COMPETENCE IN PAPER

October 2026

From the board

Successful ZELLCHEMING Webinar with International Appeal

In collaboration with the Association of Finnish Paper Engineers, ZELLCHEMING hosted a webinar in early September titled “Where Are You Going, Europe? The Competitiveness of the European Paper Industry.” With approximately 500 participants from across Europe, the event generated an exceptionally high level of interest, underscoring the relevance of the current challenges and future prospects facing the European paper industry.

The speakers examined the industry’s competitiveness from various perspectives. High-profile speakers included Mika Aaltola (Member of the European Parliament for Finland), Minna Mentzer (Business Development Director at Metsä Spring), and Dr. Matthias Rauhut (CEO of ZELLCHEMING member company DREWSEN Holding GmbH). Their presentations offered valuable insights into the political, economic, and technological factors that will influence the future of the European paper industry.

The strong response to the webinar demonstrates the need for international professional exchange within the European pulp and paper industry. Through the collaboration of the two associations, expert knowledge, networks, and perspectives from various countries were successfully brought together.

"With approximately 500 participants, the success of this webinar demonstrates just how important cross-border dialogue has become for our industry. I consider the collaboration between ZELLCHEMING and the Association of Finnish Paper Engineers groundbreaking. It establishes a robust European foundation for knowledge exchange, innovation, and a collective vision for the future of our industry. Such partnerships will play a decisive role in strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the European paper industry.”
—Dr.-Ing. Frank P. Meltzer, Chairman of ZELLCHEMING

The recording is available to registered users in the ForestBioFacts webinar archive for anyone who missed the webinar or would like to watch individual presentations again. Interested companies can receive a free two-week trial subscription for their organization: https://cstu.io/83e6b1/.

Meeting of the advisory board

At its online meeting on September 23, the ZELLCHEMING association's advisory board established the strategic priorities for 2027 and 2028. These priorities include further developing the Expo into a high-profile "paper showcase," expanding international collaborations, sustainably growing the membership base, supporting young talent, and securing funding. Plans include new partnerships with Finland and European networks, strengthening the position of Women4Paper, and targeted measures to recruit young talent. Due to limited resources, selected pilot projects will be implemented in 2027 and evaluated for potential expansion.

Participants of the ZELLCHEMING advisory board meeting

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

From the office

Attracting and retaining skilled workers. Shaping the future.

How can our industry attract and retain qualified employees in the long term? This question was the focus of the symposium "Attracting and Retaining Skilled Workers for the Paper and Pulp Industry," where we discussed it with numerous industry representatives.

On September 8 and 9, 2026, DIE PAPIERINDUSTRIE, together with ZELLCHEMING and the Friends of the Gernsbach Paper Center (FÖP), hosted the symposium at the Paper Center in Gernsbach. This collaborative effort once again demonstrated the importance of strong partnerships for the future of our industry.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Retaining skilled workers is the industry's shared responsibility.
Companies create attractive working conditions, and networks and associations foster knowledge transfer, exchange, and a sense of belonging across company boundaries.

✅ Corporate culture remains the key factor for success.
Appreciation, growth opportunities, open communication, and employee involvement are crucial for retaining employees in the long term.

✅ Networks foster a sense of belonging and open up new opportunities.
Events such as the ZELLCHEMING-Expo, Career Day, expert committees, regional groups, and Women4Paper facilitate professional development and personal interaction.

✅ Securing a sustainable supply of skilled workers requires a combination of recruitment and retention strategies.
To inspire talent in the long term, the industry must present itself as modern, reliable, and forward-looking.

Our conclusion: Retaining skilled workers does not result from individual measures. Rather, it stems from development opportunities, active networking, appreciation, and the active participation of the individuals who shape our industry. ZELLCHEMING sees itself as a platform that connects companies, skilled workers, academia, and the next generation.

from left to right: Andre P.H. Müller, Victoria Scherzinger, Petra Hanke, Dr.-Ing. Frank P. Meltzer

ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2027: Book your booth now! 

