COMPETENCE IN PAPER

Newsletter

March 2026

From the board

Focus on the Future and Competitiveness of the Paper Industry

Preparations for ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026 are in full swing, and excitement is building every day! From June 16 to 18, 2026, the RheinMain CongressCenter (RMCC) in Wiesbaden will once again be the central hub for the paper, pulp, and fiber industries.

The focus will be on a topic that couldn't be more timely: The Future of the Paper Industry: Which Concepts, Business Areas, and Framework Conditions Will Ensure Our Competitiveness?

We are pleased to welcome futurist Lars Thomsen for the opening presentation. He is one of the world’s most influential experts on trends, technologies, and transformation. With over 35 years of experience, hundreds of consulting projects, and a network of global innovation leaders, Thomsen offers unique insights and an inspiring speaking style.

The title of his keynote is: "Winds of Change 2030: Finding Your Way in Times of Major Shifts - and What They Mean for the Fiber-Based Industry."

He highlights which changes will have a lasting impact and which trends are merely short-lived. He views the bioeconomy as Europe's strategic backbone, provided that competitiveness is reimagined with a focus on energy, digitalization, and geopolitical realities. He also explains how "augmented intelligence" can enable a significant increase in productivity and why a unique window of opportunity is opening for bold decisions.

Lars Thomsen

We invite the following industry representatives to join us on stage for an inspiring panel discussion:

• Lars Mallasch, Group Technical and Sustainability Director, Mondi
• Jakob Kühnen, Founder and CEO, Bottelsa
• Eva Kriegbaum, General Manager German Paper Mills, UPM
• Alexander von Reibnitz, CEO, DPI (Association of the German Paper Industry)

These individuals hold key positions in our industry and are actively shaping the ongoing transformation. Mr. von Reibnitz will also share the specific initiatives the association plans to use to initiate, support, and guide these transformation processes.

The second day of the trade show is dedicated to the ZELLCHEMING technical committees. From water-optimized additive dosing to innovative concepts for sustainable wastewater treatment, expertise comes to life here. For instance, the Chemical Additives Technical Committee (CHAD) will present “Water Requirements in the Preparation and Dosing of Chemical Additives.” This ties in with the Environmental Issues Technical Committee's (ENVI) report on "Technologies and Approaches for Sustainable Resource Use in the Field of (Waste)Water Treatment to Minimize Water and Energy Consumption and Emissions."

The third day of the Expo is dedicated to ZELLCHEMING Career Day. The program begins with the presentation of the 2026 ZELLCHEMING Young Talent Award. Then, Science Flash will present research that is sure to amaze. Young scientists will present their latest projects in a concise, energetic, and practical manner. Speakers include Flemming Heuvel (ITA-RWTH Aachen), who will present the Zero-Break Vision: a data-driven optimization and assistance system for predictive line control; Therese Schüler (PTS Heidenau) will present mineral coatings for fiber-based materials under the title "Functional Without Plastic."

A key component of Career Day is the participation of young industry professionals, many of whom are expected to attend. Focusing on low-barrier networking opportunities, Career Day is supported by a large network of partners, including leading educational institutions, organizations, and other partners in the industry. The goal is to attract and retain young talent for the paper industry. One proven element that playfully builds bridges between the industry and interested young people is our Paper Rally, led by professional direction. Participating exhibitors set up stations along the course and provide tips to answer questions.

We hope to see many of you in person at ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026!

This year, the association will continue to actively support its members. You will receive a personal voucher code for free access to the event. Codes will be mailed in April, along with an invitation to the ZELLCHEMING General Meeting on June 17. 

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

Series of Short Interviews

Over the past few months, we have used our newsletters to introduce you to the members of our new executive board on a personal level.

Today, you will learn more about Dr. rer. nat. Martin Zahel, MBA, the head of the Fibers & Composites Division at PTS – Institut für Fasern & Papier gGmbH. He has served as chair of the main committee since July 2025.

