COMPETENCE IN PAPER

September 2026

From the board

At the 2026 ZELLCHEMING Annual General Meeting, awards were once again presented to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the paper, pulp, and fiber industry through their scientific, technical, entrepreneurial, and volunteer contributions. The honors reflect the diversity of talent that shapes our industry—from dedicated young scientists to long-standing pioneers in industry, research, and association work.

ZELLCHEMING Awards 2026

• Eugen-Lendholt-Medal: Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Xaver Weig,
  laudatory speaker Dr. Hartmut Wurster
• Hans-Clemm-Medal: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Samuel Schabel,
  laudatory speaker Dr.-Ing. Heinz Joachim Schaffrath
• Ring of Honor for Paper History: Dipl.-Ing. Emanuel Wenger,
  laudatory speaker Dr. Georg Dietz
• ZELLCHEMING Young Talents' Award: Dr. Max Emanuel Winkler
  laudatory speakerProf. Dr. habil. Steffen Fischer, TU Dresden, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Institute of Plant and Wood Chemistry

Xaver Weig was honored with the Eugen-Lendholt-Medal for his outstanding technical, scientific, and entrepreneurial achievements. The laudatory speech painted a picture of a responsible family entrepreneur who played a decisive role in shaping the development of the WEIG Group while actively promoting the integration of science and industrial practice. Particular recognition was given to his decades-long involvement in the association’s committees as well as his sustained commitment to the further development of ZELLCHEMING as a bridge between research and application.

l.t.r.: Dr.-Ing. Frank P. Meltzer, Magdalena Weig, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Xaver Weig, Dr. Hartmut Wurster

Among the other honors was the presentation of the Hans-Clemm-Medal to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Samuel Schabel. Dr.-Ing. Heinz Joachim Schaffrath, who delivered the laudatory speech, highlighted Schabel’s longstanding and exceptional commitment to the ZELLCHEMING Association. In addition to his contributions to technical committees, the advisory board, and conference organization, he particularly commended Samuel Schabel’s dedication to the future of university-level paper engineering education and the further development of forward-looking research fields at TU Darmstadt.

l.t.r.: Dr.-Ing. Frank P. Meltzer, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Samuel Schabel, Dr.-Ing. Heinz Joachim Schaffrath

The Honorary Ring for Paper History was awarded to Dipl.-Ing. Emanuel Wenger. In his laudatory speech, Dr. Georg Dietz highlighted the outstanding significance of Wenger’s life’s work for international research on the history of paper. With the Bernstein Portal, which he initiated, he has created a unique tool for cataloging and researching historical watermarks, opening up new possibilities for researchers worldwide.

l.t.r.: Dr.-Ing. Frank P. Meltzer, Dipl.-Ing. Emanuel Wenger, Dr. Georg Dietz

Dr. Max Emanuel Winkler was awarded the 2026 ZELLCHEMING Young Talents' Award. In his laudatory speech, his academic mentor praised his exceptional interdisciplinary career, which combines expertise in forestry, engineering, and chemistry. Particular emphasis was placed on his dissertation—completed with honors—on the use of agricultural byproducts for the production of chemical pulp, as well as his consistent translation of scientific findings into industrial and societal applications.

l.t.r.: Dr.-Ing. Frank P. Meltzer, Dr. Max Winkler, Prof. Dr. habil. Steffen Fischer

The Executive Board extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the honorees and would also like to thank the presenters for their personal and impressive tributes to their achievements. Together, they exemplify innovation, dedication, and responsibility in our industry.

All further information regarding Annual General Meeting and the successful ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026 can be found in the members-only area at "Mitgliederinformationen".

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

Series short interviews

As part of our series of profiles, we would like to introduce you today to another member of the ZELLCHEMING Board of Directors: Dr. Eva Nagy, Business Developer at Kurita Europe GmbH, who has been serving on the association’s Advisory Board since July 2025.

