Wisconsin loggers hope new cooperative effort can help industry after mill closures

PHOTO: Tork Mason, USA Today NETWORK-Wisconsin

“There's a new plan to try to help loggers navigate an increasingly tough industry in Wisconsin and its surrounding states.

Timber Professionals Cooperative Enterprises formed about a year ago, and the group is currently working to buy a chip mill in northeast Wisconsin, according to Dennis Schoeneck, TPCE's president.

This is a first step, Schoeneck said, toward creating a network of places "for loggers to have a vested interest in where they take their product."

Over the years, loggers have lost customers as local mills closed. They've also faced rising costs and an aging workforce. Basically, ‘the industry has been very, very tight,’ according to Henry Schienebeck, executive director of the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association.

‘In the past, that pulpwood market for the paper industry was huge. It was a big part of everybody's daily business,’ Schienebeck said. Now, he can think of very few local mills, he said, that still buy roundwood and turn it into kraft pulp.

Schoeneck understands these realities, as the owner and operator of Enterprise Forest Products and Forest Products Transit in the Rhinelander area. Still, he stresses that TPCE is not about him or its seven-member board, made up of representatives from Wisconsin and Michigan.

‘It’s really focused on just trying to do something different for our industry,’ Schoeneck said.”

Quote from Appleton Post-Crescent

Kimberly-Clark recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies in 2024

Photo: Kimberly-Clark

“Kimberly-Clark, a leading company in the consumer products industry, has been awarded the World’s Most Ethical Companies® 2024 recognition by Ethisphere, a global authority on defining and promoting standards of ethical business practices. This recognition, awarded for six consecutive years and a total of nine times, highlights the company’s commitment to business ethics.

Kimberly-Clark Chairman and CEO Mike Hsu said, “At Kimberly-Clark, we are committed to making a positive impact through the products we make, the workplaces we create and the communities we serve.” “We are honored to once again be recognized by Ethisphere. The continued recognition reflects our commitment to doing business the right way while fulfilling our purpose of Better Care for a Better World.”

Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere’s chief strategy officer and executive chairman, said, “It is always inspiring to recognize the World’s Most Ethical Companies®. Through the rigorous review process, we see the dedication of these organizations to continually improve their ethics, compliance and governance practices for the benefit of all stakeholders.” “Companies that elevate the best cultures of ethics and integrity set a standard of corporate citizenship to be followed by their peers and competitors. Congratulations to Kimberly-Clark for achieving this honor and demonstrating that strong ethics is good business.”

The methodology behind the evaluation of the World’s Most Ethical Companies is based on Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, a comprehensive process that analyzes more than 240 test points on ethical culture, ESG practices, ethics and compliance programs, diversity and inclusion, among other aspects. This process, backed by a panel of experts, highlights and recognizes the best ethical practices in all industries globally.”

Quote from tissueonlinenorthamerica.com

Signs of spring: Peregrine falcons return to We Energies power plants

Photo from news.we-energies.com

The fastest animal in the world has returned to We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) power plants. In a sure sign of spring, four pairs of peregrine falcons are getting ready to lay eggs and raise their young.

This year, there are cameras livestreaming the endangered species’ nest boxes at three We Energies facilities and one WPS power plant:

• Oak Creek Power Plant

• Port Washington Generating Station

• Valley Power Plant in Milwaukee

• Weston Power Plant in Rothschild

Activity at each site will be picking up over the next few weeks. Last year, the first eggs were laid in late March. If all goes well, this year’s class of fluffy falcon fledglings should make their arrival later this spring.

Also coming up this season, you can help We Energies name this year’s chicks in a gold medal- worthy naming contest. We’ll share more details — and updates on each nest box — on X, Facebook and Instagram all season long.

Peregrine falcon program

We Energies and WPS began installing peregrine falcon nest boxes on power plants in the early ’90s. So far, 444 peregrine falcons have hatched at We Energies and WPS facilities — that’s 20% of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin.

This program is another way We Energies and WPS are building a bright, sustainable future. From helping endangered animals and restoring natural habitats, to building new solar facilities and reducing carbon emissions, We Energies and WPS are committed to a cleaner future.

