Ahlstrom strengthens its support to the tape industry by expanding the production of creped base paper in the USA

“Ahlstrom, the global leader in masking and packaging tape base papers, has finalized an investment to upgrade and convert a paper machine in its Thilmany plant in Wisconsin, USA, to produce stretchable creped base papers for masking tape and is now ramping up the production. The new investment adds a crepe paper production capacity of 30,000 tons per year.

‘This investment is a response to our customers’ increased volume demand and their need to move towards a more regional material supply. With the investment, we can better focus our assets in Asia and Europe to supply their nearby markets, and we will now enhance our capability to supply the markets in the Americas through this new investment,’ says Sohrab Kazemahvazi, Vice President for Ahlstrom’s Tape business.

The new crepe machine line in Wisconsin is unique because it enables the use of integrated pulp from the Thilmany pulp mill. This generates both sustainability advantages, including reduced emissions from lower energy consumption and less transportation, and cost benefits for customers. The line complements the existing production facilities for masking and packaging tape base papers in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Ahlstrom is a key player in offering sustainable solutions to the tape industry. Ahlstrom’s fiber-based masking tape backings are durable and long-lasting. The company also supports its customers in becoming more sustainable by offering repulpable and recyclable fiber-based packaging tape backing alternatives to the plastic-dominant packaging tape market.

Ahlstrom’s creped base papers are the selected backings for general to high-performance masking tape applications. They offer good handling properties and elongation of up to 18% and are customizable to customers' needs. The primary application of crepe paper is masking tape applications, but it can also be used in packaging tape, protective wrappings, and other specialty applications.”

Quote from www.ahlstrom.com

3D printing real wood with just cellulose and lignin

Graphic from study ‘three-dimensional printing of wood’

“Although the components of wood – cellulose and lignin – are exceedingly cheap and plentiful, combining these into a wood-like structure is not straightforward, despite many attempts to make these components somehow self-assemble. A recent attempt by [MD Shajedul Hoque Thakur] and colleagues as published in Science Advances now may have come closest to 3D printing literal wood using cellulose and lignin ink, using direct ink writing (DIW) as additive manufacturing method.

This water-based ink was created by mixing TOCN (tempo-oxidized cellulose nanofiber), a 10.6 wt % aqueous CNC (cellulose nanocrystals) and lignin in a 15:142:10 ratio, giving it roughly the viscosity of clay. The purpose of having both TOCNs and CNCs is to replicate the crystalline and amorphous cellulose elements of wood-based cellulose.

This ink was printed from a syringe head (SDS-60) installed in a Hyrel 3D Engine HR 3D printer. This printer is much like your average FDM printer, just targeting bioprinting and a wide range of heads to print and handle various attachments in a laboratory setting. The ink was extruded into specific shapes that were either freeze dried to get rid of the liquid component, or additionally also heated (at 180°C), with a third set of samples put into a hot press. These additional steps seem to promote the binding of the lignin and create a more durable result.”

Quote from hackaday.com

Two companies with local ties made a coreless toilet paper roll. Here's why.

“Just about everyone has been there: You sit down in the bathroom and look at the toilet paper roll, annoyed to find only a bare cardboard tube.

But it doesn't have to be that way, according to two paper industry companies with locations in northeast Wisconsin.

A handful of years ago, Paper Converting Machine Company and Essity introduced a toilet paper roll that does not have a cardboard core at its center. When the sheets run out, there is nothing left on the spindle.

While it won't magically make your family replace a finished roll, the coreless product has gained popularity in Europe in recent years, and people could start seeing it on store shelves in the U.S. in the near future, according to Stefano Spinelli, director of product lifecycle management at PCMC, a BW Converting business that's headquartered in Green Bay.

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin spoke with Spinelli late last year about the benefits of a coreless product, what makes it possible and how it's an evolution of previous products.”

Quote from Appleton Post-Crescent

3M introduces a world's first innovation to help redefine shipping and packaging

Photo from 3m.com

“Harnessing the power of best-in-class materials science, 3M is proud to introduce a world's first innovation to help redefine how the world packs, ships and sells goods across all industries. 3M is launching the first known padded, paper-based curbside recyclable mailer material that businesses can also use to automate their packaging process. This new material called 3M™ Padded Automatable Curbside Recyclable (PACR) Mailer Material is capable of producing packages up to three times faster than manual packing when paired with qualified automated packaging machines.

‘3M Science continues to advance and create products that are sustainable and meet stringent performance requirements,’ said John Banovetz, 3M's chief technology officer. ‘3M is well positioned to tackle some of the world's biggest challenges, and this includes creating more sustainable and better performing materials to help reduce the impact on our planet.’

