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The community provides a network of like-minded people and there are now 345 members. The Cellulose Community is also featured on LinkedIn (661 members).

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DyStar files for Bankruptcy

Following earlier rumours, it has now been confirmed that DyStar Textilfarben GmbH, DyStar Textilfarben GmbH & Co Germany and DyStar Holdings have all filed an insolvency petition with the local court in Frankfurt for the company's operations in Germany.

The insolvency petition includes the company's sites in Frankfurt, Leverkusen, Brunsbuttel, Geretsried and Ludwigshafen which in total employ around 1,300 people.

It has been stated that the insolvency filing was necessary after DyStar exhausted alternative solutions to their liquidity problems.

DyStar hold a wealth of dyes technology and it will be interesting to see where it all ends up.

50 million chemical substances! CAS reaches milestone.

On the 7th september, 2009, the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) announced that it had registered its 50 millionth substance --> CAS 1181081-51-5, a novel heterocycle with analgesic properties.

The 40 millionth substance was registered just 9 months ago, indicating an acceleration of the sysnthesis and innovation in science. We are not voulnteering to do the research, but it would be interesting to know how many paper chemicals there are among the 50 million.

After 65 years Buckman adjusts its brand

Buckman Laboratories has announced that it will 'rebrand' itself, shed the 'laboratories' and become Buckman. In an announcement which resembles a rite of passage, Buckman has decided to shorten its name and recognise, 'Its growth from a small laboratory selling a few chemicals to a global supplier .......... ' C'est la vie. For the skeptic, this is just one of those meaningless and costly exercises. For the branding enthusiast it is a chance to refresh the message given to customers.

Buckman is undergoing changes and was a fully grown company many years ago. In the last few years it has faced challenges so perhaps now is the time to go for it and drop the Laboratories! Most of us knew the company as Buckman anyway so loosing the long name is a help!

Buckman Laboratories to close library in Memphis

Buckman Laboratories, a successful private-owned paper chemicals company has decided to cahnge how it does some things and do away with its famous library in Memphis. The news feed states that:

Buckman Laboratories is eliminating 23 jobs, but it's not because of the economy.

"Over the last few years, we've grown from $330 million to $550 million (in sales) and done it profitably," said Lela Gerald, spokeswoman for the Memphis-based chemical manufacturer. "There are new things we need to be doing and old things we don't need to be doing."

For example, Buckman is cutting its library staff from four to one and using marketing firms instead of having an internal operation because of the need for ad agency help, Gerald said.

Buckman has 1,500 employees worldwide including 300 in Memphis.

Some additional comments are given in a Memphis Public Library blog.

Yet another record-breaking month for the paper chemicals weblog

July 2008 has been another record breaking month for our weblog. Thanks to all those that contribute information and to the authors who research and find stuff to write about.

Please let others know of the site ............ we will also try to set something up in Facebook in the near future.

With well over 1,000 unique readers last month, we are targeting the 2,000 mark and beyond!

Keep the ideas and stories coming and we will do our best to provide a portal for anything newsy on paper chemicals!

Clariant to shut Horsforth/Leeds UK Production site - paper chemicals to be affected

As anticipated, Clariant has announced that it will shut its site in Horsforth/Leeds, UK. Over a number of years the site has not received investment from Switzerland despite a long track record of innovation and being at the core of supplying paper chemicals. In discussions with those affected, it is not clear where the production will be shifted but much is expected to go to shore up the (more expensive) Swiss operation in Muttenz. When decisions such as these are made, it is often more cost-effective to close sites in the UK where labour laws are liberal, compensation is lower and it is easier to carry out a closure. Moving production to a higher cost site in Switzerland to fill capacity does not appear to be a long-term recipe for success in paper chemicals.

The site at Horsforth was the main driver for the research, development, production and marketing of Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs, FWAs) world-wide. In a first move, Clariant closed its world-class OBA research and marketing team in the UK (see earlier blog). It has now decided to close the entire site, affecting OBA production and some other paper chemicals (eg products for strength, dye fixation, and the control of interfering substances).

The site in Leeds/Horsforth is designated a Textile, Leather and Paper site, although products from other businesses are manufactured there. Since Clariant's unsuccessful acquisition of BTP (British Tar Products) it has held onto a production site in Selby, UK, although this site has also been caught up in a cost-cutting closure announcement.