Dr. Nagy, please introduce yourself briefly to our members.
Although my original professional background is not directly in the paper industry, I have been closely involved with this sector for more than 25 years. My first involvement with the industry began in 1999 when I worked with Imerys’s Eastern European agent. I then worked as a freelance agent for the polymer manufacturer 3F Chimica, which was acquired by Kemira in 2013.

Following the acquisition, I initially continued to work as a freelance agent before joining Kemira directly in 2016, first as a sales representative and later as a sales manager. In 2019, I took on the role of key account manager at Agrana. Since September 2025, I have been working as a Business Developer at Kurita Europe GmbH.

My professional focus has always been primarily on additives for a wide variety of applications in paper production, as well as on building and maintaining long-term customer relationships.

How did you first learn about ZELLCHEMING?
I first attended the ZELLCHEMING Expo as part of my work with Imerys. Since then, ZELLCHEMING—both as an association and as an event—has been an integral part of my professional life and a key date on my calendar every year.

What topics would you like to address in your work on the board?
The paper industry, politics, and addressing the shortage of skilled workers are particularly important to me. In my view, we shouldn’t just focus on attracting young talent. It’s equally important to value experienced professionals and retain their knowledge for the industry.

What makes ZELLCHEMING special to you?
For me, ZELLCHEMING is the most important platform in our industry. It’s where expertise, personal exchange, and a shared passion for the paper industry come together. This combination makes the association unique and valuable.

What factors are crucial for the association’s further development?
I would like to see the association take on an even stronger international focus. In addition, I see great potential in closer cooperation between associations, paper mills, suppliers, and policymakers. Such networking can provide important impetus for the entire industry and sustainably support ZELLCHEMING’s further development.

What personal contribution would you like to make toward this?
I like to see myself as a bridge between different stakeholders and interest groups. I enjoy connecting people and topics that might not seem to belong together at first glance.

At the same time, I look forward to gaining a better understanding of what is expected of me in my new role and figuring out how I can contribute my experience and ideas to the board’s work in the most constructive way possible.

Thank you very much for the interview, Dr. Nagy!

From the office

Women4Paper at the ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026: Diversity as a key factor for the future

As part of the ZELLCHEMING Expo 2026, representatives from industry, trade associations, and human resources gathered at the “Women4Paper” event to discuss ways to attract more women to the paper and fiber industry and support their long-term career development.

Key speakers included Victoria Scherzinger (WEPA), who presented the results of an industry survey, as well as Elke Renz (Koehler Group) and Florian Schneemann (WEPA). The discussion revealed that although many women view their professional situation positively, challenges remain, such as stereotypical gender roles, a lack of visibility, and unequal opportunities for career development.

There was consensus that role models, mentoring, modern work models, pay transparency, and strong networks are crucial levers for greater diversity. Networks such as Women4Paper play an important role in connecting women, increasing visibility, and enhancing the industry’s appeal.

Conclusion: Diversity is not an optional add-on but an essential factor for success in innovation, securing a skilled workforce, and competitiveness. Women4Paper has demonstrated how the industry can actively shape this change.

For more information on Women4Paper, visit LinkedIn; details on the Women4Paper mentoring program can be found here.

left to right: Iris Bienert, Florian Schneemann, Victoria Scherzinger, Elke Renz, Petra Hanke

ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026: A major boost for the industry

The ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2026 impressively demonstrated that it remains the premier gathering place for the pulp, paper, and fiber industries. Approximately 2,500 trade visitors, as well as more than 130 exhibitors and partner organizations, took advantage of the event at the RheinMain CongressCenter (RMCC) in Wiesbaden to engage in in-depth professional discussions, network, and establish new business relationships.

The results of the visitor and exhibitor survey confirm the trade show’s success: Over 90% of visitors rated the technical discussions positively, and just under 90% expressed satisfaction with the networking opportunities. Exhibitors also gave the event a positive review: 85% are satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of the visitors, and 79% would recommend the ZELLCHEMING-Expo to others. Particularly appreciated were the visitors’ high level of decision-making authority, the quality of the professional program, and the platform for personal exchange and lasting business contacts.

