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A Foray into Feedforward Control Webinar

Process control expert Matthew Howard demonstrates practical feedforward control implementation through two real-world case studies at Sappi Somerset Mill. Learn advanced control strategies for hog fuel boiler SO2 scrubber pH management and evaporator set black liquor concentration, featuring dynamic modeling, dead time compensation, and lead-lag tuning techniques. Howard shows how existing instrumentation can deliver significant process improvements without capital investment, achieving absurd variation reduction and cost savings. Essential viewing for plant managers, R&D leads, and process engineers seeking to optimize control performance, reduce operating costs, and implement sophisticated automation schemes that operators actually want to run consistently.

Molded Pulp, Chemical Aspects Webinar Part 5: Runnability & Process Efficiency

This comprehensive webinar on molded pulp production reliability addresses critical deposit formation challenges that impact process efficiency and product quality. Dr. Martin Huber explores tacky material management, foam control mechanisms, and equipment cleaning strategies essential for mid-career professionals managing production operations. Key topics include pitch and stickies characterization, retention aid applications, temperature-dependent tackiness behavior, and preventive treatments using aluminum compounds and detackifying agents. The presentation provides actionable solutions for screen plugging, delamination issues, and release problems in thermoformed products, offering practical troubleshooting approaches that combine chemical analysis with process optimization to enhance operational performance and reduce downtime costs.

Superior Drying Efficiency in Steel Dryers Concept

This TAPPI webinar explores how carbon steel dryer cylinders deliver superior performance compared to cast iron alternatives in paper manufacturing. Simone Puccini from Tosco Tech demonstrates how steel's higher allowable stress enables thinner shell thickness, resulting in 15-20% improved heat transfer coefficients and production increases up to 25%. Mid-career professionals will discover practical benefits including reduced energy consumption, better cross-direction moisture profiles, shorter drying section requirements, and easier maintenance through welded construction versus bolted cast iron assemblies. Real case studies showcase measurable ROI improvements for corrugated and scoreboard production lines.

Molded Pulp, Chemical Aspects Webinar – Part 1: Retention & Uniformity

This comprehensive webinar covers retention chemistry fundamentals for molded pulp production, targeting plant managers and R&D professionals seeking advanced technical insights. Dr. Hubbe explores retention aids including cationic polyacrylamide, alum systems, and polyamines for improving fines retention and drainage efficiency. Key topics include pH optimization, microparticle technology, over-flocculation prevention, and gentle retention approaches suitable for molded fiber applications. The session emphasizes practical strategies for enhancing product uniformity, reducing equipment deposits, and optimizing production rates while managing costs. Essential knowledge for operations professionals looking to benchmark performance and implement proven retention chemistry solutions in their molded pulp manufacturing processes.

Nanocellulose-Mycelium Hybrid Materials Webinar

Dr. Tiffany Abitbol presents groundbreaking research on nanocellulose mycelium hybrid materials, demonstrating how submerged fermentation creates advanced bio-based composites with enhanced mechanical properties and barrier performance. This innovative approach combines plant-derived nanocellulose with fungal biomass to develop sustainable packaging materials, barrier films, and functional composites that outperform traditional materials. The research reveals how controlled fermentation conditions enable precise material property tuning, from lightweight foams to dense barriers, offering mid-career professionals practical insights into next-generation bioengineering applications for industrial scale-up and commercial deployment.

2021 Woman of the Year

TAPPI's Women in Industry Division presents the 2021 Woman of the Year Award to Paula Hodgkin, Principal Technical Specialist at USG and TAPPI Fellow. With 16 years of industry experience, Hodgkin chairs multiple committees including Paper and Board Division and demonstrates exceptional leadership in technical development and mentoring. Her acceptance speech emphasizes diversity's critical role in advancing the paper industry and encourages professionals to leverage TAPPI's networking opportunities for career advancement. This recognition highlights how seasoned industry leaders can maintain influence through volunteer roles, committee participation, and knowledge sharing, showcasing TAPPI's commitment to honoring experienced professionals who continue shaping industry standards and developing the next generation of leaders.

Use AI to Give Junior Operators the Performance of Experienced Staff

This TAPPI webinar explores how AI transforms manufacturing operations by enabling junior operators to achieve experienced-level performance through predictive quality models and real-time process recommendations. Manufacturing leaders discover practical applications of machine learning in paper and pulp operations, addressing critical workforce challenges including 50% retention rates and decreased operator tenure from 20 years to 3 years post-COVID. Willem Sundblad from Odin Technologies demonstrates proven results including 33% line speed increases and 5% cost reductions, showing how interpretable AI models help operators make confident process adjustments with immediate feedback, ultimately reducing training time and improving overall equipment effectiveness for mid-career professionals managing operations and R&D initiatives.

IWITT Highlight Video

The International Women's Think Tank leads global empowerment initiatives for women and girls through research, innovation, and strategic partnerships. This organization drives economic growth by promoting intercultural understanding, supporting women in tech and cybersecurity careers, and developing youth leadership programs for ages 4-18. Recognized by the Georgia State Senate for improving women's status, the think tank focuses on business ownership empowerment and sustainable farming solutions. For young professionals seeking career advancement and networking opportunities, this organization demonstrates how strategic partnerships can accelerate professional development and create meaningful impact in technology and business sectors.

UPG Sponsorship of Women's Summit

Edit 1: Background: Paper Industry (Honoree: Adele Elice-Invaso)

Jennifer Piercey interviews Adele Elise Vasso, Executive Director of APPITA, in TAPPI's inaugural video member spotlight. Vasso shares her unique journey from early exposure to the pulp and paper industry at age 13 through her mother's role at APPITA, to pursuing agricultural science and soil amelioration research, before returning to complete a master's in pulp and paper technology. Her career progression from account manager at Manildra Group to senior application specialist for tissue and strength chemicals at Hercules demonstrates valuable pathways for industry professionals seeking diverse expertise and leadership development opportunities.