Maine scientists are testing tree pulp and seaweed as PFAS alternatives

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Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN

“Tree pulp and seaweed — two readily available natural resources in Maine — could replace the harmful coatings of “forever chemicals” that had been used widely until recently in food wrappers if several projects underway in the state reach commercial production.

University of Maine researchers are developing highly refined pulp cellulose and seaweed coatings that could add grease- and oil-resistance properties to paper. They are similar in function to, but safer than, certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, that have been used.

The paper industry has already expressed interest in potentially producing PFAS-free coated paper using the university’s work, although commercial production is several years off. A Portland-based start-up, Everything Seaweed, also is developing seaweed-based materials as an eco-friendly replacement for PFAS food packaging coatings.

Their work comes at a time when Maine lawmakers have made aggressive moves to require manufacturers selling products in the state to disclose which of them contain PFAS. The chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including kidney and testicular cancers, and decreased birth weights. In addition to getting on food through items such as fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags and take-out paperboard containers, PFAS can get into drinking water sources after wrappers are discarded into landfills.

In February 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said substances containing PFAS used as grease-proofing agents on paper and paperboard that expose people through their diet are no longer being sold by manufacturers into the U.S. market. That adds to the incentive for Maine researchers to look into pulp and seaweed to develop eco-friendly coatings from materials that are abundant and inexpensive in the state.”

Quote from www.bangordailynews.com

DWD, Wisconsin's Regional Workforce Development Boards Launch the 2024 Winning with Wisconsin's Workforce Event Series

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MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), together with Wisconsin's 11 regional Workforce Development Boards, are offering statewide Winning with Wisconsin's Workforce events to offer talent attraction strategies, apprenticeship opportunities, and other resources.

Employers, education professionals, and community leaders are invited to join state and local workforce leaders for the 2024 Winning with Wisconsin's Workforce event series. Interested participants can learn more and register for upcoming events on Eventbrite.

The first round of events will run through June 30 and highlight strategies to empower and employ young workers, including Youth Apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs.

"Following record-breaking job numbers and historically low unemployment, Wisconsin employers and education leaders need workforce development resources and programs now more than ever," DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. "The Winning with Wisconsin's Workforce event series will help these leaders connect the dots and access system support to stay competitive in the 21st-century economy."

The 11 workforce development areas feature integrated business service teams that work with employers on strategies to recruit qualified workers, retain well-trained employees, access workforce planning resources, and attract a broad pool of skilled job candidates.

"I'm thrilled to unveil the 'Winning with Wisconsin' series, a great opportunity for employers seeking to optimize talent attraction and retention strategies," said Seth Lentz, chair of the Wisconsin Workforce Development Association. "Through partnership with the Department of Workforce Development, these events will offer invaluable insights into our dynamic workforce system, empowering employers to leverage system resources effectively. We invite employers to join us for the series to further strengthen collaboration with the local workforce development boards and other workforce system partners."

Featured event speakers will include workforce development board leaders, DWD and administration officials, local employers, and local workforce resource experts.

From Ashland to Onalaska, the 2023 Winning with Wisconsin’s Workforce event series showcased state and local resources, training programs, and grant opportunities. The 2024 series will build on the events offered in 2023 and cover new topics, including youth employment, artificial intelligence, and innovative ways to attract, develop, and retain top talent development programs.

The Winning with Wisconsin's Workforce event series is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor and 100% federally funded.

Release from dwd.wisconsin.gov

DNR celebrates air quality success during Clean Air Month

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MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) celebrates Clean Air Month this May, an important time to remember our collective responsibility to protect the air we all breathe.

Air quality successes over the last 20 years include an 88% decrease in sulfur dioxide concentrations, a 26% decrease in fine particle pollution and a 21% decrease in statewide ozone concentrations. More information is available in the DNR’s 2023 Wisconsin Air Quality Trends Report.

“The environmental progress of the last two decades, including improvements in overall air quality in Wisconsin, is a major success story,” said DNR Deputy Secretary Steven Little. “The DNR is committed to continuing its mission and fostering climate-positive initiatives, including staying proactive to ensure cleaner air.”