The survey results thus send a clear message: The ZELLCHEMING-Expo remains a key driver of innovation, networking, and the industry’s future viability.

Save the Date: The ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2027 will take place from June 22-24 at the RheinMain CongressCenter (RMCC) in Wiesbaden.

From the association

Last call: "Attracting and Retaining Skilled Workers for the Paper and Pulp Industry"

The shortage of skilled workers is transforming the paper and pulp industry. What can companies do today to ensure that the next generations stay in the industry?

Prof. Dr. Jutta Rump, Director of the Institute for Employment and Employability (IBE), explains how companies can address this challenge in one of several presentations at our symposium, “Retaining and Attracting Skilled Workers for the Paper and Pulp Industry.”

Her presentation will focus on the implications of demographic trends for the paper and pulp industry, as well as how to address an aging workforce and the ongoing shortage of skilled workers. Participants will learn about the opportunities offered by generational diversity and how to foster successful cross-generational collaboration within companies.

Sounds interesting? Then join us!

📅 September 8 and 9, 2026

📍 Papierzentrum | Campus Gernsbach

Together with ZELLCHEMING and the Förderverein Papierzentrum Gernsbach, DIE PAPIERINDUSTRIE invites you to two days filled with best practices, debates, and workshops. The focus will be on recruiting young talent, employment, leadership, professional development, and the future of work in our industry.

👉 Sign up now and help shape the future of the paper and pulp industry together: DPI-Fachtagung: Fachkräfte gewinnen und halten

ZELLCHEMING and Dornbirn GFC continue to expand their partnership

The successful collaboration between the ZELLCHEMING Association and the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) is set to be further strengthened. Following the great interest generated by a joint presentation and the workshop “Fibre & Textile meets Pulp & Paper” at the ZELLCHEMING Expo 2026 in Wiesbaden, the topic will now also feature prominently at the Dornbirn GFC 2026.

Under the title “Cross-Industry Innovations—Fiber & Textiles Meet Pulp & Paper,” companies, universities, and research institutions will present current developments and innovative applications. The focus will be particularly on the use of recycled textile fibers for paper products, new approaches to closing material loops, and sustainable raw material and processing strategies.

Participating institutions include ANDRITZ AG, TU Dresden, RWTH Aachen, Graz University of Technology, CETI, and other international partners from research and industry.

Petra Hanke, Managing Director of ZELLCHEMING Service GmbH, is actively driving the collaboration forward together with Rosario Othen, a member of the advisory board of the ZELLCHEMING Association: “With this collaboration, Dornbirn GFC and ZELLCHEMING are building a bridge between the fiber and textile sectors and the pulp and paper industry,” says Petra Hanke.

Rosario Othen adds: “The goal is to tap into new innovation potential and jointly develop solutions for a sustainable and circular industry!”

📅 September 16-18, 2026
📍 Kulturhaus Dornbirn, Austria

Exclusive Member Benefit: As part of the partnership between ZELLCHEMING and Dornbirn GFC, ZELLCHEMING members receive a 30% discount on registration for Dornbirn GFC 2026. ZELLCHEMING members can request the discount code from Cornelia Gembus.

The complete program and registration options are available on the GFC website.

ZELLCHEMING visits the Aktivitas VPM Munich

In early May, Prof. Dr. Helga Zollner attended an event hosted by Aktivitas VPM Munich as a representative of ZELLCHEMING. In her presentation, she introduced the association and its diverse activities and provided participants with fascinating insights into the network of pulp, paper, and engineering sciences. She also discussed membership opportunities and participation in this year’s ZELLCHEMING-Expo.

