Search

Let Your Expertise Shine

Anna-Kaisa Huttunen Joins Metsä Spring’s Kuura Project

Anna-Kaisa Huttunen Joins Metsä Spring’s Kuura Project Metsä Spring has appointed Anna-Kaisa Huttunen as Director of Business Development, effective June 11, to support the market entry of its Kuura textile fibre innovation. Join TAPPI for full article...

Geo. M. Martin Company Announces Leadership Transition

Ben Wilson Joins CR Meyer

Ben Wilson Joins CR Meyer It is our pleasure to announce that Benjamin (Ben) Wilson has joined the CR Meyer team based out of the Oshkosh Corporate Office.  He will be working closely and transitioning into the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role alongside Tom DeLeeuw. Learn more...

Doug Sweet, Doug Sweet & Associates

Industry veteran Doug Sweet shares critical insights on tissue manufacturing challenges and opportunities for mid-career professionals. With 45+ years of experience across 350 mills globally, Sweet addresses key leadership concerns including talent retention, capital allocation decisions, and operational efficiency optimization. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on assessment over digital displays, advocating for cross-mill collaboration and conference participation to drive technical advancement. Sweet highlights TAD technology innovations while warning against equipment upgrades without proper ROI analysis, providing actionable strategies for operations managers seeking to balance cost reduction with production excellence in competitive tissue markets.

Best Practices for Controlling Dust at Conveyor Transfer Points

Improving workspace air quality = higher worker morale and safety.

Women’s Summit 2025 Co-Locating with TAPPI CorrExpo

Women's Summit at CorrExpo, October 20.

Brian Hoffert, North American Sales Manager, Runtech Systems

Brian Hoffert, North American sales manager at Runtech Systems, addresses critical tissue industry challenges including knowledge transfer gaps from retiring experts and workforce retention issues. Drawing on his extensive experience from NC State University through International Paper to leadership roles, Hoffert highlights how companies are implementing mentoring programs, work-life balance policies, and advanced data analytics to bridge generational knowledge gaps. He discusses technological advances in steel Yankee dryers, digital softness measurement tools, and vacuum technology innovations that improve safety, efficiency, and product quality while reducing energy consumption and maintenance downtime for tissue manufacturing operations.

The Age of Acceleration: Navigating Digital Transformation and the AI Revolution

Tissue industry leaders are navigating digital transformation challenges as AI and emerging technologies reshape manufacturing operations. Jarmo Ropponen from Tietoevry reveals that AI investments can deliver $3.50 returns per dollar spent, with ROI realized within 14 months. Organizations face three critical barriers: lack of AI vision, expertise gaps, and scaling challenges. Success requires strategic implementation focusing on data quality, Manufacturing Execution Systems like TIPS MES, and partnering with technology providers. Five key steps accelerate digital transformation: defining clear objectives, adopting agile mindsets, investing in workforce culture, leveraging AI analytics, and collaborating with industry experts to maximize operational efficiency and competitive advantage.

In case you missed it in TAPPI’s electronic TISSUE360° newsletter

Major tissue industry developments showcase strategic growth and technological advancement across global markets. Key acquisitions include Sofidel's purchase of Royal Paper's US assets and ST Group's expansion in South Carolina, while Kimberly-Clark forms a strategic partnership with Suzano. Advanced manufacturing technologies lead innovation, with Andritz's first PrimeLineHyTAD machine in China delivering 25% fiber savings and 50% energy reduction, and Essity launching the world's first geothermal-powered tissue machine in New Zealand. These developments present significant benchmarking opportunities for operations managers seeking to optimize production efficiency, reduce operational costs, and implement sustainable technologies that deliver measurable ROI to stakeholders.