sixth consecutive year

Metsä Group's business area Metsä Tissue, including its Greaseproof Papers business, has for the sixth year in a row earned the prestigious recognition of Top Employer.

Huhtamaki raises its climate ambition with updated greenhouse gas reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

Huhtamaki is raising its climate ambition and adopting more rigorous short-term emission reduction targets. The updated Scope 1 and 2 targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Boise Cascade Announces Executive Leadership Promotions

Dennis Fringuelli named Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Building Materials Distribution division; Jeff Dracup named Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Engineered Wood Products.

Cascades announces appointment of François Fillion as Vice-President, Excellence

François Fillion holds a bachelor's degree in commerce with a major in accounting from McGill University and a graduate degree in accounting from the Université du Québec à Montréal, and joined Cascades in 2009.

Miami University Paper Science & Engineering Foundation names Mike Lopane as new executive director

Mike will assume the Executive Director's role on January 1, 2026 with the retirement of our current Executive Director, Dr. Gary Rudemiller. Gary has been in this role for eight years now, and we wish him well in his retirement.

Interview with University of Maine senior Justin Pelletier

The University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation was incorporated in 1952 by 12 UMaine graduates financially supporting and preparing well-educated engineering students for careers in the pulp and paper and allied industries. Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with senior Justin Pelletier. We asked him a few questions about his experiences at UMaine.

Student Spotlight: Tatum Havard of Georgia Tech

Paperitalo Publications was able to interview Tatum Havard, and we asked her a few questions about her experiences at Georgia Tech.

Student Spotlight: Caleb Breining of Western Michigan

The Western Michigan University Paper Technology Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation founded by industry leaders in 1958. The mission of the corporation has been and continues to be to support the Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering at Western Michigan University. Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with Caleb Breining, who is a junior in the program. We asked him a few questions about his experiences at Western Michigan.

Student Spotlight: Levi Arnold of Syracuse

Paperitalo Publications interviewed senior Levi Arnold and we asked him about his experiences at Syracuse.

Interview with UWSP Paper Science and Engineering Junior Troy Knutson

Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with Troy Knutson, a junior in the program, and we asked him a few questions about his experiences at UWSP.

Student Spotlight: Jacob Kanuk of Miami University

The Paper Science & Engineering Foundation at Miami University was founded in 1960 through the donations of several local paper mills and corporations who wanted to ensure the education of future paper engineers. The foundation continues to actively work with students in the paper science and engineering program at Miami University. Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with senior Jacob Kanuk. We asked him a few questions about his experiences at Miami.

Student Spotlight: Eilee Keske of Minnesota, graduating in Spring 2025

At the University of Minnesota, the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering discovers and teaches solutions for the sustainable use of renewable resources and the enhancement of the environment. Eilee Keske is a student in the program, and she shares some of her experiences at Minnesota.

The Light Green Machine Institute

Ideas you can use now.

Capital Arguments for December 2025

Check out TALOtech groups on LinkedIn

The purpose of the TALOtech groups on LinkedIn is to provide a convenient forum for people working within the manufacturing part of this industry to share technical and operating related dialog to promote safe and competitive operations.

Energy & the Environment News

Your contributions are welcome in this department, regardless of point of view. A few criteria--if you send us a copyrighted piece, also provide a permission to publish statement from the owner. We will not publish overtly political pieces or anonymous pieces.

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Volatility in the OCC/wastepaper market, trends in the recovered fiber and sustainable packaging markets

We welcome Myles Cohen, founder of Circular Ventures, LLC, to discuss the volatility in the OCC/wastepaper market, plus trends in the recovered fiber and sustainable packaging markets.