Ahead of the Curve Archive

Global Trade after COVID: Out of the frying pan ... Into the fire?

19 May 2021 In its March, 2021 Trade and Development Report update, the United Nations Conference on Trade And Development (UNCTAD) takes an in-depth look at a variety of lasting impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the global economy.

Georgia Tech Student Recognized for Forest-based Industry Research

12 May 2021 Undita Ringania is still a student, but she has already gained international recognition for her innovative work.

Being a Maintenance Leader

05 May 2021 Mahatma Gandhi was once asked what he thought of Western civilization. He replied that he thought it would be a good idea. The same thought comes to mind when considering management skills in maintenance departments.

Build from Strength

28 Apr 2021 This article originally ran in the Spring 2021 issue of Tissue360° and in the March/April issue of Paper360°. It is offered here for Ahead of the Curve readers who may have missed it.

Best Ideas for an Earth Day ‘Pledge’

21 Apr 2021 Thursday, April 22, 2021 – is Earth Day, an annual observation of the modern environmental movement that has been celebrated every April 22 since its inception in 1970.

New process turns paper manufacturing waste into valuable chemicals

14 Apr 2021 A group of researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory has discovered a way to convert a common byproduct of the paper manufacturing process into valuable chemical precursors for making nylon.

3D printing cellulose materials for cars, cruise ships, and more

07 Apr 2021 Cellulose is an ideal raw material for electrical insulation components, but manufacturing these products requires a considerable measure of craftsmanship.

World's first sculptural paper art museum opens in Berlin

31 Mar 2021 Over the years, we have explored many exciting new uses for paper and its components, lignin and cellulose, here in Ahead of the Curve. This week’s news brings us an opportunity to showcase a new museum that honors one of the oldest—and as philosophers may argue, highest—ways that paper can be used in human culture: as art.

What is Our Industry’s Most Critical Workforce Need?

24 Mar 2021 This article is provided to Ahead of the Curve readers as a “sneak peek” at the forthcoming March/April 2021 issue of Paper360°, which includes a feature section on workforce issues. Check www.paper360.tappi.org.

Graphene Oxide Membranes Could Reduce Paper Industry Energy Costs

17 Mar 2021 The Georgia Tech Renewable Bioproducts Institute reports that a new engineered membrane may be able to help improve filtering efficiency for pulping wastewater. Can that help mills save money on energy, too?