Quote from news.we-energies.com

Mattress company moves to paper for roll-packed products

Photo from packworld.com

“As brands continue to move toward what they see as more sustainable packaging materials, collaboration between CPGs and their equipment suppliers has become an important element in achieving success. One recent example is a partnership between organic mattress company Naturepedic and its roll-packing machinery supplier, C3 Ingenuity, that enabled the company to switch from polyethylene to paper, eliminating 55,000 lb of plastic per year from its roll-packed products.

Based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Naturepedic produces certified organic mattresses and bedding, which it sells at its 20-plus retail stores located across North America. Its products can also be found at more than 150 retailers nationwide, including Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, and Restoration Hardware, and can be purchased on its website and shipped direct-to-consumer. For all these channels, Naturepedic ships its mattresses, comfort layers, and mattress toppers rolled up and packaged in (until recently) a heavy-gauge PE wrap and placed in a corrugated shipper.

Shares company Vice President of Sales and Marketing Arin Schultz, as a certified organic company committed to supporting an organic, holistic, lifestyle, Naturepedic is always looking for ways to improve its environmental impact. ‘We especially have an obligation to the planet and to our consumers—and not to be too aspirational—to the world in general to do our part,’ he says.

To deliver on these goals, around two years ago, Naturepedic began exploring alternatives to PE for its roll-packed products. According to Schultz, one option it looked at was biodegradable, compostable films. ‘It sounds good on paper, but none of them actually breaks down that fast, given the amount of film we end up using,’ he says. ‘So it just made more sense for us, again, an organic company, to shift to kraft paper. It’s recyclable, it’s compostable. It’s literally as natural as we can get in terms of packaging.’”

Quote from www.packworld.com

Wisconsin approves new UW-Madison engineering building

image: continuum smithgroup. artist’s concepts of the new building.

“On March 6, 2024, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers gave final approval to fund a new College of Engineering building at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

‘The approval of a new building for UW-Madison’s College of Engineering is a tremendous step forward for our campus, allowing us to educate about 1,000 additional undergraduates in engineering at a time when Wisconsin employers urgently need more engineers, and expanding our engineering faculty’s ability to do innovative, life-changing research,’ says UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin.

In recognition of the college’s critical importance on campus, its research impact, and its contributions to the overall health and growth of Wisconsin’s economy, the building had been UW-Madison’s top priority, as well as that of the Universities of Wisconsin (formerly UW System).

Now it will add the safe, modern and flexible space the College of Engineering urgently needs to expand. It will be a catalyst for attracting additional top engineering faculty. It will expand hands-on learning environments for students. It will allow the college to aggressively pursue emerging research opportunities, coalesce around common challenges and goals, collaborate with industry partners, and create innovations that drive economic growth in our state and beyond.

Importantly, it will enable the college to accept, educate and graduate many more exceptional students as it strives to meet the burgeoning need for talented, creative engineers. Graduates of the state’s flagship engineering program are prepared not only to excel as members of the workforce, but also to be engineering leaders in companies, academia and government organizations worldwide.”

Quote from engineering.wisc.edu

Sappi North America and Biophilica partner to launch the first plastic-free leather alternative of its kind

Photo: biophilica.co.uk

“Sappi North America Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, announced today its innovative collaboration with Biophilica, the company behind Treekind®. Treekind is one of the only plastic free leather alternatives that is 100% biobased, home compostable, non-toxic, and PETA vegan certified, notably benefiting from Sappi’s textured release paper to give the material an ultra-realistic look and feel.

‘Inclusion of plastic-containing coatings has dominated the vegan leather industry, limiting consumers with few fully sustainable choices and a material that often has a plastic-like touch inferior to the quality or feel of traditional leather,’ said Mark Hittie, Director Release Business Strategy at Sappi North America. ‘Through our partnership and Biophilica’s continued commitment to creating an authentic leather alternative, Treekind is now a strong sustainable market opponent to natural leather products and other plastic-based vegan leathers due to its genuine look and feel.’

