Ahead of the Curve

National Labs explore energy-efficient solutions for paper industry

14 Jun 2017 Researchers at two national laboratories are developing new computer simulations that could help papermakers improve energy efficiency and cut energy costs. The project is part of the Department of Energy’s HPC4Mfg initiative, a multi-lab effort to use high-performance computing to address complex challenges in US manufacturing. Project outcomes could have significant benefits; the papermaking industry ranks third among the nation’s largest energy users, behind only petroleum-refining and chemical production, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

The Graying of the Paper Industry

07 Jun 2017 JOHN A. NEUN, P.E. This article appears in the May/June issue of Paper360°, the TAPPI member magazine, and is offered here for Ahead of the Curve readers who may have missed it.

Women in Manufacturing: Making an Impact

17 May 2017 The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte and APICS have released a study titled “Women in Manufacturing: Stepping up to make an impact that matters.”

The Knowledge Trail

03 May 2017 MURRAY ELLIS One of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of my career in the pulp and paper industry has been the opportunity to investigate and solve problems. The problem-solving process means that you are discovering, adapting and generating new information to address the problem at hand. In simple terms, you are acquiring knowledge in the pursuit of a solution. However, sometimes this problem-solving process does not find a solution easily.

How to Prepare for OSHA

29 Mar 2017 GRAEME RODDEN Mention OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to mill management in the US and often the reaction is one of dread—the fear of fines or other legal proceedings. It needn’t be this way.

Well-managed forests are key to a low carbon future

22 Mar 2017 PHIL RIEBEL In countries such as Canada and the US, continually improving sustainable forest management practices will play a key role in mitigating climate change and ensuring a long-term wood supply. Yesterday (March 21) was celebrated around the world as International Day of Forests and this year’s theme was Forests and Energy.

Mill Management and Teamwork

08 Mar 2017 TAPPI recently caught up with Scott LeBeau, resident mill manager with Graphic Packaging International in Kalamazoo, MI, to ask him what he felt was important to managing a successful mill. Here’s what he had to say.

Moving maintenance from reactive to proactive

29 Jul 2015 My experience has taught me that most folks working in the pulp and paper industry don't have an understanding of what it takes to change a reactive maintenance department to a proactive and reliable one.

The New Strategic Role of Human Resources

29 Jan 2014 Today, the human capital leader from the human resource (HR) function of an organization is emerging as a true business partner to the enterprise. They must be operational-excellent and customer-focused to other business units. Five trends are responsible for changing and shaping the role of a human capital leader in a global manufacturing enterprise.