I was pleased to recently attend my first International Munich Paper Symposium from March 14-16. IMPS was a more uniquely German conference than others I have attended, with fully 69% of participants coming from Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Twenty-one other countries were represented, including from the Middle East, Scandinavia, India and Pakistan….
The cost for failing to consistently control starch solids to a narrow target was discussed. This can amount to tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in excess costs to a paper mill….
Wet-end starch use has become nearly universal in the packaging and graphic papers manufacturing process. It is generally accepted that wet end starch is good for drainage, retention, and strength development. What is less commonly appreciated is the extent of wet end starch’s impact on machine runnability, paper quality and cost….
The one thing common to my experiences, Europe and South America, is the commitment to invest and re-invest in equipment, technology, and R&D to exploit opportunities, meet challenges, fulfill market needs, maintain or build their manufacturing infrastructure and provide good jobs. They want this important industry!