Understanding the important role that touch plays in consumers’ relationship with products, it was paramount for Biophilica to create a product with an authentic, non-plastic-like feel. Touch has the power to shift consumers’ minds into a deeper level of engagement – one more conducive to building a lasting relationship and connection with a brand. To help facilitate this vision in 2022, Sappi stepped in to deliver a high-fidelity, 3D, leather grain solution to impart texture to Treekind through the application of Sappi’s Ultracast Viva® release paper.

‘Curating the texture of Treekind to be as close to the feel of genuine leather as possible was a top priority for our team and brand, and what ultimately led us to seek Sappi’s textured release technology,’ said Biophilica Founder and CEO Mira Nameth. ‘We’re elated to see an impressive 85% increase in positive feedback from brand partners such as ID Genève watches and international brands via Fashion for Good.’

Available now, Treekind currently uses Sappi’s leather grain textured release papers, however, Biophilica plans to use Sappi’s other finishes and textures, including glossy and matte finishes and varying grains for potential expansion in a premium line of goods.

To learn more about Sappi and Biophilica’s partnership, please visit: https://www.sappi.com/unique-plastic-free-vegan-leather-an-ultracast-release-case-study.”

Quote from www.sappi.com

UW-Stout packaging program to host international student-led conference

Student members of the Stout Packaging Association stand together. | Credit: UW-Stout

“For three days in April, students from packaging universities and colleges in the U.S. and Canada will connect with industry professionals and alumni to showcase the impact that packaging has on the world.

University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Stout Packaging Association student members will host Packaging Jamboree 2024, or Pack Jam, an annual student-led conference, from Sunday, April 7, to Tuesday, April 9.

‘Pack Jam gives students the benefits of collaborating in competition; networking with students from different universities, industry professionals and alumni; and learning about current industry trends and career opportunities,’ said packaging Program Director Min DeGruson.

Schools that traditionally attend are Clemson University, Dunwoody College of Technology, Hennepin Technical College, Michigan State University, Northwood Technical College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Virginia Tech, Rutgers University, Toronto Metropolitan University and more.

Registration is open through Monday, March 25.”

Quote from www.packagingimpressions.com

Women in Construction Week 2024

Photo from wicweek.org

“WIC Week™, or Women in Construction Week™, celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. NAWIC held the first WIC Week in 1998 and it has grown and expanded each year since. Many of our local chapters hold WIC Week events, which can include making presentations to high school classes, job site tours, luncheons and virtual events.

This year's theme, 'Keys to the Future', celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry.

Construction firms of all sizes and types are encouraged to participate in WIC Week and show their support for their women employees. They can also find events to participate near them on our event calendar.”

Quote from wicweek.org

Hydrite celebrates 95 years

photo from www.hydrite.com

“Hydrite, an integrated manufacturer and supplier of industrial chemicals and related services, is pleased to announce that it will be celebrating its 95th anniversary in February of 2024.

On February 6, 1929 Hydrite started as a supplier to the tanning industry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin which was a hotspot for tanneries, one of which was supplying the leather harnesses used by the U.S. Armed Services. When the Great Depression hit, the previous owners of Hydrite were looking to sell the company. Seeing an opportunity, Wayne Thompson and Richard Honkamp left their jobs in 1935 and purchased a majority share in Hydrite.

Hydrite is the company that it is today thanks to the risk Wayne and Richard took many years ago. The evolution from a chemical distributor to a chemical producer was a major turning point for the success of the company. As a chemical producer, Hydrite continues to expand its business now covering most regions of the United States.

Hydrite looks forward to celebrating throughout the year and each year until the 100th anniversary with companywide celebrations at each location to recognize the employees who have helped achieve this milestone.

Kevin Honkamp, President, commented, “We would like to thank all of our employees, customers, and suppliers who have made these past 95 years so successful. We are excited to celebrate this milestone and look forward to celebrating 100 years!”

Hydrite has developed a reputation within the industry for providing the distinct combination of excellence in chemical manufacturing and distribution with the most comprehensive level of technical expertise available.”

