Paper Technology International 2024 - Journal - Page 11

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
Foreword
Up to date for the future
Ours is one of those few industries that have existed for
centuries, yet consistently remains well ahead of the curve; in
Europe we can soon celebrate 950 years of continuous industrial
paper production. Although the 昀椀rst manufacturers would of
course be amazed to see today’s modern paper mills, they would
still recognise the pioneering spirit of our industry in action and
application of the most advanced technology in endeavouring to
meet society’s needs.
Our products are rarely an end in themselves, more often
an enabler for other industry sectors. Now, we are also injecting
sustainability into industries that rightly feel necessary to transform,
automotive being a case where I have seen many 昀椀ne and exciting
examples recently. The futuristic Lancia 100 per cent electric
vehicles make use of cellulose acetate in their interior design, to
reach that very Italian aspiration of combining innovation, tradition,
and respect for the environment in style, BMW also uses light but
strong corrugated cardboard elements in the roof structure of Mini.
Lignin will play a role in various applications, from more sustainable
battery materials to more resource-ef昀椀cient road surfaces - the list
goes on.
Many things can be made from wood, but not everything
of course. We simply must make the best use of already
existing material stocks, and that can be massively assisted
through embracing a circular economy. Circular economy alone
would not be enough however, as society cannot fully recover
from yesterday’s consumption all that is needed for tomorrow.
Bioeconomy can replenish society’s material stocks; therefore,
bioeconomy and circular economy really must go hand in hand. Here our sector has advanced in technology
as well, responding to the challenges regarding our use of resources, energy, and climate. With that we will
continue injecting sustainability in close collaborations with other industries.
Collaborations, when done with an open mind, are transformative, even in areas where one was
already an expert. They force us to see the subject in more depth and from a different perspective, that of
the changing need of the customer. That transformative collaboration is the power that has kept, and will
continue to keep us, ahead of the game.
Cepi as an organisation has the attitude of a humble champion, working hard to meet extremely
ambitious goals and, when met, raising the bar still further. We would not be able to have that attitude if it
were not re昀氀ecting the overwhelming perspective of our industry in general.
We have good reason to be proud of the goals we have set and achieved thus far. It is important to
tell what we do and will and can continue to do, how else would new customers know to come to us with
their needs? - and this is particularly crucial for the younger generations. Often paralysed with negative
news, young people need to see action taken and progress made in areas they value so highly, they are
also the source for the future workforce that will keep our industry progressing!
At Cepi, we are very pleased to partner with Paper Technology International, their innovative media
channels help us pass on all the news about the sector and evidence that we are the industry of the future.
We will meet headwinds with our strong roots and long tradition, we will stay up to date for the future!
Jori Ringman
Director General
Cepi.org
11

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