Clariant's first-half results were reported today and will be the subject of a separate blog.

What others are saying - See Yorkshire Post article; Clariant UK web site (nothing!).

The world of tissue and towel ..........

The June/July issue of Tissue World has just been published. There are a number of interesting articles such as a review of the Russian market and a good 'World Review 2007', covering the aspects of the tissue market across the globe - relatively stagnant but quality leaders in North America and Europe; 'booming' markets in China, Brazil; potential markets in India and Russia.

Worth a read.

Emirates' paperless plane - what next in the 'green' PR jungle

In the Sunday Times (20.07.2008) there is an article with the incredulous title of 'Emirates Flies the Paperless Plane'. Here is a mega tonne plane (the new Airbus A380 superjumbo) with its enormous cargo of people (500), baggage and payload and they choose to send out a message that the '2 kg per seat saving' by stopping the use of 'in-flight magazines, entertainment guides and shopping catalogues ('paperless plane') will help to save 'fuel and the environment'.

Help me, help me, help me ............

This is a mega tonne plane of which the paper load is miniscule! How about a few other suggestions:

1. Reduce the number of flights
2. Reduce the number of passengers! One passenger would save more than a magazine?
3. Require that all passengers are below a certain weight! No, that would be discriminatory.
4. Ask the flight attendants to wear just one pair of shoes and carry less luggage?
5. Ask all passengers to reduce the weight of luggage they bring with them?
6. Hey, why not take all the duty-free goods off the plane!
7. Reduce the number of crew and flight attendants?
   
8. Ask all the passengers not to eat or drink before flying ......... similar saving to 2 kg per person?
9. Only fly these big things when they are full - now there is a thought.
10. 2 kg of paper per person suggests that there is some room for looking at alternative papers and reducing the waffle that there is in typical in-flight magazines etc
    

This is the media for you. A quick story ......... jumping on whatever is trendy ............ overemphasising the single issues rather than considering the bigger picture.

Yes, get rid of paper and packaging and satisfy someone (a few) but please, please, please, think of the whole picture. A quick PR gain will not bring value to your company in the end. Are the Emirates as a company and a nation so squeaky clean that they can make a big issue of saving 2 kg per person? I think not.

One does not have to be a genius to understand that:

• 500 X 2 kg = 1,000 kg (one tonne)
  
• The maximum take off weight (MTOW) of a superjumbo (yes, this is the figure, Sunday Times and Emirates seemed to forget to mention) is over 650 tonnes! A hefty cocktail of composites, metals, glass etc
  
• Do the maths! 1/650 is what the paper will contribute

How about banning alcohol on all Emirates flights?

False start for REACH as ECHA admit to computer problems

In a number of news reports (eg RSC), the problems experienced at The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), have been highlighted. ECHA is responsible for running the European Union's new REACH scheme to regulate the use of chemicals, and it is clear that the agency is still struggling to put its IT system into full operation, more than two weeks after the start of the project's pre-registration period (1 June, 2008).

In May, Helsinki-based ECHA warned that it was having problems resolving teething problems with the system for bulk pre-registration of substances but it gave assurances that its IT facility would be working properly within a fortnight of the start of pre-registration.

The best advice is not to be first and to wait until things settle down before submitting your data - the ECHA organisation is new, REACH is new, so teething problems are to be expected.

SPCI 2008 - Feedback is mixed

Unable to participate in SPCI 2008, I contacted a number of people who were in Stockholm for the event and in summary:

• 'Surprised how few companies were exhibiting'
• 'The participation and dynamism of the events in South America, Asia and India just show how Europe is changing and becoming less important'
  
• 'Great to meet old friends, but there were fewer this year'
• 'Very expensive - the event, the hotels, the taxis ....'
• 'The discussions on energy and how to save costs were of value ...........'
  

Times are becoming harder and it is not surprising to find that companies are finding it difficult to pay for exhibition stands and for their employees to attend. From the attendance figures I have seen, SPCI 2008 did well to attract the participation that they did!

Delhi's Paperex 2007 a resounding success

Paperex 2007 was a resounding success with record participation and attendance for any conference and exhibition of its kind. If anyone questioned Inida's ability to develop into a significant global palyer in the pulp and paper industry this conference and exhibition will have dispelled all doubts. The availability of fibre sources (as is the case for China) will be a challenge, but other key components for success (people, investment, suppliers etc) will give India a great position to push ahead in the future.