Ongoing DNR efforts to promote and protect Wisconsin’s air quality include:

  • Clean Diesel & Clean School Bus Funding – The DNR administers funding opportunities through the Wisconsin Clean Diesel Grant and Clean School Bus Programs. Diesel engines emit harmful pollutants that can contribute to serious public health problems, especially in school-aged children whose lungs are still developing. Since 2008, these programs have updated or replaced more than 5,200 pieces of equipment, reducing diesel emissions by more than 625,000 tons.

  • American Rescue Plan Monitoring project – In partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency and several Milwaukee community organizations, the DNR is setting up a study to provide publicly available, real-time air sensor data near one of the DNR’s Milwaukee air monitoring sites. This project is designed to identify areas where air quality disparities exist and inform mitigation options that can be implemented locally to resolve disproportionate impacts.

  • New Air Permitting resources – The DNR posted new resources to the Air Permit Public Involvement webpage. In addition to searching for active permits, the public can use the Public’s Guide to the Air Permit Process and the Air Permit Decisions - Right to Appeal documents to better understand the air permitting process and find ways to get involved.

  • Wildfire smoke impacts – Canadian wildfires in 2023 burned 45 million acres of land and caused unprecedented smoke events. Wisconsin’s most significant wildfire smoke impacts occurred from June 26-30, 2023, during which the DNR’s air monitoring network measured some of the highest particulate matter (PM5) concentrations ever recorded in the state. In response, the DNR created a Wildfire Smoke webpage with tips and resources to prepare for future severe wildfire episodes.

“Though air quality progress has been made in much of the state and is something important to celebrate, there are more challenges ahead,” said Gail Good, DNR Air Management Program Director. “We will continue to address Wisconsin-specific air quality challenges and make progress on air quality in our communities.”

Children around the state are participating in the air quality celebration with the DNR’s 13th annual Air, Air Everywhere Poetry Contest. Winners will be announced at the end of the month, and winning poems will be posted on the contest webpage.

For more ways to stay up to date on the current air quality:

Visit the Clean Air Month webpage for more links to resources and information.

Release from dnr.wisconsin.gov

ND Paper purchases Billerud's Wisconsin Water Quality Center in Wisconsin Rapids

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“ND Paper will own Billerud’s Wisconsin Water Quality Center and landfill.

According to a Tuesday morning news release from ND Paper, the company closed on an asset purchase agreement with Billerud Wisconsin that stated ND Paper will own and operate the Water Quality Center, associated landfill and landfill assets. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the facility operates at 2811 Fifth Ave. N. in Wisconsin Rapids.

The water quality center is essential to ND Paper’s work at its Biron facility, and the agreement ensures ND Paper’s Biron facility will remain part of the Wisconsin Rapids area and will continue its production uninterrupted, according to the release.

Five employees who run the facility will join ND Paper.

The shift follows Billerud's announcement in March that it would sell the idled portions of its Wisconsin Rapids mill and continue to operate its converting facility, retaining 130 employees at that site. The idled portions have been sold to Capital Recovery Group, a global private equity firm that specializes in industrial assets and real estate. The company held auctions to sell paper machines and other equipment earlier this month.”

Quote from www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com

Domtar Nekoosa sees results with Mid-State’s workforce training

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photo from www.mstc.edu

In 2020 Domtar Corporation’s Nekoosa facility was facing a growing problem familiar to companies in central Wisconsin and beyond—high turnover and workforce shortages stemming from retirements.

“Increasingly, our workforce was shifting more toward people who were newer in their roles,” said Domtar Human Resources Generalist Jenny Havlovic. “We couldn’t rely as much on senior employees to train the new hires coming in, so we reached out to Mid-State for some expert guidance.”

Working with Mid-State’s Workforce & Professional Development division seemed like a natural fit.

“A large number of people here at Domtar hold degrees from Mid-State, so it made a lot of sense to look within our community, to somebody close by who we've already built a relationship with,” Havlovic said.

Partnering with Mid-State was also already a positive experience, with the apprenticeship training and Domtar’s sponsorship of Mid-State’s Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship (AMETATM) Center.

Quote from www.mstc.edu

Gov. Evers, WEDC announce Nestlé Purina’s $195 million expansion of Jefferson Factory

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Photo from newscenter.purina.com

Gov. Tony Evers announced today that Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, which feeds more than 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year, is expanding its production facility in Jefferson—a $195 million project that is expected to bring an additional 100 jobs to the community it has called home since 1910.