Quote from www.hydrite.com

Lean Construction: The future of the construction industry

Photo from www.boldt.com

“Since the 1960s, productivity in the construction industry has been stagnant, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is largely due to ongoing labor shortages and other inefficiencies. Yet, other industries like agriculture, manufacturing and retail have seen productivity increase exponentially.

How will construction industry leaders finally buck this 60-year trend?

The answer is Lean Construction — a project delivery process that maximizes stakeholder value and reduces waste by emphasizing collaboration between project teams. Simply put, Lean Construction increases productivity, innovation and brings more benefit to clients in the form of efficiency, which means regularly meeting and exceeding timelines and milestones. At the recent Lean Construction Institute (LCI) annual conference in Detroit, industry leaders, including Boldt, gathered to tackle how to apply Lean principles and practices into our work, particularly in the context of rapidly changing industry dynamics and technological advancements.

As one of the earliest supporters of LCI, which celebrated 25 years in October, Boldt has helped to lead the conversation about Lean Construction, inspiring the creation of an exclusive project delivery system.”

Quote from www.boldt.com

Women in Forest Products Scholarship Applications Open

graphic from the women’s fund for the fox valley region

The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region is now accepting applications for the Women in Forest Products High School and Leadership Scholarships through March 29th, 2024. These scholarships are open to anyone in the state of Wisconsin who fulfill the criteria, not just those in the Fox Valley Region. Please consider applying for these scholarships or sharing with your network to those who may qualify.

Thank you again to Ahlstrom for its contribution to this fund to make this opportunity available!

We also challenge employees and individuals to contribute to the scholarship fund so that Wisconsin women will receive the support they need to succeed in the industry for generations. It is imperative that we encourage women of all ages and backgrounds to grow within our industry.

DONATE

If you have questions regarding the scholarship or criteria, please contact Mykaela Chaffin at chaffin@wipaper.org. Please contact the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region for Online Application questions. You can also view these scholarships and many others on our website: https://www.wipaper.org/scholarships.

Communities received nearly $11M from Alliant Energy in 2023

Nearly $11 million and over 72,600 volunteer hours were collectively contributed in 2023 by Alliant Energy and the company’s charitable foundation, employees and retirees.

“Partnering with nonprofit organizations to solve problems and make life better in the communities we serve is natural for Alliant Energy,” said Aimee Davis, Alliant Energy Foundation board chair. “Our support and community engagement directly reflects the spirit of our employees as we deliver on our company purpose – to serve customers and build stronger communities.”

Alliant Energy’s giving and volunteer efforts focused on four areas in 2023.

• Community Safety and Engagement: Over $795,000 in donations went to emergency services, playgrounds and disaster preparedness programs. Many first response organizations, including police and fire departments, received vital new or upgraded equipment through over $45,000 in safety grants across 44 communities.

• Environmental Stewardship: The pursuit to plant one million trees by the end of 2030 came close to the halfway point, with over 463,000 trees planted in Iowa and Wisconsin since July 2021.

• Workforce Readiness: To aid in the development of a solid workforce and attract future employees, the company worked to create accessible paths for students through a variety of scholarship opportunities. Over 100 students received scholarships with contributions totaling more than $136,500 to offset tuition and student loans.

• Hunger and Housing: Support to combat food insecurity in Iowa and Wisconsin reached a milestone amount of $515,000 at Drive Out Hunger, the largest amount on record in the 17-year history of the annual event. In total, the event has raised over $5.9 million for hunger relief and provided over 20 million meals.

“The Alliant Energy Foundation is proud to support programs that help improve the communities we serve each and every day,” said Julie Bauer, executive director, Alliant Energy Foundation. “Beyond giving, employee volunteerism creates a direct impact on our neighbors and helps us carry out our mission to serve customers and build stronger communities.”

About the Alliant Energy Foundation

The Alliant Energy Foundation is a philanthropic organization created by Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) and is operated as a separate entity led by its own board of directors. The Foundation is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where Alliant Energy employees, retirees and customers live and work. The Foundation, which is funded solely by Alliant Energy share owners, seeks to further the corporation’s goal of being a good corporate citizen and contributing member of society. Since 1998, the Foundation has contributed more than $73 million to innovative projects and local nonprofits. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com/foundation.