This new mailer is made with a single layer of kraft paper that is lightweight, durable and resists moisture penetration. The proprietary padding technology helps to effectively protect against drops, bursts, vibration, and other potential risks incurred during shipping.

It is specially designed to be used with qualified automated packaging machines and is heat sealable with potential dwell times under one second to help facilitate fast and efficient operations. The material is not industry specific and is compatible with a range of printing technologies. It also comes in a wide array of sizes to meet the packaging requirements for all kinds of goods.

For decades, 3M has been an established leader in helping businesses pack and ship reliably. In 2022, the company launched Scotch™ Cushion Lock™ Protective Wrap which is a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap.”

Quote from www.prnewswire.com

Billerud paper mill in Wisconsin Rapids to be sold to Capital Recovery Group

Photo from billerud.com

The Billerud-owned paper mill in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. will be sold, the Swedish company announced Thursday.

In a press release, Billerud said it reached terms with Capital Recovery Group, LLC for the sale of the idled mill and related assets. Billerud will continue to own and operate the Wisconsin Rapids converting facility.

Billerud said the mill’s sale followed an “extensive and exhaustive exploration of viable and sustainable alternatives for the mill,” which was idled in July of 2020.

The sale is expected to close next month.

“Billerud believes that this decision is the best alternative for all stakeholders,” said Billerud’s Deputy President and Senior Vice President of Operations for North America Tor Lundqvist. “The sale of the idled Wisconsin Rapids Mill and related assets represents a strategic decision to focus on core business objectives, optimize resources, and align with our long-term strategy to drive sustainable growth. We look forward to finalizing the transaction in the near future and continuing to invest in the converting operation at the site.”

The converting facility will continue to be used to convert rolls of paper made at the Escanaba and Quinnesec mills into folios and digital sheets, as well as sheeting cartonboard imported from Billerud’s European mills.

“We extend our gratitude to the Wisconsin Rapids team and community for their dedication and support of the mill, our company and our customers throughout the strategic exploration process. We are proud of the significant role the mill hasplayed in the paper and pulp industry’s history and our longtime record of community involvement and partnership, said Kevin Kuznicki, Billerud’s president and general counsel for North America.

Quote from www.dailypress.net

Local chamber names Nekoosa Mill Large Business of the Year

photo from newsroom.domtar.com

The Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce recently named our Nekoosa Mill as its 2023 Large Business of the Year. The Nekoosa Mill award is a highlight in the mill’s history.

Mill Manager Jason McCauley accepted the Nekoosa Mill award on behalf of the mill’s 410 employees at the group’s annual meeting and awards dinner. The mill was recognized for its economic impact on the community, business growth, adaptation to marketplace change and dedication to customer service, community investment and leadership.

“Domtar epitomizes the essence of excellence, blending exceptional customer service, community dedication and visionary leadership,” says Staci Kivi, Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “Their commitment to innovation and growth, coupled with their unwavering support for local organizations, sets a remarkable standard for businesses in our region. Domtar truly embodies the heart and soul of our community, and we are proud to honor them for their outstanding contributions.”

2023 was a busy and exciting year for the Nekoosa Mill, with capital investment projects, infrastructure work and community giving.

The mill hired 90 new employees and added 29 new positions.

The mill and its employees donated more than $55,000 to the United Way and more than $77,000 to local organizations and charities through the mill’s local community investment program.

On top of that, Nekoosa Mill’s EarthChoice Ambassadors held 21 events, with employees donating more than 800 volunteer hours to participate in events that support improving and promoting literacy, education and sustainability.

“At Domtar, one of our main core values is to be a caring company in the communities where we operate, which means running our business in an environmentally sound manner, being a safety leader in our industry, working closely with local officials and giving back to the community,” says McCauley. “To be recognized as Large Business of the Year by the Central Wisconsin community is a great honor for all Domtar team members.”

Quote from newsroom.domtar.com

Stevens Point researchers study new ways to use northern hardwood after 2020 mill closure

When the Wisconsin Rapids mill closed in 2020, it left a void in Wisconsin's forest products industry. Loggers struggled after suddenly losing such a major consumer of the region's pulpwood.

Now, local researchers are studying different ways that mills could potentially use hardwood timber from northern Wisconsin, according to Paul Fowler, executive director of the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

"We've got a substantial resource right on our doorstep," Fowler said, that's being "underutilized."

The work is made possible by a $100,000 grant that the Stevens Point university received last year through the federal Wood Innovations Grant Program. Fowler's institute also matched $100,000 in state funds, he said.

Details were finalized earlier this year, and researchers are ready to get started, according to Fowler, who's working on the project with Roland Gong, associate professor of paper science and chemical engineering, and students.

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin spoke with Fowler earlier this month about the research and what it could mean for local industries.

Quote from Appleton Post-Crescent

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