The organisers of the event are to be congratulated!

Nalco Chairman Announces Retirement

It was announced today that Dr. William H. Joyce, 71, will retire from his position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nalco effective 30th December, 2007 although he will continue to assist with the succession and transition process until the 31st March, 2008. A Board committee of independent directors has been formed to select his successor with this process expected to complete in a 'few' months.

Nalco also announced that an amended employment and consulting agreement had been reached with Dr. Joyce where he will receive $12 million of restricted Company shares to compensate him for his current and future services, non-compete and other post-retirement covenants and releases.

Dr Joyce has had an illustrious career, part of which was:

• Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Nalco Company in October 2003, following the announcement by the investor group (included The Blackstone Group,
  Apollo Management, L.P., and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners) to acquire Nalco from Suez S.A. in a $4.2 billion transaction.
  
• Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hercules Incorporated, from May 2001.
  
• Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Carbide Corporation from 1996 to May 2001.
  
• From 1995 to 1996, President and Chief Executive Officer at Union Carbide
• 1993 to 1995 he was President at Union Carbide
  
• COO Union Carbide 1992.
  

Since May 2001, Dr Joyce has provided strong leadership in the pulp and paper chemicals industry having both a strong knowledge and understanding of this business.

Harri Kerminen appointed CEO of Kemira Group

Kemira Group's Board of Directors appointed Harri Kerminen, M.Sc. (Eng.), MBA, 56, as the new CEO of Kemira Group as of January 1, 2008. Mr Kerminen is currently President of Kemira Pulp & Paper, Kemira's largest business area. From the same date, Kemira's current President and CEO, Lasse Kurkilahti will become Senior Adviser to the Board of Kemira Group. Mr. Kurkilahti will remain as Senior Adviser for the first quarter of 2008, after which his contract with Kemira will come to an end in line with a prior agreement.

Crisis at Clariant or is something brewing? Royer leaves after a few months as head of TLP Division.

There was a surprise announcement by Clariant this morning that Philippe Royer will leave after a few short months in his new position as head of the Textile, Leather and Paper Division. Is this an opportunity move or has Mr Royer heard or seen something he did not like? Time will tell.

The announcement on the Clariant web site is as follows:

'Clariant, ......... announced today that Peter Brandenberg is appointed Head of Clariant’s Textile, Leather & Paper Chemicals Division (TLP) effective immediately. He will continue to serve as member of Clariant’s Board of Management. Mr. Brandenberg, currently responsible for Group Services and International Coordination - replaces Philippe Royer, who leaves the company and will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a leading European metals supplier.
“Whereas I am disappointed by Mr. Royer’s decision, I accept that his new position is a unique opportunity for him”, said Jan Secher, CEO of Clariant. “At the same time I am delighted that Peter Brandenberg agreed to add another challenge to his long and successful career. He has streamlined the regional organization and the Group service functions to efficient service providers for the divisions. Under his leadership TLP will continue to develop successfully.”

After the markets did not give an upbeat response to Clariant's last quarter results it will be interesting to follow how thing develop for the company in the nex few months. We shall keep you posted.

Reorganisation at Stora Enso - business areas to improve accounbtability, response, cost reduction etc. Is this credible?

Stora Enso made the following announcement today:

Stora Enso is reorganising its operations from the current four divisions into eight separate business areas: Fine Paper, Merchants, Consumer Board, Industrial Packaging, Magazine Paper, Newsprint, North America and Wood Products. An impairment charge totalling about EUR 1 300 million will be accounted for as a non-recurring item without cash impact in the third quarter of 2007.

"The main objectives of the reorganisation are to give business area leaders and their teams clear responsibility for improving financial performance, remove layers of management and to speed up decision-making. These changes will also improve our external transparency through enhanced reporting. The new structure will further focus the portfolio analysis work and facilitate scalability for the future, strengthening Stora Enso's position with regard to potential industry consolidation," says Stora Enso CEO Jouko Karvinen.

"Through these organisational changes, we also seek to improve the performance of our North American operations by reorganising them into a separate entity with full profit and loss responsibility reporting directly to me. Key criteria for defining the new business structure were identifying entities with strong synergies within the business and to a large extent their own customer base, while keeping customer interfaces simple and sharing relevant Group-level synergies."