The event offered students and young professionals an excellent opportunity to learn about the industry, network, and deepen their professional exchange. The evening concluded with a dinner in a pleasant atmosphere. ZELLCHEMING extends its sincere thanks for the interest shown and for the opportunity to present the association at the university.

We are happy to welcome new ZELLCHEMING members!

We welcome to the ZELLCHEMING association:

• Sebastian Arlitzer, STARKRAFT
• Lea Michal Baumann, Hochschule München
• Zavier Berkey, Hochschule München
• Ashifa Chapparband, Hochschule München
• Paolo Cuevas Viehauser, Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften München
• Juliana Förster, Solenis Germany GmbH & Co. KG
• Aleksandar Ilic, Hochschule München
• Nicolas Klingenbrunn, Solenis Germany GmbH
• Bernd König, Fiber & Paper Management
• Frank Poppensieker, DIE PAPIERINDUSTRIE e.V.
• Ragul Rangaraj Ragupathy, Hochschule München
• Masnoon Shaikh, Hochschule München
• Friedrich Steffen, Thünen-Institut für Holzforschung
• Marco Pascal Stredulla, Sappi Ehingen GmbH

Good reasons for a ZELLCHEMING membership

Bernd König, Managing Director, Fiber & Paper Management

• What role does the paper, pulp, and fiber-based industry play for you or your company?

  I have worked continuously in the paper industry since completing my apprenticeship as a papermaker in 1988 and earning my master craftsman’s certificate and degree in technical business administration. I analyze the market, the products, and their potential applications. I also have an extensive international network.

• What motivated you to become a member of ZELLCHEMING?

  A great many good ideas emerge within the ZELLCHEMING association. I would like to promote these ideas outside of Germany and thereby enhance ZELLCHEMING’s international expertise.

• In what ways would you like to contribute to ZELLCHEMING, or how are you currently contributing?
  I am an expert in fibers and paper (with a focus on tissue and specialty papers). I contribute by addressing new circular economy topics, such as fibers from used textiles and the recycling of fibrous materials

Dates

• 8-9 September 2026
  Fachtagung „Fachkräfte für die Papier- und Zellstoffindustrie gewinnen und halten"
• 16-18 September 2026
  Global Fibre Congress (GFC) 2026, Dornbirn, Austria
• 17 September 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Chemical Additives (CHAD)
• 5 November 2026
  Meeting Technical Sub-Committee Electrical Engineering and Automation (ENEN2)
• 6. November 2026
  Meeting Regional Groups North ZELLCHEMING/VPM
• 10 November 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Paperboard Technology (PBTC)
  Meeting Meeting Technical Sub-Committee Energy (ENEN1)
• 12 November 2026
  Meeting Technical Committee Data Management (DATA)
• 25-26 November 2026
  PTS Faserstoffsymposium 2026
• 22-24 June 2027
  ZELLCHEMING-Expo

From the technical committees

ZELLCHEMING technical committees support Paper & Environment Conference

Representatives from the Technical Committees on Microbiology (MBIO) and Environmental Issues (ENVI) will enrich the program of the “Paper & Environment” conference on September 23 and 24 in Darmstadt!

For more information about the event click here.

Meeting ZELLCHEMING Technical Committee for Environmental Issues

On May 20–21, 2026, nearly 20 members and guests of the ZELLCHEMING Technical Committee on Environmental Issues (ENVI) gathered at Essity in Mannheim for their spring meeting. The first day was devoted entirely to a plant presentation and tour. In addition to the wastewater treatment plant, the group toured the new facility for producing straw pulp, as well as Cotton Wadding Machine 5 and the cotton wadding processing area. We would like to take this opportunity to once again extend our heartfelt thanks to the Essity plant in Mannheim for the invitation and the plant tour.

First, however, the agenda included the election of the chair, vice chair, and secretary, in which the incumbent officers were re-elected to their positions. Thus, the technical committee will continue to be led by Holger Jung (TBP Upcon), Benjamin Simstich (H2Ortner), and Antje Kersten (TU Darmstadt) for the next two years.