From June 22 to 24, 2027, the RheinMain CongressCenter (RMCC) in Wiesbaden will once again serve as the central meeting place for the paper, pulp, and fiber-based industries. ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2027 brings together technology providers, users, decision-makers, and up-and-coming talent across the entire value chain, offering the ideal platform for innovation, knowledge transfer, and networking.

You can reserve your booth space online now or download the information brochure here.

From the association

Shaping the Fiber-Based Circular Economy Together

The partnership between the ZELLCHEMING Association and the Global Fibre Congress (GFC) in Dornbirn shows how closely the paper, fiber, and textile industries collaborate. The focus is on new approaches to the circular economy, innovative recycling concepts, and the shared use of renewable raw materials. In this interview, Friedrich Weninger (far right in the photo below), the managing director of the Austrian Fibers Institute and a member of the GFC program committee, discusses the opportunities that arise from this collaboration and the role of cross-industry networks in shaping a sustainable, fiber-based future.

The partnership between the Global Fibre Congress (GFC) and ZELLCHEMING gained further momentum in 2026. In your view, what makes this collaboration so valuable?
Friedrich Weninger: "Combining the fiber and textile expertise of the Dornbirn-based GFC with ZELLCHEMING’s pulp and paper expertise creates tremendous potential for innovation. Both organizations emphasize scientific content and collaborate closely with research institutions, universities, and industry partners.

Where do you see the greatest synergies between the textile and paper industries?
There is significant overlap, particularly regarding raw materials. Given the increasing scarcity of resources, leveraging these synergies is becoming ever more important. At the same time, both industries can learn from each other in terms of manufacturing processes and applications, such as hygiene products.

Textile waste is increasingly viewed as a valuable source of raw materials. What opportunities does this present for the paper industry?
In Europe alone, 7 to 8 million tons of textile waste are generated annually, including approximately 3 million tons of cellulose fibers. Both industries can tap into this potential source of raw materials. Fiber length and purity are crucial factors, but many applications already exist today that are interesting.

The circular economy was one of the conference's central themes. Where do we stand today?
For years, the paper industry has shown how well the circular economy can work. The textile and fiber industry, however, still has a lot of ground to make up in this area. In addition to technological advances, what is needed above all is investment and the courage to implement new recycling solutions on an industrial scale.

What role do cross-industry networks and partnerships play?
They are crucial. It’s often worthwhile to rethink the use of recycled materials and not limit their application to one’s own industry exclusively. Companies, research institutions, and associations can develop solutions together that they could not achieve on their own.

What is your vision for the future of the textile and paper industries?
Wood and cellulose will become even more valuable raw materials. I envision both industries using recycled fibers repeatedly and across sectors and jointly developing new processes and products for a sustainable, fiber-based economy.

Mr. Weninger, thank you for this interview.

Advertorial

Webinar: Fire Risks in the Paper Industry: Early Detection and Targeted Prevention

The paper industry faces a particular challenge in fire protection due to high fire loads and demanding production processes. Therefore, it is crucial to detect critical heat buildup as early as possible, before it develops into a fire.

In this webinar, Dr. Simon Trippler and Mark Müller from ZELLCHEMING member company Orglmeister Brandschutz GmbH & Co. KG will discuss the specific fire risks in the paper industry and explain how intelligent early fire detection can identify critical temperature increases and initiate targeted responses.

The November 17 webinar combines a solid theoretical foundation with concrete practical experience. Dr. Simon Trippler will contribute his scientific background and expertise in industrial fire protection to the discussion. Mark Müller will contribute his extensive experience in planning and implementing intelligent early fire detection and automated suppression systems. Together, they will demonstrate how to assess fire risks and develop effective protection strategies for the paper industry.

The webinar is practical and industry-specific, and there will be time for your questions.

Register now.

Advertorial

We are happy to welcome new ZELLCHEMING members this month!

