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Better Together: Matt Elhardt, Fisher International

Industry veteran Matt Elliott of Fisher International discusses navigating unprecedented market disruptions in the pulp and paper sector during this premiere Better Together podcast episode. Drawing from 20 years of strategic planning experience, Elliott explores how COVID-19 has reshaped demand patterns, from declining office paper consumption to surging at-home tissue and e-commerce packaging needs. He emphasizes the critical importance of data-driven decision making, scenario planning, and maintaining operational flexibility in capital-intensive manufacturing environments. Elliott also highlights emerging opportunities in sustainable packaging solutions and biomaterials as environmental consciousness drives market transformation, positioning the industry for long-term growth through responsible forest management and circular economy principles.

Better Together: TAPPI Students Leaders

Join TAPPI student leaders Leah from University of Maine and Andrew from NC State as they share their experiences navigating chemical engineering and paper science programs during the pandemic. This Better Together podcast episode explores virtual learning challenges, hands-on lab adaptations, co-op opportunities, and career aspirations in the essential pulp and paper industry. Young professionals will gain insights into TAPPI student chapter involvement, networking strategies, environmental sustainability in manufacturing, and emerging research areas like nanocellulose and Industry 4.0. Perfect for students and early-career professionals seeking mentorship connections and understanding industry career paths in this resilient, technology-driven field.

Better Together: Dana Mosora & Flexible Packaging

Industry expert Donna Misura discusses how the European Keflex consortium is accelerating flexible packaging circularity through proven mechanical recycling technologies and cross-value chain collaboration. With over 170 companies driving design-for-recycling guidelines and quality polymer recovery from post-consumer waste, the initiative demonstrates that 2025 circular economy goals are achievable using existing infrastructure. Mid-career professionals will gain insights into technical proof-of-concept developments, business case frameworks for recycling investments, and extended producer responsibility models that support sustainable growth while maintaining operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in competitive markets.

Better Together: Thomas M. Nelson

County Executive Thomas M. Nelson discusses his book One Day Stronger, exploring how labor-management-government cooperation saved Wisconsin's Appleton Coated Mill from closure. Drawing from 30 years of Paper Valley experience, Nelson reveals innovative strategies that preserved 600 manufacturing jobs and $300 million in economic activity. The conversation examines paper industry leadership lessons, manufacturing workforce development, and collaborative approaches to industrial challenges. Nelson advocates for renewed investment in paper research facilities and addresses misconceptions about the industry's future, highlighting packaging growth driven by e-commerce and sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products. Essential insights for senior executives navigating industry transformation and community economic development in traditional manufacturing regions.

Better Together: Valmet Project Managers - Success through Resilience

Four Valmet project managers share critical insights on building resilience in pulp and paper operations during COVID-19 disruptions. Learn how mid-career professionals adapted project delivery methods, leveraged remote technology solutions, and maintained customer partnerships when travel restrictions threatened major equipment installations. Discover practical leadership strategies for developing team resilience, implementing augmented reality for troubleshooting, and capitalizing on packaging industry growth opportunities. This episode provides actionable approaches for operations managers and R&D leads to strengthen project execution capabilities while navigating industry transformation and emerging mega trends in sustainable packaging solutions.

Better Together: Ed Stuczynski

In this Better Together podcast episode, Ed Stuczynski, Director of Engineering at Menasha Packaging and program chair for Super Core Expo, discusses how the corrugated packaging industry successfully navigated COVID-19 challenges while being deemed essential. He explores innovative safety measures, automation advances, and creative solutions that emerged during the pandemic, including digital printing innovations and AI integration. Stuczynski provides insights into upcoming Super Core Expo 2021 program highlights, featuring keynotes from industry CEOs and Disney's head of innovation. The discussion covers labor automation, e-commerce growth acceleration, and recruitment strategies for attracting technical talent to modern corrugated manufacturing facilities that offer rewarding career opportunities.

Better Together: Live from 2024 TAPPICon - Episode 2

This comprehensive Better Together podcast episode features six on-site interviews from PyCon 2024, covering critical technology advancements for mid-career professionals in pulp and paper operations. Topics include machine vision automation for quality control and waste reduction, IoT wastewater treatment solutions, human factors engineering for operator performance optimization, process control innovation, flow meter technology with modular design for rapid deployment, and mobile robotics for industrial inspections. Industry experts discuss practical applications, ROI benefits, and workforce development strategies, providing actionable insights for plant managers, R&D leads, and sales engineers seeking to benchmark advanced technologies and leadership development opportunities in manufacturing excellence.

Production and characterization of furanic bio-oil from Kawayan kiling (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad ex. Wendl) using molten citric acid in an open system, TAPPI Journal August 2024

Experimental study and prediction of two-phase flow pattern distribution diagrams in multi-channel cylinder dryer, TAPPI Journal July 2023

Smarter Mills, Better Decisions: Embedding APC into Asset Performance Management

This TAPPI webinar explores advanced process control (APC) implementation strategies for pulp and paper mills, addressing critical challenges in asset performance management. Industry experts from Radix and Smurfit WestRock share proven frameworks for deploying model predictive control, soft sensors, and real-time optimization across digesters, recovery boilers, and paper machines. The presentation emphasizes overcoming operator resistance through effective change management, establishing sustainable monitoring processes, and building data-driven operational cultures. Mid-career professionals gain actionable insights on reducing process variability, extending asset life, and proving ROI to stakeholders while avoiding common pitfalls that lead to APC program failures.