Quote from www.alliantenergy.com

Column: What is the ‘Chasing Arrows’ logo, and what does it mean?

“The chasing arrows symbol, which is referred to as the ‘recycling symbol,’ was invented in 1970 by Gary Anderson, a 23-year-old college student who won a design contest sponsored by the Container Corporation of America.

The company asked contestants to come up with a symbol that would represent the paper recycling process. Anderson’s design won and he was awarded around $2,000 for what he said was ‘a day or two of work.’

The original theory or idea behind this new symbol was so consumers would know how much, if any, recycled content was in paper products. The paper industry took the original design and created two additional symbols, which are still in use today.

But the industry wasn’t able to get a patent on the original symbol and therefore it became public domain. The popularity of the design spread quickly and became a national symbol to represent recycling.”

Quote from spmetrowire.com

It is with great pride that Cascades announces that its cardboard tray has won an "Award of Distinction" in the Sustainable Packaging Design category

Photo from www.cascades.com

“On February 6th, the PAC Global Awards ceremony took place to unveil the winners of its prizes recognizing innovation in packaging design.

It is with great pride that Cascades announces that its cardboard tray has won an "Award of Distinction" in the Sustainable Packaging Design category.

This achievement underscores Cascades' unwavering dedication to creating packaging solutions that is both high-performing and environmentally friendly.

Our tray has been specifically crafted to provide an effective and sustainable packaging solution for products such as proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables. It is recyclable and made from 100% recycled fibres to meet the expectations of customers looking for eco-designed packaging.

Furthermore, Cascades was also in the running for its new corrugated cardboard produce baskets with flaps.”

Quote from www.cascades.com

Georgia-Pacific adopts proven methodologies to guide its environmental management initiatives

cREDIT: gEORGIA-PACIFIC

“Georgia-Pacific, an industry leader, continues its commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. By constantly evaluating and transforming the way it uses resources in the development of its products, the company works to operate responsibly and better serve its partners, consumers and communities.

Under the leadership of Nagapooja Seeba, Director of Environmental Sustainability, Georgia-Pacific seeks to improve lives, offer better products and develop technology and initiatives to consume fewer resources. In this regard, Nagapooja explains the tool and methodology integral to this work that many are unfamiliar with: life cycle assessments (LCA).

WHAT IS AN LCA AND HOW IS IT USED?

Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) are a method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, process or service throughout its entire life cycle. They provide a more holistic view of the environmental burdens and benefits associated with a particular product or process by considering various environmental factors and quantifying inputs and outputs throughout the life cycle of the product or service.

HOW CAN LCAS HELP DECISION-MAKERS WITH SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES?

LCAs provide a complete picture of the impacts of a product or initiative and guide product design and innovation. The data provided by the assessments enable informed business and environmental decisions, considering the entire supply chain of a product and the implications of raw material extraction, production, transportation and distribution.

Georgia-Pacific incorporates LCAs into its decision-making processes, using the data provided to drive more informed and strategic initiatives that contribute to the overall advancement of its sustainability goals.”

Quote from tissueonlinenorthamerica.com

First-ever skateboard half pipe built from containerboard to highlight material values

“Mondi, a provider of sustainable packaging and paper, proudly unveils a fresh initiative to highlight the values of its containerboard materials that we use in our everyday lives. In partnership with Olympian skateboarder Julia Brückler, Mondi challenges myths around making paper through a fusion of innovation, sustainability and athleticism.

The challenge was to build the first-ever skateboard half pipe from containerboard, the paper used in corrugated packaging. Why? Because it’s a fresh, analogous way of showing how containerboard is an ideal material that we rely on every day, and we are constantly on the lookout for the next generation of people who are passionate about paper.

Unique collaboration: Olympian Julia Brückler takes the first ride

Julia's passion for skateboarding aligns with Mondi's commitment to excellence and, like the sport's resilience, this project mirrors the meticulous processes of perfecting paper grades.

