Ahead of the Curve Archive

E-commerce to shape the future world for packaging

14 Aug 2019 E-commerce sales are redefining the retail landscape across the world, and the role and value chain for packaging sold for online trade. This is presenting new business opportunities for packaging converters and material suppliers¬¬—especially in the corrugated sector.

RCM and the Myths of Human Error

07 Aug 2019 I enjoyed reading Shane Bush’s article, “The Myths of Human Error,” in the July/August 2019 issue of Paper360°. (Read the article here.) Bush points out, “most of the influences on human error come from organizationally-controlled processes—for example, procedures, tools, or communication.”

Paper Cups: A Responsible Consumer Choice

31 Jul 2019 Enjoying a cup of coffee or tea on the go can help make our busy lifestyles a little more tolerable. It affords busy parents a moment of nirvana as they rush to deliver kids to school and get to work on time, and provides everyone the option to enjoy their beverage of choice even if they don't have time to finish it in store. The facts support a compelling case that the makers of paper cups—the paper and wood products industry—have a long commitment to sustainable business practices that protect the environment, spur innovation and advance recycling.

Is Bath Tissue Really Wiping Out North American Forests?

24 Jul 2019 According to a recent Fisher International "Insight" article, a February 2019 report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) resulted in several news articles and stories stating, "The Issue with Tissue." The NRDC report focused criticism on North American bath tissue producers for the amount of virgin fiber used in their products and the impact on the environment resulting from the cutting of boreal forests for the virgin fiber supply. It also reported that integrated virgin fiber mills use almost twice as much water and produce more air pollutants than recycled mills. The NRDC called on the tissue producers to shift to recycled content and sustainable alternative fibers, such as wheat straw and bamboo.

Manufacturing 4.0: Is US Industry Lagging Behind?

10 Jul 2019 At the 2019 Manufacturing Leadership Summit in June, John Fleming, chairman of the Manufacturing Leadership Council's Board of Governors and former executive vice president of global manufacturing and labor affairs for Ford Motor Co., answered a critical question for manufacturing executives: Is US industry lagging behind in its adoption of Manufacturing 4.0?

Facing the Market

26 Jun 2019 Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from an article that appeared in the May/June issue of Paper360°, and is offered here for Ahead of the Curve readers who may have missed it. Find the complete article at www.paper360.tappi.org.)

Europe Invests Billions in Bioeconomy

19 Jun 2019 With growing global backlash again fossil-fuel dependence—for both environmental sustainability and political stability—the formation of a robust bioeconomy has moved from idea to reality. Taking the lead on bioeconomy development, European scientific, academic, and governmental communities have worked together to create a partnership worth more than US$4 billion.

What is the Most Valuable Piece of Paper?

12 Jun 2019 How long does it take to make a piece of paper? Well, in 2011, the world's largest, fastest woodfree-producing paper machine was started-up at the Zhanjiang Chenming mill in China. In November 2012, the recorded speed on the Valmet machine was 1,808 m/min. That's FAST! But at this time of year, we're likely to be thinking of a certain piece of paper that takes most people at least FOUR YEARS to make, but which may be the single most valuable piece of paper they ever own: a diploma.

Modern Communication Technologies Driving Changes in Analog and Digital Printing

29 May 2019 The role of print is changing due to the impact of the Internet and mobile connectivity on the way businesses and individuals communicate and access information. This affects traditional printing (changing expectations of speed, relevance, and degree of interactivity) and is driving growth in digital printing.

Reinvention brings rewards for Cascades Sonoco

22 May 2019 Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from an article in the forthcoming issue of Paper360°, and is offered here as an exclusive "sneak peek" for Ahead of the Curve readers. Read the full article in the May/June issue this week at paper360.tappi.org.