“We are thrilled that Nestlé Purina is moving forward with expanding its Jefferson facility and that we could be a partner in helping support this effort, which will bring roughly 100 new jobs to the community,” said Gov. Evers. “Nestlé Purina has a more than 100-year history in our state, and we are excited to celebrate this world-class brand’s commitment to seeing many more years of continued success and local economic development in Wisconsin.”

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the project by authorizing up to $1.7 million in performance-based business development tax credits over the next five years. The actual amount of tax credits Purina will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period.

Purina’s $195 million project will increase production of wet pet food brands in Jefferson by nearly 50 percent, including Pro Plan, Fancy Feast, and Beneful IncrediBites, and add 35,000 square feet to the facility. Purina has operated in Jefferson for nearly 115 years and today employs more than 250 local associates.

“Investing in our Jefferson factory deepens our roots in the community while helping us provide pet owners across the northern part of the United States with the trusted, science-based pet foods their dogs and cats love,” said Purina’s Chief Technical Officer Nolan Terry. “We remain focused on safety, quality, and sustainability in our operations and appreciate the state and local partners who have supported our continued growth.”

The expansion is part of a larger growth strategy for the pet care company, which recently celebrated the grand opening of a new dry pet food facility in Eden, North Carolina, and completed expansion to its King William, Virginia, litter factory. Between 2020 and 2025, Nestlé is on track to invest $2 billion in Purina’s factory and capital expansion projects to enhance its pet food manufacturing footprint.

“Nestlé Purina is an iconic global brand whose continued investment in Wisconsin underscores our state’s ability to compete on the world stage,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “This is a huge win for our state and for the people of Jefferson and surrounding communities.”

The city of Jefferson has created a tax incremental financing district providing up to $2 million in assistance to the company for project costs over a 20-year period.

“The expansion of Nestlé Purina’s facility is a testament to the strong relationship between our city and the business community,” said Jefferson Mayor Dale Oppermann. “We applaud Nestlé Purina for its continued investment in Jefferson, which will enhance our economic vitality and create a more promising future for all who call our city home.”

Press release from State of Wisconsin’s Office of the Governor

Atlas Science Center Earth Day Event

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Photo from Atlas Science Center

April 27, 2024• 11AM-4PM at Atlas Science Center in Appleton, WI

Activities Fun For All Ages

11:00 AM: Doors open

Sustainable Solutions Theater - 11:00 AM-4:00PM

  • American Chemical Society

    The day begins with American Chemical Society’s hands-on experiments for “Chemists Celebrate Earth Day” in our Sustainable Solutions exhibit. Each activity relates chemistry to Earth Day this year with the theme “Get a Charge Out of Chemistry!” Explore more about how batteries work with “Ice Tray Battery,”
    “The Great Electron Ripoff” and “Metals: They’re Electrifying!” Learn the impact that chemistry has on keeping our Earth healthy with these walk-up interactive activities all day long! 

Science Live! Stage Shows: 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM & 2:30 PM

  • Nels Huse from Menominee Tribal Enterprises - 11:30 AM

    Discussion, video and Earth Day giveaways all about sustainable forestry

  • Erika Segerson-Mueller from DNR - 1:00 PM 

    Discusses world of plants that takeover by playing “Invasion” and learning how to plant seedling/handing out seedlings from the DNR & WI Paper Council – after the 1:00 PM stage show (while supplies last) 

  • Don Guay from Ahlstrom Paper - 2:30 PM

    Interactive presentation about how trees can be a part of our sustainable future in more ways that we imagine by transforming them into things like medical devices and even vehicles and airplanes!   

Seed Paper Science Labs (River Level): 12:15 PM, 1:45 PM & 3:15 PM

  • Hosted by MsPlanet (Amanda Zehren)

    Learn the science behind how paper is made and embed flower seeds into the paper. You can plant the paper at home and watch your flowers grow and bloom!

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt with prizes inside and outside

  • AND SO MUCH MORE!

From www.atlassciencecenter.org

UW–Madison biochemist wins prestigious forestry prize for discoveries that support sustainable energy and product innovations

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UW-Madison biochemistry professor John Ralph. photo from news.wisc.edu.

“The world’s top prize in forestry research has been awarded to University of Wisconsin–Madison biochemistry professor John Ralph for work that has led to new uses for one of the world’s most abundant natural resources.

