8 INDUSTRY NEWS


Pulp Paper & Logistics


Study to advance novel pulp and paper processing technology


A


pplicants for a master’s degree that would be ideal for chemical engineering


graduates with aspirations to further their studies in biotechnology and biochemistry have been invited by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA). It’s the eighth year that


PAMSA has offered the bursary recruitment programme to encourage research into in novel processing technologies that would position the pulp and paper sector as a leader in wood- based products. “As the world grapples with the problem of plastic in its rivers and oceans, our industry is presented with the opportunity to step forward with sustainable, renewable and biodegradable solutions through the use of


commercially farmed trees as well as pulp and paper,” says Jane Molony, PAMSA executive director and president of the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA). Each bursary is valued at R100,000 (US$7,800) per year for two years full-time study for Master of Engineering degree at participating universities. “The focus of our student


research programmes has been on improving the use of renewable resources such as wood, recycled paper, forest residues and mill waste streams,” Molony explains. “The pulp and paper sector both locally and globally is making inroads around low- carbon solutions in a world that relies heavily on fossil-fuel based materials and processes.” Due to the number of processes


Paper-based bottle that’s strong in the shower


Natural body care products manufacturer Seed Phytonutrients has launched a recyclable, compostable, pump bottle made with an external shell that is 100 per cent paper based. Seed Phytonutrients, a division of L’Oreal USA based in Pennsylvania, has launched the bottle in a partnership with California’s Ecologic Brands, which designed the packaging. The 250ml bottle is heat and pressure moulded from recycled corrugated board in two halves that interlock, so the glue that was once used is unnecessary to produce a


May/June 2018


– there are also a number of research opportunities to examine the biorefinery capabilities of such mills. “A number of our members


have invested in extractive and recovery technologies at pilot and industrial scale,” Molony says. The range of research topics is


Jethro Masetlwa is completing his Master of Engineering through UKZN and the CSIR exploring the valorisation and fractionation of eucalyptus bark extractives. Picture courtesy PAMSA


in any pulp and paper mill – from evaporation to hydrolysis, from chemical recovery to dewatering


extensive and could entail the development of bio-plastics, low- cost extraction of high value bio- chemicals from wood, mill waste streams and recycled paper fibre, or improving the water and energy footprints of pulp and paper mills. Over the past eight years, the programme has facilitated bursaries for 45 Masters and PhD students in South Africa, many of whom have gone on to pursue careers in the pulp and paper industry.


News in brief


Finland’s UPM is one of the first companies to offer copy paper with the Singapore Green Label logo under the enhanced Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS), which is managed by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC). The enhanced SGLS criteria was announced in January 2017, and plays a critical role in reducing the risk of another damaging haze incident in Singapore by requiring paper companies to comply with one of the toughest environmental standards in the world.


strong outer structure, and water-resistance in the shower is provided by mixing proprietary minerals with the fibres. Inside is a recyclable plastic


blow-moulded liner that collapses as the product is dispensed through a pump-action applicator.


Smurfit Kappa received 14 awards for its creative and innovative packaging at the European Flexographic Industry Innovation (EFIA) Awards. Smurfit Kappa received four gold, four silver, three bronze and three highly commended awards, further consolidating its reputation as a leader in the packaging industry.


Packaging and paper group Mondi has won two 2018 SAP Quality Awards at the SAP Forum in Linz, Austria. The winning projects were examples of Mondi’s continuing progress in digitalising aspects of its business in order to provide faster, better and more transparent customer service.


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