We welcome to the ZELLCHEMING association:

• Nicolaas Brunke, Anssum AG
• Johannes van Zyl, Anssum AG
• Dr. Frank Wenig, Steinbeis Papier GmbH
• Dr. Max Winkler, Technikum Laubholz GmbH
• Dr.rer.nat. Diana Wischang, SE Tylose GmbH & Co. KG

Good reasons to join ZELLCHEMING

Sigrid Tertinegg, Marketing Manager and Christian Makari, Sales Manager GAW technologies GmbH

What role does the paper, pulp, and fiber industry play in your life or in your company?
The industry faces immense challenges. GAW Technologies is a company with decades of experience that can help address these challenges. Conserving valuable resources and implementing efficient solutions to reduce production costs are key to a successful future, and we can help with both. As a corporate member of the ZELLCHEMING e.V. association, we also aim to contribute our expertise.

What motivated you to become a ZELLCHEMING member?
GAW has been an exhibitor at the ZELLCHEMING Expo for many years, one of the most important industry gatherings in the German-speaking world. This has allowed us to become familiar with this platform as an industry meeting place and experience firsthand how research, science, and industry converge here. Now is a good time to become a corporate member and support the association.

In what ways would you like to get involved with ZELLCHEMING, and how are you currently contributing?
Sigrid Tertinegg said, "I’ve been part of the ZELLCHEMING Women4Paper group for many years, and it’s both a priority and a pleasure for me to continue the successful work here now as a full member of the association.

The network offers an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with talented and dedicated women from the paper and pulp industry, to learn from one another, and to further our professional development."

On LinkedIn, I’ve had the opportunity to lead two workshops, one in person at ZELLCHEMING Expo 2025 and one online. LinkedIn offers a great opportunity to showcase one’s skills and talents to a professional audience and relevant peer groups. This is particularly important for women, for example during career breaks or when taking the next steps in their careers, to stay in the loop and highlight their expertise."

Dates

• 27 October 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Recovered Paper Utilization (RECO)
• 5 November 2026
  Meeting Technical Sub-Committee Electrical Engineering and Automation (ENEN2)
• 6 November 2026
  Symposium Regional Groups North ZELLCHEMING/VPM
• 9 November 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Environmental Issues (ENVI)
• 10 November 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Paperboard Technology (PBTC)
  Meeting Technical Sub-Committee Energy (ENEN1)
• 12 November 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Data Management (DATA)
• 25 November 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Finishing of Paper and Paperboard (FPPB)
• 25-26 November 2026
  PTS Faserstoffsymposium 2026
• 22-23 April 2027
  Meeting Technical Committee Plant Engineering and Energy (ENEN)
• 22-24 June 2027
  ZELLCHEMING-Expo

From the technical committees

The Technical Committee on Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives (CELL) met at Södra in Värö

In late August, the CELL Technical Committee of ZELLCHEMING e.V. held its fall workshop and subsequent committee meeting at Södra Cell Värö in Sweden. During the workshop, members and guests discussed current developments in the pulp, cellulose, and lignin industries. Key topics included dissolving pulps from alternative raw materials, Lyocell technologies, biorefinery concepts, lignin utilization, and approaches to CO₂ capture and sustainability assessment.

The members’ meeting agenda also included reports from companies and research institutions on the industry’s current economic and technological conditions. The discussions clearly highlighted the growing importance of biorefinery concepts, the circular economy, and sustainable products for the future competitiveness of the pulp industry. Several new members were also welcomed to the technical committee. The next meeting is scheduled for fall 2027.

The Technical Committee on Chemical Additives (CHAD) focuses on water management and new regulatory requirements

In mid-September, the CHAD Technical Committee held its 77th meeting at Koehler Paper in Kehl. The meeting focused on the work of the “Water Use for Additive Dosing” working group. The results presented showed that dilution and drive water, in particular, significantly impact water consumption in paper mills. Various approaches to reducing water demand and options for further using process water were discussed. These results will be published in a ZELLCHEMING technical leaflet and other technical publications.