The Marcus Wallenberg Foundation on Wednesday awarded the 2024 Marcus Wallenberg Prize to Ralph and collaborator Wout Boerjan, a professor at Ghent University in Belgium, for their groundbreaking research on the molecular structure of lignin, one of the main components of plant cell walls.

Dubbed the ‘Nobel Prize for forestry’ as the highest award in the field, the prize honors scientific achievements that contribute to knowledge and technical developments in forestry and the forest products industry, from growing trees to using forest-based products.

Lignin, which binds plant sugars together and provides strength and rigidity, is the most abundant source of natural aromatic compounds — a type used to make fuels, pesticides, paints, medicines and other products — yet its complex and irregular structure makes it difficult to break down into useful components.

According to the prize announcement, the scientists developed and innovatively applied advanced analytical techniques in ways that enhance understanding of lignin biosynthesis and structure in trees and provide a basis for new ways to deconstruct wood and use lignin.”

Quote from news.wisc.edu

International Paper announces agreement to acquire DS Smith

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“International Paper and DS Smith announced that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended all-share combination (the “Combination”), creating a truly global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.

The terms of the Combination value each DS Smith share at 415 pence per share, and will result in IP issuing 0.1285 shares for each DS Smith share, resulting in pro forma ownership of 66.3 percent for IP shareholders and 33.7 percent for DS Smith shareholders, implying a transaction value of approximately $9.9 billion. The Combination is expected to close by the fourth quarter of 2024.

“Combining with DS Smith is a logical next step in IP’s strategy to drive profitable growth by strengthening our global packaging business,” said Mark S. Sutton, Chairman and CEO of IP. “DS Smith is a leader in packaging solutions with an extensive reach across Europe, which complements IP’s capabilities and will accelerate growth through innovation and sustainability. We are confident this combination will drive significant value for our employees, customers, and shareholders.”

CEO-Elect of IP, Andrew K. Silvernail added, “Bringing together the capabilities and expertise of both companies will create a winning position in renewable packaging across Europe, while also enhancing IP’s North American business. I firmly believe this strategic combination offers a unique and highly compelling opportunity to create tremendous shareholder value. I am also committed to working with the teams to deliver the expected synergies, along with the ongoing profit improvement initiatives across the IP portfolio.”

CEO of DS Smith, Miles Roberts, said, “The combination with IP is an attractive opportunity to create a truly international sustainable packaging solutions leader that is well positioned in attractive and growing markets across Europe and North America. It combines two focused and complementary businesses. DS Smith has grown significantly through a dedication to customers, focus on innovation, quality of packaging and high levels of service. In a dynamic sustainable packaging landscape, the combination will enhance our global proposition to customers, create opportunities for colleagues and drive value for shareholders who can remain fully invested in such an exciting business. I am proud of all that DS Smith has achieved to date and am sure that the business will continue to flourish as part of a combined group with IP due to the capability and continued commitment of our colleagues.”

Quote from www.papnews.com

Capital Recovery Group announces dates for auctioning paper mill equipment in Wisconsin Rapids

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photo from billerud.com

“Paper machines and other equipment will be auctioned off later this month in Wisconsin Rapids.

Verso announced in June 2020 it would idle production at its paper mills in Wisconsin Rapids and Duluth, Minnesota, at the end of July because of a decline in demand for graphic paper. In March 2022, Verso officially merged with BillerudKorsnäs AB, who since changed its name to Billerud. Last month, Billerud announced it would sell the idled portions of its Wisconsin Rapids paper mill to Capital Recovery Group LLC.

PCR Rapids, a group made up of Capital Recovery Group, Rabin Worldwide and PPL Group, announced Friday it will start finding parties interested in buying the entire mill site or select portions. According to that announcement, the entire site stands on 1,400 acres along the Wisconsin River. PCR will own the land, but Billerud will continue owning and operating its hydroelectric facilities and the converting facility, employing 130 workers directly.

PCR will market paper machines and other operating equipment for sale. At the same time, the group will host a three-day public auction for spare inventory, maintenance equipment, rolling stock and more from April 23 through 25. Items up for auction include fabricating equipment, complete machine shops, welders, bulldozers, cranes, log loaders, forklifts, pumps, winders and more. The auction can be found at www.rabin.com. More information and appointments can be made to see items for sale by contacting Rabin Worldwide.”

