COMPETENCE IN PAPER

May 2026

From the board

Important structural and strategic topics for our association were discussed at the most recent board and advisory board meetings.

One focus was financial development. A significant portion of the membership contribution income for 2026 has already been received. Overall, the association's financial situation appears solid, with a slightly positive trend in asset growth.

Additionally, the cooperation with DIN Verlag was specified in more detail. The contract has been signed, and the onboarding process of the ZELLCHEMING technical leaflets is currently underway. The operational start is planned for June 2026.

General Assembly & Awards 2026

This year's General Assembly will take place on June 17, 2026, in Wiesbaden. In addition to the formal agenda, numerous awards will be presented, including

• Honor Ring Paper History: Emanuel Wenger
• Eugen Lendholt Memorial Medal: Dipl.-Ing. Xaver Weig
• Hans Clemm Memorial Medal: Prof. Dr. Samuel Schabel
• ZELLCHEMING Young Talent Award: Dr. Max Winkler

We invite you to a social evening in the evening, which will be more compact this year.

Current developments clearly demonstrate that ZELLCHEMING is built on a solid foundation and is strategically positioning itself for the future.

The coming months will be shaped by issues such as youth development, diversity, international collaboration, and visibility. We look forward to working with you in these areas.

Dr.-Ing. Frank P. Meltzer                Dr.-Ing. Tiemo Arndt
Chairman                                          Deputy Chairman

Series short interviews

As part of our introduction series, today we would like to introduce you to another member of the board: Birgit Bläsing. She is an executive assistant and project manager at Solenis Technologies Germany GmbH and has been active on the ZELLCHEMING association advisory board since July 2025.

Bläsing has many years of experience in the paper and chemical industries. After training as a chemical laboratory technician and paper technologist, she worked as a laboratory manager and in management roles in application technology, among other positions. Since 2018, she has worked on various projects related to paper and water technologies at Solenis and has also taken on assistant and project management tasks.

Bläsing demonstrates a particular commitment to diversity and supporting young talent. As the head of Solenis's women's organization, WINS, in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and in Germany, as well as a member of the Women4Paper advisory board, she has extensive experience promoting networks and equal opportunities.

What motivated you to become active in the ZELLCHEMING Association?
Birgit Bläsing: "For me, it was important to help shape the association's future development, both strategically and in terms of content. I also see great potential in expanding networks, especially increasing the visibility of women in our industry."

What focus areas would you like to establish within the association?
A central concern is further sharpening the association's profile and strengthening its visibility within the industry. I am particularly interested in the topics of sustainability, resource efficiency, and promoting young talent. At the same time, I would like to strengthen cooperation within the network and promote access to joint projects and initiatives.

From your point of view, what characterizes ZELLCHEMING?
ZELLCHEMING thrives on its strong network and the exchange between industry, research, and science. I particularly appreciate the practical insights gained from events and working groups, as well as the association's recognition of experienced specialists and young talent.

Where do you see development potential for the association?
First, I believe we need to strengthen our sense of community and clearly define the association's strategic orientation. To achieve this, I would like to support communication, develop content tailored to specific target groups, and highlight the advantages of membership.

From the office

ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026: On course to success!

ZELLCHEMING Expo 2026 is showing a very positive development during the preparation phase. Currently, more than 100 exhibitors, including 32 co-exhibitors, have confirmed their participation, which is around 85% of the hall's capacity.

👉 Therefore, a visit to ZELLCHEMINGExpo 2026 is more worthwhile than ever!

Innovative program & strong impulses for the industry

• Keynote: The future of the fiber-based industry
• Panel discussion: The future of the paper industry
• Best Practice presentations: technical presentations by exhibitors
• Technical committee contributions: current research topics

👉 Program & tickets:

Women4Paper & DPI

At Women4Paper, we celebrate the collaboration between ZELLCHEMING and DIE PAPIERINDUSTRIE, and we are jointly committed to increasing the visibility of female experts!

Scan the QR code for more information on Women4Paper. The paper stickers will be distributed at the Women4Paper live event on June 16, which is part of ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026.

Women4Paper Mentoring Program 2026/27

The Women4Paper mentoring program has been running for three years. It supports young women in building careers in the paper industry. The first cohorts of mentors and mentees have successfully completed the program.

We are now looking for young women interested in participating as mentees. The next cohort is planned to start in autumn 2026. Applications will be accepted until the end of August. Please encourage your female colleagues to learn more about the program!

👉 Apply until end of August
👉 Start: Fall 2026

From the association

We're happy to welcome new members this month!

We welcome to the ZELLCHEMING association:

• Dr. Andreas Geißler, PTS – Institut für Fasern & Papier gGmbH 
• Stephan Schmieder, german paper solutions GmbH & Co. KG
• Gerrit Schürmann, german paper solutions GmbH & Co. KG

Good reasons to join ZELLCHEMING

Adrian Ensmenger and Dr. Hendrik Kolvenbach, CEO Upcircle Technology AG 

• What role does the paper, pulp, and fiber industry play for you or your company?
  It is a key application area for our technology. UpCircle develops AI-based systems that automatically analyze waste paper bales—the starting point for the second life cycle of raw materials for paper production. Our solutions help paper mills and recyclers better understand material flows, reduce contamination, and increase resource efficiency throughout the entire value chain.

Adrian Ensmenger (left) and Dr. Hendrik Kolvenbach (right)

• What motivated you to become a ZELLCHEMING member?
  ZELLCHEMING brings together leading experts from the fiber-based industry, from research to application. For us, this community is an ideal platform for sharing innovations at the intersection of digitalization, the circular economy, and paper production. We aim to promote dialogue with plant operators, technology partners, and research institutions to establish new quality assurance and sustainability standards for paper recycling.
   