Dr. Zahel completed his chemistry studies at the Technical University of Dresden in 2011, earning a Master of Science degree, and he earned an MBA from Mittweida University of Applied Sciences in 2025. During his doctoral studies in organic chemistry at the Technical University of Dresden (2011–2015), he developed synthetic routes for several bioactive sesquiterpenes with antitumor activity. After earning his doctorate, he shifted his focus primarily to his work at PTS in Heidenau, where he has been employed since 2014. Initially, he worked as a project manager in advanced chemical modification of cellulose fibers and polysaccharide materials. From 2017, he served as head of the Composite & Modification Department. Since 2020, he has been the head of the Fibers & Composites Business Unit. His professional focus is on developing novel bio-based materials and associated process technologies.

Dr. rer. nat. Martin Zahel

How did you first become aware of ZELLCHEMING?
I believe I first came into contact with it at the Expo in Frankfurt in either 2016 or 2017. Shortly after that, I joined the association and the Technical Committee on Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives (CELL).

What motivated you to become more actively involved in the association?
Curiosity about the contributions the various technical committees can make was one reason. I am currently active in three technical committees - CELL, Pulp Production (CHEP), and Chemical Additives (CHAD) - so I am familiar with a few of the different working methods. As a scientist, I am always networking and brokering knowledge, so I can contribute more through my volunteer work with ZELLCHEMING.

What sets the ZELLCHEMING association apart, in your view?
I appreciate its interdisciplinary focus. We have an established platform that brings together all relevant stakeholders in the fiber-based bioeconomy. This makes it easier for younger colleagues, in particular, to quickly become familiar with the field. I’m constantly struck by how truly cross-cutting ZELLCHEMING is. Regional and institutional boundaries don't matter here. This is certainly a unique selling point compared to many other clusters or networks.

What contribution would you like to make to the association's development?
As the executive committee chair, fostering connections between academia and industry is one of my key priorities. From my professional experience, I’ve observed that the scope of pulp and paper research has expanded significantly in recent years. This is particularly important when it comes to recruiting the next generation of researchers. Most of our PTS students today do not study traditional paper engineering. Instead, they come from other disciplines, such as chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, packaging technology, and natural materials technology. They only become aware of our industry in the course of their studies.

At the same time, research centers involved in materials development across Europe are increasingly “discovering” lignocellulose as an interesting feedstock. This has led to a steady stream of exciting scientific work in this area. I would like to take this potential into fuller account in the future. One step in that direction would be to include research institutions or departments in Science-Flash that we have not focused on primarily until now.

Women4Paper

At the Women4Paper meeting during the ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026 on June 17, representatives from the paper industry will describe how modern work environments are designed and explain why flexibility and work-life balance are essential today. These representatives include Florian Schneemann, Head of Talent Attractiveness & Acquisition, and Victoria Scherzinger, Product Development and Application Manager of the Refined Fibre Business and B2B at WEPA.

Florian Schneemann and Victoria Scherzinger

From the association

We are happy to welcome new members again this month!

We welcome to the ZELLCHEMING association:

• Heiko Abel, Karl Wenk GmbH
• Corinna Auer, Knauf Gips KG
• Mathias Beck, Axchem Deutschland GmbH
• Diego Fort, Cargill Deutschland GmbH
• Sebastian Frank, Essity Operations Mannheim GmbH
• Gustav Goebbels, Cargill Deutschland GmbH
• Hajo Hoops, GETEC heat & power GmbH
• Henning Kaldewey, GETEC heat & power GmbH
• Christian Kleefeld, Reflex GmbH & Co. KG
• Thomas Leifert, Felix Schoeller Holding GmbH & Co. KG
• Peter Leonhardt, Cargill Deutschland GmbH
• Jan Mehlberg, GETEC heat & power GmbH
• Thomas Müller, Axchem Deutschland GmbH
• Jakob Peters, Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
• Andreas Voigt, Cargill Deutschland GmbH
• Monika Wenk, Karl Wenk GmbH