Quote from www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com

WPC Member Appointed to Gubernatorial Workforce Council

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The Wisconsin Paper Council would like to congratulate Masood Akhtar on his recent appointment by Governor Tony Evers as a Business Representative on the Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment.  This council is the federally-mandated entity under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that assists the Governor in developing innovative and dynamic approaches to Wisconsin’s workforce. 

You can read more about this council HERE. 

“I would personally like to thank Governor Evers for appointing me on this very important Council, a federally-mandated group under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. I look forward to assisting the governor in proposing creative approaches to addressing workforce shortages, one of the biggest issues facing employers in Wisconsin, with the ultimate goal of moving Wisconsin economy forward”, said Masood Akhtar, President and Founder of Cleantech Partners.    

EPA releases maximum contaminant levels for PFAS in drinking water

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“Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the much-anticipated National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The regulation, like NPDWR for other chemicals, includes enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), as shown below. The new federal MCLs are considered the maximum allowable concentrations in parts per trillion (ppt) of select PFAS in public drinking water systems.

The new federal regulations establish a common national threshold for allowable concentrations of PFAS in drinking water, moving away from a patchwork of state rules and regulations. Individual states are still allowed to establish their own drinking water rules and regulations for PFAS, provided they are lower than the federal MCLs. However, if current state-enforceable levels are higher than the federal MCLs, public water systems within that state must abide by the federal levels.”

Quote from www.barr.com

Study shows benefits of recycling paper sacks

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The 4evergreen alliance sets out to increase the recycling rate of fibre-based packaging to 90% by 2030. Accessing industrial packaging such as paper sacks as new fibre source can be part of the solution.

The European sack kraft paper and paper sack industry commissioned independent research in the recyclability of paper sacks. The study concludes that not only are used and unused paper sacks perfectly recyclable. They also offer product and process benefits when incorporated into the recovered fibre furnish.

Paper sacks are a widely used fibre-based packaging for industrial and consumer sectors. About 5.3 billion paper sacks have been placed on the European market in 2023. Like household and on-the-go packaging, they sometimes contain polymer coatings and free films to add functionality.

“These additional materials as well as possible product residues have contributed to engrained perceptions that paper sacks are not compatible with standard recycling processes,” explains Catherine Plitzko-Kerninon, General Delegate of EUROSAC, the European Federation of Multiwall Paper Sack Manufacturers. “However, it lacked a systematic analysis if this reflects reality. As recovering fibres from paper sacks can save natural and economic resources and reduce CO2 emissions, we decided to have this investigated.”

Quote from www.papnews.com

Northern States Power-Wisconsin celebrates 100th anniversary

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photo from stories.xcelenergy.com

For generations, Xcel Energy’s operating company, Northern States Power-Wisconsin (NSPW), has reliably served customers in Wisconsin and Michigan with the energy to power their lives. And on Sunday, April 7, 2024, NSPW celebrated its 100th anniversary, with a nod to its past and an eye toward the future.

“Our history is long, but fast-changing – and marked by disruptions and a myriad of technological milestones,” said Karl Hoesly, president, Xcel Energy–Wisconsin and Michigan. “In the 16 years I’ve been with the company a lot has changed – from technological and economic advances to increasing competition, regulations and climate goals to energy consumption habits.”

NSPW has its roots in several early industries – logging, gas and light companies and the electric railway. But the journey began in 1923, when Northern States Power Company of Minnesota purchased the Wisconsin-Minnesota Light and Power Company, which had recently completed the Wissota Hydroelectric Project. Under Wisconsin law, utilities that operate in the state must be incorporated in the state, so the newly acquired company, with headquarters that moved from La Crosse to Eau Claire, was renamed Northern States Power-Wisconsin on April 7, 1924.

The company quickly sprang to life and within a decade transformed the great hydroelectric potential of the region by constructing a system of interconnected, semi-automatic hydroelectric plants and storage reservoirs. By 1929, NSPW was operating a system of five hydro plants on one river. About 80% of the U.S. population had electric service by the 1940s, and consumption was twice that of the 1920s. Today, we operate 19 hydroelectric generating plants on eight rivers in Wisconsin, as part of our diverse renewable energy portfolio, which also includes Upper Midwest wind farms, solar projects and biomass facilities.

The company also expanded by offering natural gas service, and through acquisitions and mergers, NSPW grew to include customers in northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, further strengthening its reach.