Professional skateboarder Julia Brückler, who debuted at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, shares her excitement: ‘This was such a unique experience! It made me realise that we often take paper items used in our day-to-day lives for granted, not thinking about where they're coming from or how they're made. Discovering the details of paper packaging and how durable and strong the material can be during this project was eye-opening!’"

Quote from www.packagingimpressions.com

Georgia-Pacific makes Forbes America’s Best Large Employers 2024 list

“Georgia-Pacific has been recognized on the Forbes list as one of America’s Best Large Employers for 2024. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The list was announced on February 13 and can be viewed on the Forbes website.

This is the seventh time Georgia-Pacific has earned this recognition from Forbes. America’s Best Large Employers have been identified in an independent survey from a vast sample of over 170,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing more than 5,000 people within the U.S.

‘Being recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees,’ said Megan Sirna, senior vice president of Human Resources, Georgia-Pacific. ‘Our employees and culture are the driving force behind our success. We are proud to have such a talented and committed team that makes Georgia-Pacific a great place to work.’”

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Celebrate Engineers Week 2024

Engineers Week 2024 will run from February 18 to 24. This year’s theme “Welcome to the Future” is about celebrating today’s achievements and paving the way for a brighter and more diverse future in engineering.

Engineering is at the forefront of innovation and is instrumental in designing and creating the solutions that are shaping the world of tomorrow. From the development of the internet and smartphones to space exploration and renewable energy solutions, engineers have been at the forefront of progress, making our lives more efficient, comfortable, and connected. Through their creativity, expertise, and dedication, engineering teams are addressing global challenges, driving technological advancements, and making a positive impact on society’s future.

This Engineers Week we hope that you’ll take a moment to recognize and celebrate the work of engineers and engage students in engineering. DiscoverE, the organization behind Engineers Week, has free resources you can use to inspire future innovators, such as hands-on engineering activities and lesson plans, information about engineering education, and pathways to a technical careers. Visit DiscoverE.org/EngineersWeek and get the help you need to focus on the “E” in STEM.

The business case for sustainability

“Comic strip fans may remember the daily comic ‘Pogo,’ which began in the late 1940s, ending in 1975.

The main character – an opossum named Pogo – became well-known for one of his recurring sayings throughout the comic – “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

It’s a statement, John Rogers, business roundtables facilitator at the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, said could describe the topic of sustainability in today’s business world.

Rogers started the chamber’s first manufacturing roundtable of the year with the words of Pogo – ‘I think that, to some extent, emphasizes sustainability’ – as representatives from various companies and organizations gathered to discuss sustainability and a businesses’ responsibility around it.

The roundtables, Rogers said, are meant to improve manufacturers through sharing best practices, strategies and tactics.

Presenters at last month’s roundtable included:

• Christa Kananen, program manager at the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council (WSBC)

• Julia Steffes, sustainability coordinator at Masters Gallery Foods

• Tony Palese, senior communications partner with Alliant Energy

• Steph Soendker, senior project leader of corporate sustainability with Kohler Co.
  Other organizations present at the roundtable included Bemis, Sargento Foods, Sohn Manufacturing and Lakeshore Technical College.”

Quote from thebusinessnews.com

Advancements in paperboard and corrugated packaging

“As the packaging industry continues to see drastic improvements when it comes to sustainability and technology, paperboard, corrugated and carton solutions have been a key area of focus for manufacturers due to their dependability and ease of use. This focus has resulted in key innovations when it comes to environmental responsibility and design investments.

DS Smith’s box plant in South Carolina recently reduced its CO2 emissions thanks to a new steam recycling system.

Meanwhile, Metsä Board developed more sustainable fiber-based packaging for ice cream cones, in addition to minimizing ink usage.

TetraPak and Lactogal collaborated to create an eco-friendly aseptic milk carton made from 90% renewable materials.

And finally, Pacificolor made a significant investment with the help of Reproflex3 to bolster its corrugated graphics capabilities.”

Quote from packagingstrategies.com