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Podcasts
Better Together: Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial
Manufacturing millennial Jake Hall reveals how pulp, paper, and packaging companies can attract young professionals by showcasing modern technology, clear career advancement paths, and meaningful impact opportunities. Hall emphasizes that millennials and Gen Z workers seek digitized manufacturing environments, hands-on leadership development, and companies that invest in continuous learning rather than empty promises. He recommends facility tours, community partnerships, and strategic social media presence to overcome outdated industry perceptions. This episode provides actionable insights for TAPPI members looking to build strong technical teams and retain early-career talent in process engineering and analyst roles.
Podcasts
Better Together: Kurt Mehlberg, Improving Safety Training - A Hands-on Approach
TAPPI's new Technical Information Paper (TIP) delivers a hands-on approach to safety training that mid-career professionals can implement to reduce workplace incidents and prove ROI. Developed by the PIMA Safety Committee through industry collaboration at TAPPI conferences, this comprehensive resource provides real-world case studies, best practices, and proven methodologies for high-risk activities like confined space entry and lockout procedures. Mills can leverage this permanent reference document to design more effective safety training programs, moving beyond virtual classroom methods to practical, experiential learning that demonstrates measurable safety improvements and supports zero-incident goals.
Podcasts
Better Together: 2024SuperCorrExpo Live! - Episode 1
This Super Core Expo 2024 episode features six industry professionals discussing cutting-edge corrugated technologies, digital printing innovations, and automation solutions. Mid-career professionals will gain valuable insights on troubleshooting best practices from Metsa Board's Steve Roat, advanced scheduling systems from Kiwi Plan, AI-powered optimization tools from Sun Automation, and end-of-line packaging automation from Signode. The episode also covers emerging markets, sustainability initiatives, and knowledge transfer strategies essential for operations managers seeking to benchmark performance, reduce downtime, and justify ROI investments in their facilities.
Podcasts
Better Together: 2025 CorrExpo
This Core Expo 2025 episode explores how AI automation, smart machinery, and innovative training programs are transforming corrugated manufacturing operations. Industry leaders discuss practical AI implementations for waste reduction, production optimization, and quality control, while addressing critical workforce challenges through advanced equipment technologies and comprehensive employee development initiatives. The conversation highlights successful case studies from leading corrugated plants, demonstrating measurable ROI improvements and operational efficiency gains. Features insights on preventative maintenance solutions, labor shortage mitigation strategies, and next-generation machinery capabilities that enable smaller operations to compete effectively with larger facilities.
Podcasts
Better Together: Live @ 2025Student Summit - Ep. 2 "A Swiss Army Knife of Knowledge"
Join three Western Michigan University paper engineering students at TAPPI's 2025 Student Summit as they share their networking success stories, co-op experiences, and creative ideas for the industry's future. From toilet paper trivia to seaweed fiber innovations, these young professionals demonstrate how TAPPI involvement accelerates career growth through mentorship, technical skill development, and industry connections. The episode also features University of Maine student Jacob Levesque interviewing TAPPI's Sydney Carraway about standards committee opportunities, revealing how students can gain valuable technical experience, build professional networks, and contribute to industry standards development while still in school.
Podcasts
Better Together: Live @ 2025 Student Summit - Ep. 1 "Papermaking is a Miracle"
Join TAPPI's 2025 Student Summit podcast featuring paper engineering students and Dr. Med Bird from NC State discussing career opportunities in pulp and paper manufacturing. Students share interview experiences, networking insights, and industry connections made at this premier career event. Dr. Bird explains how paper engineering graduates hit the ground running compared to chemical engineers, contributing from day one with specialized knowledge of fiber processing, biomass conversion, and sustainable manufacturing. Learn about emerging opportunities in biopolymers, molded fiber packaging, and plastic replacement technologies that position paper industry professionals to save the planet through innovative cellulose applications.
Podcasts
Better Together: Live from 2023 TAPPICon - Episode 2
This TAPPI Con 2023 episode delivers critical insights for mid-career professionals seeking advanced technical knowledge and leadership development. Industry experts discuss talent acquisition strategies, innovative project management approaches, XR technology applications, steam joint optimization, and pH control solutions. Calvin Bembry shares proven methods for attracting young talent to paper manufacturing, while Rebecca Boyd explores overcoming innovation challenges in fast-paced mill environments. Technical discussions cover Dublin's mission-critical steam joints for energy efficiency and ABB's collaborative pH care package for workforce knowledge transfer. The episode provides actionable benchmarking insights, vendor partnership strategies, and sustainability solutions that directly address ROI concerns while supporting career advancement in plant operations and R&D leadership roles.
Podcasts
Better Together: 2025 TAPPICon Live! - Episode 2
This Better Together podcast episode features three interviews from PulpCon 2025, showcasing cutting-edge industry solutions for mid-career professionals seeking advanced technical insights. Priya Venkat discusses Haber's AI software that assists paper mill operators with process optimization, improving yield while maintaining operator expertise. Rich Ehrlich presents his strategic clarity framework for achieving sustainable process excellence through fundamental operational improvements. Curtis Stone explains Schaeffler's universal spherical roller bearings that reduce inventory requirements by consolidating 25 bearing variants into two standardized designs, increasing asset availability and reducing maintenance costs for paper manufacturers.
Podcasts
Better Together: 2025 TAPPICon Live! - Episode 1
This Better Together podcast episode from TAPPI Con 2025 explores advanced manufacturing technologies that drive operational excellence in pulp and paper operations. Industry experts from Schaeffler Group, Radix Engineering, and Conformant share insights on condition monitoring systems, data analytics optimization, and digital lockout tagout processes that reduce unplanned downtime and increase productivity. Mid-career professionals will discover practical solutions for predictive maintenance, advanced process control implementations, and AI-driven safety management systems that deliver measurable ROI. The discussion covers wireless vibration monitoring, smart lubrication systems, and digital transformation strategies that help operations managers benchmark performance, justify capital investments, and develop their technical leadership capabilities in today's competitive manufacturing environment.
Podcasts
Better Together: Mike Kocurek
Join Dr. Michael J. Kosiorek, professor emeritus at NC State and renowned pulp and paper educator, as he shares insights from 45 years of teaching TAPPI's oldest short course on pulp and paper technology. This conversation explores career opportunities for young professionals in paper, packaging, and advanced materials industries, featuring practical advice on building technical knowledge, professional networking, and transitioning from academic learning to industry success. Dr. Kosiorek discusses innovative e-learning approaches, the importance of mentorship in mill operations, and how TAPPI's educational resources support early-career development and skill building for the next generation of industry leaders.