Since 2000, the company has been known as Xcel Energy, and serves 265,000 electric and 120,000 natural gas customers in parts of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Xcel Energy comprises four operating companies and serves 3.7 million electric and 2.1 million natural gas customers across eight Midwestern and Western states.

“To reach these historical milestones, it takes the dedication and innovation of thousands of current and retired employees,” Hoesly said. “Our anniversary is more than a celebration; it reflects our commitment to innovation, progress and making a positive impact. As we embark on the next 100 years, I expect that we’ll keep building on our many achievements and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

Quote from stories.xcelenergy.com

Vets Ready employer initiative seeks employers who go above and beyond for veterans

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Employers in Wisconsin who hire veterans are encouraged to apply now to the Vets Ready Employer Initiative, a Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) designation awarded to organizations that go above and beyond for the veteran workforce.

Vets Ready recognizes organizations that hire and retain veterans, build veteran support systems, and connect with veterans in the community. It also helps employers attract and retain veteran talent. Applications are open through July 19, 2024.

"This year Governor Tony Evers announced that Wisconsin's workforce development services rank 4th in the country for successfully helping veterans find employment. We have a deep commitment to connecting veterans to employers and we're eager to show appreciation for employers that support and advocate for those who have served our country," said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. "The Vets Ready Employer Initiative is a great opportunity to highlight employers who work each day to support veterans and their families."

Introduced in 2019, this annual award grants gold or silver certificates to businesses that actively support veterans in their workforce. DWD promotes employers that receive a Vets Ready recognition to veteran job seekers and community partners. Last year, Governor Tony Evers and DWD recognized 17 Vets Ready employers.

DWD partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Disabled American Veterans Department of Wisconsin, the Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the Wisconsin American Legion, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves, and the Wisconsin Department of Economic Development on the Vets Ready Employer Initiative. This project is supported by federal award number SLFRP0135 awarded to the Department of Workforce Development via the Wisconsin Department of Administration by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

To apply:

  1. Login to the Job Center of Wisconsin as an employer.

  2. Hover on the "Employers" menu to get the sub-menu.

  3. Click on My Company Information.

  4. Click on Manage "Vets Ready Employer Applications" to begin the application process.

Learn more at the Vets Ready website and contact VetsReady@dwd.wisconsin.gov or your local veterans employment representative with Vets Ready questions.

Release from dwd.wisconsin.gov

Republicans send PFAS bill to Evers

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photo from wispolitics

“Republicans sent a bill aiming to combat PFAS contamination to Gov. Tony Evers April 4 amid an ongoing standoff on the issue, starting a weeklong countdown for the guv to take action.

Evers has vowed to veto SB 312 over provisions limiting DNR authority to regulate the forever chemicals, which he has argued would benefit polluters. The Dem guv has instead called for the GOP-run Joint Finance Committee to release the $125 million set aside in the state budget and use it to fund an alternate proposal that eliminates those provisions.

Co-author Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Green Bay, in a letter to Evers said the bill had undergone extensive changes, including at DNR’s request.

‘However, we have been clear from the beginning that we will not sell out the communities on the front lines of the fight against PFAS by removing protections for victims of pollution,’ Wimberger said.

Wimberger said he was ‘extremely concerned’ that Evers doesn’t understand the challenges pollution victims face and that Evers is ‘confused’ about the content of the bill.

His letter included memos from the Legislative Council, which he said show the bill will provide protections for innocent victims who own PFAS-contaminated property from fines while maintaining current law for those who cause pollution.

Wimberger said the threat of enforcement orders from DNR destroys property values, causing banks to refuse to refinance and call in their loans.”

Quote from www.wispolitics.com

2024 State of Converting

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Image source: Nemanja Radovanovic / Creatas Video via Getty Images

“State by state across America — and elsewhere across the globe — EPR legislation will serve as a catalyst for implementing truly circular economies for product packaging. Most EPR legislation to date has specifically targeted single-use plastic packaging, with some rulemaking including guidelines for other packaging materials, such as paper, metal, and glass.

As noted by the ‘Guide to EPR Proposals’ published by GreenBlue, EPR is a legislative policy approach that assigns end-of-life responsibility to “producers” of CPGs. “This can include both financial responsibility and operational responsibility, though the amount and type may differ,” says GreenBlue. ‘Producers are required to provide funding and/or services that assist in managing covered products after the use phase.’ Most EPR legislation defines the ‘producer’ as the CPG manufacturer, or the owner of the trademarked brand offered to the public.