• How would you like to get involved with ZELLCHEMING? What is your current level of involvement?
  We would like to contribute our technological expertise in AI-supported quality control and data analysis to discussions in expert groups, workshops, and practical presentations on topics such as "Digitization of Raw Material Quality" and "Resource Efficiency through Data-Driven Process Optimization." Additionally, we plan to actively participate in the ZELLCHEMING Expo and other events to share our experiences.

Dates

• 20 May 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Paperbpard Technology (PBTC)
  Meeting Technical Committee Environmeental Issues (ENVI)
• 16-18 June 2026
  ZELLCHEMING-Expo
  16 June Meeting of the ZELLCHEMING board
  17 June General Meeting
  18 June ZELLCHEMING Career Day
• 8-9 September 2026
  Symposium "Attracting and Retaining Skilled Workers for the Paper and Pulp Industry"
• 17 September 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Chemical Additives (CHAD)
• 12 November 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Data Management (DATA)

From the technical committees

Technical Committee Microbiology: Contribution to PTS Conference

In March 2026, the MBIO technical committee participated in the PTS conference, "Paper & Board for Food Contact," presenting on the topic "Microbiology in Paper and Board."

The presentation focused on the role of microbiological aspects in paper-based packaging, particularly in the context of recycling. Although fiber-based packaging offers great sustainability potential, it also presents challenges, such as possible residues from recovered paper or previously insufficiently understood microbiological influences.

The presentation revealed that assessing microbiological risks in paper packaging remains complex, particularly when it comes to defining limit values. Nevertheless, more research is needed to better understand these relationships.

Meeting of the ZELLCHEMING Technical Committee Coating of Paper and Board

The spring meeting of the Technical Committee Coating of Paper and Board (TC-Coat) was held on April 20 and 21, 2026, at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry and Paper Chemistry (MAP) at TU Darmstadt.

Several technical presentations showcased innovative and sustainable coating solutions. There was a particular focus on bio-based, plastic-free barrier coatings, as well as new approaches in the field of silica-based wet strength agents. Presentations on topics such as microplastic analysis and lignin-based barrier formulations also received a lot of attention.

Additionally, young scientists presented their latest research findings, offering new perspectives and enriching the discussions. A tour of the institute offered further insight into its diverse research activities.

In addition to the technical content, the technical committee's future orientation was discussed to further increase added value for members.

Members of the TC COAT in Darmstadt

Meeting of the ZELLCHEMING Technical Committee Plant Engineering and Energy

The spring meeting of the Technical Committee Plant Engineering and Energy (TC ENEN) took place on April 23 and 24, 2026, at Essity Operations Mannheim GmbH. Around 20 participants took the opportunity to engage in intensive technical discussions.

The meeting focused on current developments related to artificial intelligence. Two technical presentations covered the fundamentals and development of AI, as well as its concrete applications in the digitalization of the paper industry. Another highlight was the plant tour, during which participants gained insight into the production process and innovative sustainability solutions at the Mannheim site.

The technical committee sincerely thanks Essity for their hospitality and looks forward to the next meeting in September 2026.

Participants of the TC ENEN meeting at Essity in Mannheim

Meeting of the ZELLCHEMING Technical Committee Finishing of Paper and Paperboard

On April 23, 2026, the Technical Committee FPPB convened at Kartonfabrik MM Gernsbach GmbH in Gernsbach.

A central topic of the meeting was the joint development of a project proposal by PTS regarding cutting edges, for which goals and content were defined collectively. Further technical insights were provided through a presentation on automated guided vehicles (AGVs), focusing on applications, control, and visualization, as well as a presentation on digitally documenting image data. As is customary, the meeting included an exchange of experiences on occupational safety, which led to intensive and practical discussions.

Participants also took the opportunity to tour the plant, which had already taken place the day before.

Participants of the TC FPPB meeting on 23 April at MM Gernsbach GmbH

From the network

Paper Makers’ Stammtisch – Exchange in the West Region

The West Regional Group of VPM warmly invites you to the next Paper Makers' Regulars' Table:

📅 Friday, 12 June 2026
🕕 from 6 p.m.
📍 Brauhaus, Annaplatz 1, 52349 Düren

The Stammtisch provides a great opportunity to discuss current professional topics, industry developments, and personal experiences in a relaxed atmosphere. Networking within the region is also a focus.

You can register until the end of May by emailing Janek Schiefer at janek.schiefer@heimbach.com. Spontaneous participation is also welcome.

Blue Sky Award Europe 2026 – Apply now!

The European umbrella association CEPI, together with EUCEPA, is now accepting applications for the Blue Sky Young Researchers & Innovation Award Europe 2026 and the Blue Sky Pro Young Professionals Award Europe 2026.

These awards recognize innovative projects throughout the forest-based industry value chain, from scientific research to practical industry implementation.

Target groups:

• Young Researchers (under 30 years)
• Young Professionals (under 35 years)

Benefits:

• professional presentation training
• presentation at the Bioeconomy LAB Exhibition in Brussels
• exclusive networking opportunities

Winners will also automatically qualify for the 2027 global competition.

📅 Application deadline: 30 June 2026
👉 To apply: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CEPI1/BlueSkyYoungResearchersYoungProfessionalsAwardEurope2026

Save the Date – Fiber Stock Symposium 2026

The fiber stock symposium will take place on November 25–26, 2026 in Dresden and will once again be organized jointly with PTS.

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