Dates

• 26 March 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Chemical Additives (CHAD)
• 21 April 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Coating of Paper and Board (COAT)
• 22 April 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Finishing of Paper and Paperboard (FPPB)
• 23 April 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Plant Engineering and Energy (ENEN)
• 20 May 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Paperboard Technology (PBTC)
  Meeting Technical Committee Environmental Issues (ENVI)
• 16-18 June 2026
  ZELLCHEMING-Expo
• 17 September 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Chemical Additives (CHAD)

From the Technical Committees

Meeting Technical Committee Data Management (DATA)

On March 17, 2026, the ZELLCHEMING Data Management Technical Committee (TC DATA) convened at the Papierzentrum Gernsbach on the Gernsbach Campus. The meeting had 25 participants, which underscores the significant interest in topics related to data preparation, data quality, and data usage in the paper industry.

The meeting focused on current developments and practical issues in data management. The session featured insights from industry experts and technical discussions on digitalization, AI, optimization, and the further development of the "Good Data Management" guideline. Once again, it became clear that a robust and clean database is an essential prerequisite for successful digital applications.

Another highlight of the program was the visit to Magnera Corporation, which offered interesting insights into industrial applications and technological developments at the intersection of various fiber-based industries. Gernsbach's blend of industrial history and a culture of innovation provided a fitting backdrop for the event. We would like to thank Stefanie Hehl and Tanja Schweizer in particular for co-organizing the event and for their hospitality!

ZELLCHEMING would like to thank all the contributors and participants for their open and dedicated dialogue. Special thanks go to Rosario Othen and Dr. Jörg Padberg, who have shaped and developed the DATA Expert Committee with great dedication, professional expertise, and a clear understanding of relevant industry topics.
 
If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Rosario Othen.

Participants of the TC DATA meeting on March 17, 2026, in Gernsbach

From the office

ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026

The RheinMain CongressCenter's (RMCC) Exhibitor Hall North is expected to be fully booked again this year. "We're expecting around 130 exhibitors and 3,000 visitors," said Petra Hanke, managing director of ZELLCHEMING Service GmbH.

Expo 2026 will also feature a premiere that is sure to cause a stir: a new collaboration between ZELLCHEMING, ITA Aachen, and the Global Fibre Congress (GFC) in Dornbirn. Titled “Fiber & Textile Meets Pulp & Paper,” the event will build an interdisciplinary bridge between two fields with great innovation potential. On the main stage, representatives from Lenzing Papier and Texboard will present the latest developments. Following this, around 30 experts will delve deeper into these ideas in an exclusive workshop.

Networking Event: "Connect, Swing & Celebrate“

We remain committed to the tradition of networking, and this year, we're introducing a new element for members and Expo visitors: an evening filled with music and camaraderie, thanks to the musical talents of the Galazzos!

The band plays classic rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, swing, and country, sometimes paying tribute to the pioneers of these genres and sometimes offering fun interpretations of modern pop, rock, hip-hop, and Schlager songs. Food and drinks are included with the Network Evening ticket, priced at 49 euros for regular attendees and 25 euros for ZELLCHEMING students members.

Companies can support the event by becoming sponsors, with flexible packages tailored to their specific goals. Contact Cornelia Gembus for more information.

Exhibitors and paper mills can also sponsor the Paper Rally and engage with up-and-coming talent. Click here for more information.

The complete program for the Expo & Trade Congress, as well as the registration link, can be found here:

From the network

Paper Bioeconomy Conference

For decades, the international paper and pulp industry has relied on its annual conference in Graz as a proven platform for professional exchange and networking across the entire value chain. On May 20 and 21, 2026, the PAPER BIOECONOMY CONFERENCE (PBC) will serve as a forum once again to discuss the latest industry developments, challenges, and future prospects.

The event's new name reflects the high importance that the bioeconomy holds for the sector. For more information, visit: www.paper-bioeconomy.com

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