If you want to know almost everything about the evolution of the market and technology around special papers, the Specialty Papers Europe Conference organized each year by Smithers is truly “The place to be”. In fact, some 220 people traveled to Vienna on September 3 and 4. The Key-Note speaker, Colin Kerr (Unilever), gave his point of view on the demands of his group and on the path it is following in terms of recyclability and reduction of the use of plastic. Paper is of course a first-choice alternative.
Luis Sampaio (ResourceWise) estimated that the traditional players in printing-writing papers are looking for opportunities in the speciality sector and that the price of fiber (recycled or virgin) will continue to appreciate. The capacities of this speciality market worldwide are currently estimated at around 25 Mt.
A round table dedicated to the consequences of the PPWR also brought together Sarah Price (Sappi and 4evergreen), Ulrich Leberle (Cepi), Alena Maran (Avery Dennison) and Annica Eldh (H&M). While paper and board will benefit from development opportunities, the die is not cast as the PPWR has not yet come into force. National governments can give their opinion on certain aspects and the devil may be in the details.
More technical presentations also provided insight into the interest of cationic starches (Cargill), the regulatory situation regarding polymer and microplastic contaminants (Food Contact Center & Food Contact Services), and coating using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), presented by UMV Coating Systems. Also on the agenda: curl control in coating and lamination, with a reduced carbon footprint, with a joint presentation by Kroenert and Valmet Automation.
Presentations also covered surprising topics. For example, the results of using cocoa nut shells as a source of fiber to produce packaging paper were detailed by a Nestlé representative. Another surprising topic: the use of tropical red algae to produce water and grease barrier coatings for paperboard (Sea6 Energy).
The CTP (Centre technique du Papier, in France) also presented Biocup, with the ongoing industrial transfer of recyclable and home compostable paper cups that combine polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) coating and chromatogenic grafting. The material developed meets the barrier property requirements for the cup markets. It was deemed suitable for food contact during this summer. This conference continued today with presentations from, among others, Procter & Gamble, UPM Specialty Papers, Henkel, Mondi, Siegwerk, Alberdingk Boley and Dow.
Valérie Lechiffre
RELATED NEWS