To date, four U.S. states — California, Oregon, Colorado, and Maine — have passed EPR legislation. During 2024, six additional states—Washington, Minnesota, Illinois, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island — will likely finalize and implement introduced EPR legislation.

In America, these state-led EPR programs for packaging often dictate or suggest that producers of packaging products join a nonprofit producer responsibility organization (PRO). ‘The PRO then develops a producer responsibility plan and manages the producer responsibility program,’ reports GreenBlue. “The financial structure may vary, but in most EPR programs producers pay fees to the PRO. The PRO then distributes the funds to cover the costs required by program legislation.”

The fees collected in a PRO generally provide funding for the end-of-life management of covered products, which can include collection, sorting, and processing CPG packaging materials. The first PRO to emerge in the wake of EPR legislation is the Circular Action Alliance, which is approved to implement EPR laws in California and Colorado.”

Quote from www.packagingstrategies.com

Fiber-Based Solutions: Sustana mill optimization for dry bale production

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photo from Paper360

“Sustana is a leading producer of top-quality fiber-based products and services, committed to sustainability and continuous improvement. Operating across North America with nine recovery facilities, two fiber recycling facilities, and a paper manufacturing facility, Sustana is a trailblazer in incorporating clean, renewable materials into everyday products.

Sustana manufactures premium, FSC® certified sustainable recycled fiber ideal for a range of applications. From food-grade packaging to printing and commercial paper and board, plus towel and tissue paper, their products embody both performance and environmental stewardship. Within their facilities in De Pere, WI, and Levis, QC, Canada, Sustana processes up to 2.2 million pounds per day of recovered paper in the form of sorted office paper, paper cups, aseptic and gable top cartons, and even release liner. This translates to a significant reduction in landfill space—over one million cubic yards per year. (See sidebar to read more about Sustana’s sustainability commitment.)

The De Pere facility, established in 1992, has specialized in wet lap fiber production. While producing 450 tons per day of quality fiber, the mill’s growth potential remained restricted due to manufacturing and transportation challenges of a product that was roughly 50 percent water. The answer? A capital project with a unique equipment source, making the most of every opportunity. The addition of dryer equipment at this facility marks a pivotal move to propel production into a new era within the recycled fiber market.

Sustana’s wet lap pulp already has a unique market: sustainable, 100 percent recycled fiber that is compliant with FDA standards for use in direct food contact packaging without the need for a barrier of any type. However, shipping wet lap is not economical, and in wet form the pulp has a limited shelf life. This project allowed Sustana to produce dry baled pulp that can be stored indefinitely and shipped anywhere in the world.

Sustana acquired the fluff drying equipment from Chetwynd, British Columbia, in September 2022. The Chetwynd mill had undergone a two-week shutdown in 2015, during which the decision was made to close the facility. At the time of closure, the drying system and presses were undergoing reconstruction and were at various stages of repair. The equipment remained disassembled and idle until Sustana stepped in to acquire it. Now, it stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability, ready to drive the De Pere operations forward.”

Quote from www.paper360-digital.com

Scientists utilize AI in gene-editing technology to grow trees that could change the paper industry forever: 'Pushing the boundaries'

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“A team of scientists has developed trees that could help improve paper production while decreasing environmental impact.

About a quarter of wood consists of something called lignin. While lignin serves an important role for trees, helping them grow taller and get more sunshine, the paper and fiber industries have to remove it because it lowers the quality of their products.

To help solve this problem, researchers at North Carolina State University investigated how to create trees with less lignin. They used a predictive machine learning model to identify genes in poplar trees that they could alter in order to create the ideal specimen.

They ultimately generated 174 engineered tree lines using a genetic engineering technique called CRISPR. These were grown inside a greenhouse for six months and showed improvements in desired properties compared to their wild counterparts — the most drastic cases saw a 29% decrease in lignin content and a 228% increase in cellulose-to-lignin ratio.

‘[This was] certainly pushing the boundaries in terms of what has been done,’ co-author Jack Wang, a forest biotechnologist also at NCSU, told The Scientist.

Though many of the edited trees grew slower, the scientists predict that CRISPR-edited wood will boost fiber production efficiency. Less lignin content also means less energetic and chemical output required to remove it, which translates to less planet-warming pollution.”

Quote from www.thecooldown.com