Held in Finland, the Nordic Paper Days 2024, organized by the machinery manufacturer Bellmer, gathered industry professionals to explore the latest in sustainable practices for paper, pulp, and board production. About 130 clients and partners from across Europe, North America, Brazil, and Asia joined discussions spanning from the bioeconomy’s growth to advancements in energy efficiency and machine optimization.
Headquartered in Niefern, Germany, the Bellmer group has become in the last decade a true international company, with 17 subsidiaries in Europe, the US, Asia, and more recently in Brasil. It is still a family-owned and operated company, specializing in paper technology, from stock preparation to winders.
The event began with an exclusive tour of Bellmer's Hollola workshop, showcasing the precision and craftsmanship in their headbox manufacturing. Following the tour, Martin Kollmar, President of the Bellmer group, made an inspiring speech to welcome the participants, and inviting them to prefer optimism over fear in times of uncertainties. Industry experts opened the seminar with talks on enhancing production efficiency and product quality.
The first day’s sessions covered significant themes in bioeconomy growth and the drive for greater efficiency in paper production. Vision Hunters shared insights into current bioeconomy trends, highlighting areas of potential growth. Tervakoski Oy and Iggesund Paperboard then presented strategies for improving the quality and output of paper machinery through targeted upgrades and modernized equipment. Attendees also discussed energy optimization in production, including technologies that allow for cost reduction without compromising productivity.
During the dinner in a joyful atmosphere, the guests had the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional performance of Juha Lapinnen, a former project manager of the company who has become an impressive professional impersonator of Elvis Presley.
On the second day, the focus shifted to sustainability metrics and innovations aimed at conserving resources. Resource Wise shared benchmarks essential for tracking sustainable practices across the industry, providing attendees with valuable insights into measurable improvements. Siemens Energy examined how the industry can integrate biogenic CO2 into production processes to lessen fossil fuel dependence, reflecting a growing priority for resource conservation. The event closed with sessions on recycled fibers and sustainable packaging solutions, reinforcing a shared commitment to eco-friendly practices within the sector.
Closing with a focus on sustainable packaging solutions and recycled fibers, the Nordic Paper Days underscored the collective aim to foster a resilient, resource-efficient industry.