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Editorial: TAPPI’s ongoing efforts in standards development for the pulp, paper, and related industries, TAPPI Journal February 2025

STAR - February 2025 - Standards Coming Up For Review

TAPPI announces the 2025 review schedule for critical industry standards affecting pulp, paper, and packaging testing methodologies. Mid-career professionals and operations managers can participate in Standard-Specific Interest Groups (SSIGs) to influence revisions of 46 technical standards, including instrumental color measurement, pulp testing protocols, and containerboard specifications. Two major review periods target May 17-18 and October 14-19, 2025, covering essential quality control methods from dirt count analysis to water vapor transmission testing. Voting membership in SSIGs requires advance registration with standards@tappi.org before ballot dates, providing technical leaders opportunities to shape industry practices and demonstrate ROI through standards committee participation.

STAR - February 2025 - Searching and Ordering TAPPI Standards, TIPs, and Useful Methods

TAPPI Standards, TIPs, and Useful Methods are available individually for $35 (member price) or through company licenses for continuous web access. Electronic delivery via PDF eliminates shipping costs, while the discontinued CD format has been replaced by always-current online licensing options. Mid-career professionals can leverage these technical resources for benchmarking operations, supporting ROI justification to leadership, and accessing advanced industry knowledge. Company licenses provide team-wide access to updated standards, enabling better project management and technical decision-making. Contact TAPPI Press for enterprise quotes or order individual documents online at tappi.org for immediate technical reference needs.

STAR - February 2025 - STAR of the Month

TAPPI celebrates John Buzzell's exceptional four-year tenure as CORBOTEC TIP Coordinator, showcasing how senior industry professionals drive technical standards excellence. During his leadership from 2020-2024, Buzzell modernized TAPPI's corrugated Technical Information Papers portfolio, publishing 41 new TIPs while managing 74 total documents representing 25% of TAPPI's collection. His distinguished service earned him the 2022 Corrugated Division Technical Award and Harry J. Bettendorf Prize. As he transitions leadership to Jerry Saballus, Buzzell's legacy demonstrates the profound impact dedicated volunteers have on maintaining industry-relevant technical documentation and standards development for corrugated professionals worldwide.

STAR - February 2025 - SSIG Members Needed

TAPPI's Standard-Specific Interest Groups for seven critical testing methods urgently need experienced professionals to prevent potential withdrawal. These SSIGs cover essential paper and pulp testing standards including handsheet formation, silver tarnishing, greaseproof paper evaluation, packaging material preparation, accelerated aging procedures, and fluorescent whitening agent assessment. Senior industry experts have the opportunity to preserve vital testing methodologies while sharing decades of technical knowledge with the next generation. Participation is complimentary and provides meaningful ways to influence industry standards, mentor emerging professionals, and maintain technical relevance in retirement. Contact standards@tappi.org to contribute your expertise.

STAR - February 2025 - General Announcements

TAPPI streamlines standards development for industry veterans ready to contribute their expertise. Whether you have an initial concept or substantial draft, the process begins with either submitting a New Idea form or sending drafts directly to standards@tappi.org. The Standards Manager provides personalized guidance through approval workflows, ensuring your decades of knowledge shapes future industry practices. Note that T 205 Dirt in pulp method has been withdrawn due to technical concerns, though withdrawn methods remain accessible to members at no cost and nonmembers for $10, with reinstatement opportunities available through Work Item submissions.

STAR - February 2025 - TAPPI Standards in Ballot

TAPPI has released two critical standards for public ballot review, offering mid-career professionals opportunities to demonstrate technical leadership and industry expertise. T 845 om-20 addresses wet pin adhesion testing for corrugated board quality control, while T 401 om-20 covers fiber analysis methods essential for paper and paperboard manufacturing. Plant managers, R&D leads, and operations professionals can participate in Standard-Specific Interest Groups to influence industry benchmarks and advance their technical credentials. Contact standards@tappi.org to request draft copies or join SSIG committees. Engagement in standards development provides measurable ROI through enhanced technical knowledge, networking opportunities, and leadership visibility within the pulp and paper industry.

STAR - February 2025 - U.S. TAG to ISO TC 6

Join the next U.S. TAG TC 6 virtual meeting on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM EST to advance your technical leadership in international standards development. This ISO Technical Committee meeting offers mid-career professionals opportunities to benchmark industry practices, contribute to global pulp and paper standards, and build credibility through standards committee participation. The agenda will be distributed weeks in advance for strategic preparation. Participation strengthens your technical expertise while providing valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders and regulatory experts. Contact isotc6@tappi.org to join the U.S. Technical Advisory Group and elevate your professional impact in standards development.

Boiler SCR Technology: A Pivotal Step Toward Environmental Sustainability

Industrial boiler emissions control has evolved from basic NOx reduction technologies in the 1990s to comprehensive decarbonization solutions today. Nationwide Boiler's CataStak SCR system demonstrates proven results, achieving sub-1 ppm NOx emissions while delivering $300,000 in energy efficiency rebates for operations managers. Modern ultra-low NOx burners now reach 2.5 ppm performance without complex modifications. As sustainability focus shifts toward carbon reduction, established technologies like hydrogen firing, electric boilers, and industrial heat pumps offer viable pathways for plant managers seeking ROI-positive emissions compliance and operational efficiency improvements.

From Innovation to Impact: The Transformative Journey of the Pulp and Paper Industry

The future of the pulp and paper industry is bright, with ongoing advancements in technology and a commitment to sustainability at the forefront.