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In Case You Missed It in Tappi’s Electronic Newsletter

Mid-career tissue industry professionals can leverage strategic insights from major investments and leadership transitions shaping the global market. Georgia-Pacific's $90 million Crossett expansion, Irving Consumer Products' third TAD machine order, and Essity's CEO transition signal robust growth opportunities for operations managers and R&D leads. Advanced technical developments include Andritz's energy-efficient PrimeDry HotAir Box and high-speed tissue machines reaching 2200 m/min design speeds. TAPPI's specialized tissue courses in May offer critical professional development for leadership advancement, while supplier innovations in drying technology and process optimization provide benchmarking opportunities for operational excellence and ROI improvement.

Time to Jump on the AI Bandwagon?

AI technology is transforming tissue manufacturing operations with proven ROI and measurable results. Industry leaders are implementing AI-driven production planning systems that deliver 20% forecast accuracy improvements, 50% planning effort reduction, and significant cost savings through optimized inventory management. Advanced solutions like conversational AI interfaces for machine operations and real-time efficiency monitoring are emerging, enabling plant managers to make data-driven decisions faster. While traditional hands-on expertise remains crucial for quality control, strategic AI adoption helps operations managers demonstrate clear value to leadership while positioning teams for competitive advantage in an increasingly digital manufacturing landscape.

My TAPPI Story: Doug Coffin

Doug Colvin shares his 30-year TAPPI journey as a university faculty member and chief editor of TAPPI Journal, highlighting how the organization connects industry professionals, suppliers, researchers, and students across the pulp and paper sector. As chief editor, he oversees the peer-reviewed publication process and champions the journal's transition to open access, eliminating author fees while maintaining rigorous quality standards. Colvin emphasizes TAPPI Journal's critical role in advancing industry research for smart manufacturing and sustainable paper solutions that replace plastics, providing fundamental research resources that drive innovation and shape the future of the pulp and paper industry.

Predictive advisory solutions for chemistry management, control, and optimization, TAPPI Journal March 2025

Application of AI-based approach to control the papermaking process, TAPPI Journal March 2025

Vacuum Optimization: Maximizing Efficiency and Saving Energy

Vacuum demand varies for different paper grades, felts, and machine speeds; therefore, a tailor-made solution with flexible and variable capacity can balance the supply and demand, resulting in both optimized dewatering and minimized power consumption.

New TIP Touts a Hands-on Approach to Safety

Paper360°’s monthly podcast, Better Together: Conversations with Innovative Leaders, recently invited Kurt Mehlberg to share more about PIMA TIP 1502-01: Improving Safety Training—A Hands-on Approach.

Engagement Makes a Difference at Sofidel Shelby

It was ‘all talk, no action’ at this North Carolina mill—until a re-formed EHS Committee turned things around and earned this team the recognition it deserves.

AF&PA Responds to 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

AF&PA President Heidi Brock warns that new 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports could severely disrupt North American forest products supply chains built over decades. The integrated cross-border manufacturing process, from wood chips to finished packaging, relies on strategic facility locations and specific Canadian fiber inputs for quality requirements. With over 925,000 U.S. jobs at stake in rural communities, industry leaders are engaging the Administration to highlight economic contributions and seek solutions that protect domestic pulp, paper, and packaging operations while addressing border security concerns.

Outstanding Result on Finished Products with Valmet Warm-up Next Process

Warm-up Next process takes embossing to the next level.