Week of 8 December 2025: DEI is at least fifty years old--more like 75

One might look to the date President Harry Truman integrated the military, which was July 26, 1948, which resulted in the last all black unit being disbanded in 1954. The military, being specialists at managing human resources (after all, they have to convince people to take a bullet, the most challenging of tasks), likely implemented their own form of DEI starting July 27, 1948.

Is AI Revolutionizing Quality Control in Manufacturing?

In an article from Quality Magazine, it states that the "convergence of automation and quality is redefining how manufacturers detect defects, maintain standards and continuously improve processes."

The Intersection of HR and when Wisdom Looks Like Instinct

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.

Cellulose and Silicon

The paper manufacturing industry has relied upon human-to-machine interaction for hundreds of years. It was sight, sound, smell, feel, and off-line lab tests that drove control moves in the process. I even heard old-school machine tenders tasting paper samples to determine ash content long before the crucibles came out of the oven. Anyone remember back tenders beating the reel with a stick to find hard and soft spots correlating to caliper profiles? If necessary, the subsequent control moves usually involved a human pushing buttons or turning dials or physically messing with valves and actuators. Decades of personal experience drove hiring and promotion decisions to make sure those operator instincts were finely tuned. Meeting production goals depended upon it.

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.

From forest to firewall: Closing the cyber gap in pulp & paper manufacturing

As the complex, 24/7 industrial environments of pulp & paper mills move more deeply towards digital optimization, one truth is becoming unavoidable: cybersecurity is now a core component of operational reliability, safety, and product quality. Mills now routinely integrate distributed control systems (DCS), quality control systems (QCS), manufacturing execution systems (MES), remote analytics and cloud data flows. All of this is transformational, but any of it could be directly affected by a cyberattack.

[Adv.] Kadant Inc.

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

ISA's Automation.com Gets an Upgrade, Refreshing Its Digital Experience

The International Society of Automation (ISA) -- the leading professional society for automation -- has relaunched its news publication for the global automation community, Automation.com, with a refreshed design and improved site navigation based on ISA technical content topics. This upgrade offers a more modern look and feel with advanced search capabilities and more intuitive topic organization.

AF&PA Calls on EU to Address Non-Tariff Trade Barriers Following Proposal to Delay EUDR Implementation

EUDR continues to pose a critical trade risk for U.S. paper manufacturing.

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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.

Rayonier Advanced Materials President and CEO De Lyle W. Bloomquist announces intention to retire

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., a global leader of cellulose-based technologies, announced that President and Chief Executive Officer De Lyle W. Bloomquist has informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire by the time of the Company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expected in May 2026. Mr. Bloomquist also confirmed he will not stand for re-election to the Company's Board of Directors. To ensure continuity and a smooth transition, Bloomquist will remain in his role as CEO until a successor is appointed.

Weyerhaeuser and Aymium Enter Agreement to Rapidly Scale Biocarbon Market

Partnership will expand manufacturing platform to convert wood fiber into biocarbon products, accelerating scale supply to global metals producers.

Billerud invests in new headbox at Gruvön mill in Sweden

The rebuild at the Gruvön mill is scheduled for April 2026.

Voith to cut up to 2,500 jobs

German machine manufacturer Voith said it plans to cut up to 2,500 jobs, representing about 10% of its workforce, as part of a strategic review of its organizational structure and staffing levels.

Fire at Pactiv facility in Macon, Georgia

After hours of fighting the flames, crews were successful in putting out the fire, and no injuries were reported.

CEO of Lenzing AG Rohit Aggarwal resigns due to personal reasons, effective 31 January 2026

CEO of Lenzing AG Rohit Aggarwal resigns due to personal reasons, effective 31 January 2026. Following Mr. Aggarwal's departure, Lenzing AG will be led by a three-member Managing Board. The process to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer has been initiated by the Supervisory Board and an appointment will be announced at the appropriate time.

Update: Fire in Tolko's Williams Lake mill results in temporary layoffs for repairs

Tolko Industries Ltd. in Williams Lake has issued temporary layoffs to 35 employees while repairs take place at the Lakeview mill facility.

Graphic Packaging appoints new CEO and announces cost cutting measures

Robbert Rietbroek Appointed President and CEO, Effective January 1, 2026; Michael P. Doss to Step Down as President and CEO, Effective December 31, 2025

Pratt Industries opens Warner Robins, Georgia facility

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper say the new Warner Robins facility strengthens local jobs and provides vital support for farmers.

Metsä Board completes change negotiations, cuts 310 positions across all operating countries

In Finland, the process ended earlier, reducing 150 positions, as the company reported in November 2025. Negotiations in other countries have now concluded, resulting in 160 additional reductions. Altogether, the company will reduce 310 positions through the process.

ProAmpac to Acquire TC Transcontinental Packaging from TC Transcontinental

ProAmpac, a global innovator in flexible packaging and material science, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire TC Transcontinental Packaging ("TCP") from TC Transcontinental for US$1.51 billion (approximately CAD$2.1 billion), subject to customary adjustments for debt and debt-like items, cash, and net working capital.

Valmet may temporarily lay off over 950 employees in Finland

The negotiations involved more than 950 employees across all staff groups in Finland, primarily located in Jyväskylä, Tikkurila in Vantaa, and Raisio. Valmet employs about 19,000 people worldwide, including approximately 6,000 in Finland.