The second day was then filled with technical presentations. First, Birgit Fabritius and Shabnam Lotfi presented a process developed by Gradiant for the separation and elimination of PFAS.

The session then turned to the topic of reject treatment and disposal. Andreas Glatzer from IKW presented a combination of processes for treating rejects with the goal of recovering fiber materials, and Michael Zulauf (Umweltdienste Bohn) subsequently outlined the current situation regarding thermal waste utilization in the paper industry.

Finally, the session addressed the revision of the BREF document for the paper and pulp industry. Michael Suhr from the Federal Environment Agency provided insights into the newly launched Seville Process and answered various questions on this topic.

The next meeting of the ZELLCHEMING Technical Committee on Environmental Issues (ENVI) will take place as an online event in the fall. Interested guests are cordially invited to attend. Further information can be requested from the chair (Holger Jung – TBP Upcon).

New technical leaflet of the ZELLCHEMING Technical Committee Finishing of Paper and Paperboard

The ZELLCHEMING Technical Committee on Finishing of Paper and Paperboard (FPPB) has published a new technical leaflet on the topic of “Packaging Standards: Formats and Rolls.” The bulletin was presented at this year's general meeting in Wiesbaden and is available to all members in the members-only area.

Meeting of the ZELLCHEMING Technical Committee Paperboard Technology

The ZELLCHEMING Technical Committee Paperboard Technology (PBTC) met on May 20, 2026, at Folding Boxboard Eerbeek B.V. in Eerbeek (NL).

Mr. August Steinkellner, who serves as Innovation Manager for both paper mills of the FOLBB Group, presented the Eerbeek facility. At the plant, which was founded in 1661, a 3-ply board machine produces GC1 board for the food industry using RPM, BCTMP, and pulp as raw materials.

In his presentation, Tim Gaiser highlighted the targeted optimization of the back coating on the virgin fiber board machine at Folding Boxboard in Baiersbronn. His research focused on measures to improve barrier properties with regard to grease resistance.

Stephan Klein (Bellmer GmbH) and August Steinkellner reported on the retrofit of Press 2022 at the Eerbeek plant.

This was followed by a plant tour.

The members of the PBTC Technical Committee would like to extend their sincere thanks to Folding Boxboard Eerbeek B.V. for their hospitality!

Participants of TC PBTC at Folding Boxboard Eerbeek B.V.

The next meeting will take place on November 10, 2026, at Munich University of Applied Sciences, with the goal of presenting the work of the PBTC Expert Committee in order to encourage students to get involved or participate in the committee. In this context, the work and activities of the ZELLCHEMING association will also be presented.

From the network

Smart Paper Day 2026: AI & digital leverage for the paper industry

On September 22, 2026, the Wochenblatt Papierfabrikation will host the first “Smart Paper Day,” a full-day online event running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The conference will present concrete best practices for process optimization on the paper machine—ranging from digital twins and local edge AI to smart waste paper analysis and intelligent energy management.

Exclusive benefit: Use the promo code ZELLCHEMING to get your ticket at the special price of 99 € (instead of the regular price of 129 € plus tax).

Flexible schedule: Tailor your day to your needs and focus on the topics that will help you grow.

Course "Kraft Recovery Operations"

The TECNICELPA Kraft Recovery Course offers a comprehensive overview of the most important recovery processes in kraft pulp mills and aims to increase the efficiency of pulp production, minimize operating costs, and reduce environmental impact.

The speakers—Honghi Tran, Thanh Trung, Andy Jones, Jarmo Kaila, Danny Tandra, Martin Beddows, and Vitor Lucas—are internationally recognized experts. They provide practical, real-world information through presentations, Q&A sessions, and workshops.

📅 22-25 September 2026
🕕 09:00-18:00 hrs.
📍 Sweet Atlantic Hotel & Spa, Figueira da Foz, Portugal

For more information and registration options, please click here.

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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