Another key focus was current regulatory developments. Presentations covered considerations for revising BfR Recommendation XXXVI for food-contact papers and the status of revising the European BREF document for the paper and pulp industry. Future requirements will address areas such as emissions, resource consumption, decarbonization, and chemical management, among others.

These topics underscore the important role of the Technical Committee as a platform for professional exchange on the technological and regulatory challenges facing the paper industry.

New glossary: Microbiology in Paper Manufacturing

Training programs for papermakers and engineering studies devote very little time to teaching microbiological processes in paper production. This can be disadvantageous, especially in the complex world of the paper industry, because microorganisms can disrupt processes repeatedly—or have a positive impact on them. Since paper is a sustainable product, understanding microbiology can help strengthen sustainability.

At events such as the ZELLCHEMING Expo and online sustainability seminars, the ZELLCHEMING Technical Committee on Microbiology (MBIO) has learned that, although there is interest in this topic, the interrelationships are not easily understood.  Therefore, the MBIO Technical Committee has created a glossary specifically addressing microbiology in paper manufacturing. The glossary is continuously expanding.

Initially, the committee is addressing microorganisms and related issues, such as pathogenic microorganisms, deposits and biofilms, odors and spoilage, and impurities. Each topic has a comprehensive chapter, and ultimately, each is examined from multiple perspectives. Additional topics will follow. 

Since training institutions have requested that individual members of the Technical Committee create reference documents, the Technical Committee is making the glossary available directly to them. Association members have access to the document in the restricted members-only area, and non-members have easy access as well. For more information, please contact Cornelia Gembus.

From the network

Last Call: Apply now for the Women4Paper Mentoring Program 2026/2027!

Would you like to advance your professional and personal development, expand your network in the paper and fiber industry, and benefit from a seasoned mentor's experience? If so, take this opportunity to apply for the Women4Paper Mentoring Program 2026/2027 now.

Organized by the ZELLCHEMING Women’s Network, the program supports the development of leadership and communication skills, promotes the exchange of experiences across company and departmental boundaries, and offers valuable insights for personal career planning. It consists primarily of online meetings between mentoring pairs every six to eight weeks.

The application deadline is October 16, 2026. The goal is to form three mentoring pairs. The kickoff meeting will take place in December 2026.

Those interested can contact Petra Hanke for more information and to register. Contact: p.hanke@zellcheming.de.

Webinar: Getting More Out of Existing Facilities: Leveraging Points for Efficiency in the Fiber and Paper Industry

Energy and raw material costs are still one of the biggest challenges for the fiber and paper industry. However, many existing plants have significant untapped potential for savings without the need for costly retrofits or investments in new equipment.

In this webinar, ZELLCHEMING member company Anssum AG (Switzerland), an engineering consulting firm that specializes in control engineering and process optimization, will demonstrate where untapped efficiency reserves typically lie in process control and how to realize them using existing machinery without retrofitting or causing production downtime. The webinar will focus on practical experience and concrete examples from the industry.

There will be ample time afterward for open discussion. Questions, personal experiences, and the exchange of ideas are encouraged.

Date: October 29, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Duration: approx. 45–60 minutes (max. 30 minutes for presentation, remainder for open discussion)

Registration is now open via the following link:
https://forms.gle/PGnzo9CFmgN68rmn6

Fiber Symposium 2026 – Program now online!

Plant fibers form the basis of many forward-looking materials and applications. But what potential do they truly hold? And how can new fiber sources, processes, and products be developed in an efficient, sustainable, and marketable way?

Learn more at the fiber industry’s gathering—the joint Fiber Symposium 2026 organized by ZELLCHEMING and PTS. In a festive pre-Christmas atmosphere, under the theme “What Can My Fiber Do?”, an exciting program of presentations and an atmospheric evening program await you in Dresden’s baroque city center.

The presentation program, along with further details about the symposium, is now available on the following website: Fiber Symposium 2026. Members of the ZELLCHEMING Association receive a 25% discount on conference fees.

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