Domtar Wood Products announces temporary curtailment of lumber production

Domtar Wood Products announced a curtailment in its lumber production. Due to challenging market conditions and ongoing economic uncertainty, Domtar will temporarily reduce its lumber production by 100 million board feet for the fourth quarter of 2025, including additional curtailments for the holiday season, at its facilities in Quebec, Ontario, and the United States.

Roof fire at Des Plaines, Illinois International Paper facility quickly contained

The fire was extinguished roughly 15 minutes after the fire department arrived. Firefighters confirmed there were no injuries, and the fire did not extend into the interior of the building.

Boise Cascade Announces CEO Transition: Nate Jorgensen to retire, Jeff Strom appointed successor

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced that it will indefinitely curtail its oriented strand board (OSB) mill in High Level, Alberta in the spring of 2026 following an orderly wind-down and consumption of the mill's existing log supply.

West Fraser Timber to curtail High Level, Alberta, mill; 190 jobs affected

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced that it will indefinitely curtail its oriented strand board (OSB) mill in High Level, Alberta in the spring of 2026 following an orderly wind-down and consumption of the mill's existing log supply.

UPM, Sappi to Form $1.7 Billion Graphic Papers Joint Venture

The transaction would create a more efficient, adaptable and sustainable graphic paper business. It would create a structurally competitive cost base and supply security for the European and global customers.

Packaging Corporation of America to shut down machines in Washington, affecting 200 jobs

Packaging Corporation of America announced that it will permanently shut down the No. 2 paper machine (W2) and kraft pulping facilities at its Wallula, WA containerboard mill. PCA will continue to operate the No. 3 paper machine (W3) and recycled pulping facilities at the mill.

Roseburg Forest Products closes Weed, California facility, consolidates operations in Oregon mills

Roseburg Forest Products announced that it has ceased operations at its Weed, Calif., veneer plant as of Dec. 3, 2025. The company is consolidating veneer production at its Oregon mills, where it has installed new, highly efficient veneer equipment. The move strengthens Roseburg's long-term competitiveness in engineered wood and softwood plywood markets.

Veritiv Expands Its TempSafe® Portfolio With the Industry's First Curbside-Recyclable Pallet Shipper for Biopharmaceutical Cold Chain

As the newest addition to Veritiv's TempSafe® portfolio of curbside-recyclable shippers, which spans multiple sizes and use cases across parcel and bulk shipments, TempSafe® PalletShield™ brings scalable sustainability and validated thermal performance to today's most demanding temperature-controlled distribution channels.

Suzano Launches Nature Strategy and Reinforces the Strategic Importance of Biodiversity Conservation to the Business

This initiative brings together science and stakeholder collaboration to drive solutions to biodiversity challenges at scale.

Metsä publishes a verified carbon footprint case study comparing a takeaway food tray made of Metsä Board's PE-coated board to a plastic tray

Multiple end-of-life scenarios were assessed, including regional recycling and full incineration.

SCA on CDP's sustainability A-List 2025

The award signifies that SCA ranks among the global top performers in terms of transparency, strategic sustainability work, and concrete actions in these areas. In this year's CDP evaluation, SCA is placed on the A-List in the Climate and Forests categories.

Mondi and Polana Bikes present recyclable paper bicycle packaging

The offering replaces the Polish bicycle manufacturer's previous cycle packaging, which relied on plastic materials.

Interfor Announces Appointment of Chief Financial Officer; Chief Operating Officer

Interfor announced that it has made several leadership changes. Mike Mackay has been appointed Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, effective December 8, 2025. Mr. Mackay, who joined Interfor in 2015, has held several leadership roles in the Company's finance organization, most recently serving as Vice President, Corporate Development & Treasury. Mr. Mackay will succeed Rick Pozzebon, who will be leaving Interfor to pursue other opportunities.

Metsä Group created a hundred new forest fire habitats in Finnish forests in 2025

This year, Metsä Group has burned 90 retention tree groups and carried out controlled burning on ten sites. New forest fire habitats were thus created for a total of 100 sites all over Finland. With these measures, Metsä Group promotes the living conditions of species dependent on forest fire sites with the aim of improving the state of forest nature in line with the principles of regenerative forestry.

Emmanuelle Migneault to succeed Maryse Fernet as Chief Human Resources Officer of Cascades

Cascades inc. announced that Emmanuelle Migneault, currently Vice-President, Excellence, has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer. She will assume her new duties as of January 5, 2026. She will succeed Maryse Fernet, who will be leaving on her well-deserved retirement in February 2026, after more than 38 years with Cascades--including 18 as the helm of Human Resources.

DS Smith appoints James Lomax as Managing Director for UK and Ireland Packaging Division

James Lomax assumes the role of Managing Director for the UK and Ireland Packaging Division at DS Smith. He succeeds Paul Clarke and moves from his current position as Director of Supply Chain and Operations for the company's EMEA Packaging Division.

Graphic Packaging Launches Next-Generation Boardio™ Technology with Enhanced Multi-Footprint Capability

Graphic Packaging International (Graphic Packaging), a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, has announced the launch of its next-generation Boardio™ machinery technology, offering enhanced multi-footprint capability that transforms how brands and co-packers approach Boardio paperboard canister production.

Sylvamo to Congress: Tax Reform Made Manufacturing Success Possible

H.R. 1, like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act before it, "made the United States a much more hospitable business environment" for manufacturers in the U.S. To keep the edge that legislation conferred, we must maintain a competitive tax code, Sylvamo Vice President of Tax Agnes Webb told Congress this past week.

Domtar releases first post-integration sustainability report, marking a milestone toward 2030 goals

Building on Strong Legacies highlights progress, transparency, and commitment to responsible growth

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 October 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.