The new organisational structure is effective immediately. Financial reporting in the third quarter results to be published on 25 October 2007 will be based on the new eight business areas. Historical figures based on the new business areas will be reported separately by 15 October 2007.

Further details of replay numbers can be found at www.storaenso.com/investors. If you would like an alternative view of this, refer to the Forbes report where the view of the analysts is that this will lead to a break-up of the business as it attempts to unload unprofitable operations.

The new organisation and its leadership are as follows:

Reporting Unit	Executive Responsible	Responsibility
Fine Paper Business Area	Aulis Ansaharju	Fine Paper, Country Manager Finland
Consumer Board Business Area, Merchants Business Area	Mats Nordlander	Consumer Board, Merchants, Market Services
Industrial Packaging Business Area	Veli-Jussi Potka	Industrial Packaging
Magazine Paper Business Area	Hannu Alalauri	Magazine Paper
Newsprint Business Area	Juha Vanhainen	Newsprint
North America Business Area	John Gillen*	North American businesses
Wood Products Business Area	Elisabet Salander Björklund	Wood Products, Wood Supply and Pulp Supply
Group Function Leaders
	Hannu Ryöppönen, Deputy CEO and CFO	Finance and Strategy, Purchasing
	Bernd Rettig	Technology and R&D, Operations Improvement, Logistics and Investments, Country Manager Germany
	Christer Ågren	HR Services, Leadership Development, IT, Country Manager Sweden

Domtar introduce an anti-microbial office paper

Paper 360 have reported on an interesting announcement from Domtar that they have produced the first antimicrobial office paper available in North America. It is designed to protect paper against the growth of bacteria, odours, fungus, mould and mildew. The key ingredient is a silver compound which kills most bacteria that come into contact with it. It is stated that, 'Although conceived for general office use, the paper's unique characteristics make it ideal for the healthcare, laboratory, hospitality, education and governmental sectors.'

A hot topic at the moment is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or 'Super Bug' as it is otherwise known, and it is reported that independent laboratory tests on Domtar Antimicrobial Office Paper demonstrate a 99% reduction of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and K. pneumoniae.

Given the significant increase in virulent bacteria such as MRSA over the past ten years, antimicrobial products are now sought throughout North America and, indeed, the world. Similar products exist in Europe and Asia and Domtar is the first company to bring an antimicrobial office paper to North America.

Domtar Antimicrobial Office Paper is manufactured under a licensing agreement with SilverCo, a developer of antimicrobial-patented technology. The antimicrobial compound has been registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Visit the Domtar web site for more information (www.domtar.com)

The Enemies of Reason ......... well worth a look if you have even a trace of scientific training or belief

Professor Richard Dawkins continues his support for science in the search of truth and reason. Certainly worth a watch (the programme can be downloaded) and as he makes a good case for reason and rationalism.

As stated in the brief for the UK's Channel 4 TV programme, 'There are two ways of looking at the world - through faith and superstition or through the rigours of logic, observation and evidence - in other words, through reason. Reason and respect for evidence are precious commodities, the source of human progress and our safeguard against fundamentalists and those who profit from obscuring the truth. Yet, today, society appears to be retreating from reason. Apparently harmless but utterly irrational belief systems from astrology to new age mysticism, clairvoyance to alternative health remedies are booming. Richard Dawkins confronts what he sees as an epidemic of irrational, superstitious thinking..... He explains the dangers the pick and mix of knowledge and nonsense poses in the internet age, and passionately restates the case for reason and science.'

Worth a look ..............

Kemira opens 'new' technology and business centre in Leverkusen

On the back of the acquisition of the LanXess paper business, Kemira has opened a 'new' business and technology centre at the Leverkusen base of the former LanXess.

The centre has 98 employees and will primarily concentrate on the traditional business of LanXess which is colourants (dyes and pigments) and optical brightening agents for papermaking. In addition to this core business and dedicated research focus for paper chemicals, there will also be some activities in wet-end and recycling chemicals.

LanXess (now Kemira) is a leading supplier of optical brightening agents (top 3) for papermaking and Kemira is the leader in the supply of chemicals to the global pulp and paper industry. For details of their financial results please see a recent post.