Some 250 people attended the Specialty Papers conference organized by Smithers on September 6 and 7 in Amsterdam. The conferences covered a wide range of topics: market trends (StepChange Consulting, Fisher International…), retailer expectations (Barilla, H&M, Tetra Pak, Nestlé…), paper manufacturers’ offers (Mondi, Koehler, Arjowiggins, Ence, Crown Van Gelder…), research and development in barrier coatings in particular (VTT, PTS…), chemistry (Dow Chemical, UMV Coating Systems…) or even food safety and regulation.
Overall, while the specialty paper market remains active, investments linked to sustainable development objectives represent a real challenge. Especially since the sharp rise in many inputs (pulp, recycled fibers, chemicals, energy, etc.) is disrupting the lives of papermakers and all the links in the downstream chain. Finally, the uncertainty created by the energy crisis in Europe and the fears about its consequences on the smooth running of mills and on household consumption in the coming months were among the topics under discussion.
V. L.
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