The 9th edition of the Paper Week Symposium took place from September 19-22, 2024, at the Limak Deluxe Hotel, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The event brought together key players from the paper, tissue, and pulp industries, gathering more than 195 participants from 110 companies across 27 countries. The event once again showcased the vibrant and innovative spirit of the sector, with sponsors and participants driving forward new ideas, partnerships, and solutions.
This year’s event was proudly sponsored by Akkim Kimya, the Main Sponsor, and Caran Kimya, the Entertainment Sponsor, both of whom played a significant role in making the symposium a success. Special thanks also go to other key sponsors, including Crown Paper Mill, Ittihad Paper Mill, DDC Makina, Fujian Light Machinery, Eczacıbaşı Consumer Products, Korozo Group, Tulip Technologies, and ProcessMiner, who collectively contributed to the event's unique and engaging atmosphere.
The B2B meetings were highly productive. In addition to the sponsor companies, the following firms also held discussions at their dedicated B2B tables: ResourceWise, Toscotec, OMET, OSK, Maflex, and Korozo Group.
Highlights of the Symposium:
The symposium opened with insightful presentations from industry experts. Brian McClay of TTO BMA set the stage with his talk on Risks of The World for Paper, Tissue & Pulp, offering a comprehensive outlook on the global paper industry. Özlem Arız of Kimberly-Clark followed with an enlightening session on Strategic Approaches for the Paper Industry, focusing on navigating the EU's Legal Framework. Şahin Civelek from Hayat Kimya impressed the audience with innovations in water and energy management during his talk on Sustainable Production. Additionally, Omar Barjij from IMA TMC delivered a compelling presentation on Enhancing Sustainability by Cutting Waste in Packaging Lines, which garnered significant interest from participants.
Orhan Öğücü from Lila Kağıt delivered an insightful presentation on Growth Expectations in the Tissue Paper Industry. His session covered key trends, market dynamics, and future growth opportunities in the tissue paper sector, providing valuable perspectives for industry stakeholders.
Marko Summanen from ResourceWise delivered one of the standout presentations on Current Market Trends and Industry Drivers for the Future, drawing significant attention for its forward-thinking insights. His analysis on the evolving paper market dynamics resonated strongly with attendees, further solidifying the importance of innovation and adaptability in the sector.
Toscotec was also at the forefront with Fabio Bargiacchi and Enrico Fazio leading a powerful session on Sustainability as a Decisive Success Factor for the Tissue Industry, discussing the role of innovative technologies in improving sustainability across operations. Their presentation underlined Toscotec's commitment to sustainable practices and technological excellence in tissue manufacturing.
Sami Safran, Michael Shamma, Kaan Cindemir, Abdullah Al Khateeb, and İsmet Müstecaplıoğlu led the panel on Innovations and Sustainable Practices in the Paper and Pulp Sector, with a focus on how the industry can adopt more eco-friendly and efficient production methods. This panel, alongside others like AI and Technological Advances in the Paper Industry, further highlighted the push towards greener solutions and smarter technology integration.
The Innovative Chemical Solutions in the Paper Industry panel, sponsored by Akkim, provided valuable insights into advancements in the chemical sector within the paper industry. Moderated by Prof. Dr. Sedat Ondaral, the panel featured key contributions from Duygu Özlem Doğan, Lorenzo Sorci, and Serdar Açıkgün. This session highlighted cutting-edge chemical innovations driving sustainability and efficiency in paper production.
Panel Discussions:
Innovations and Sustainable Practices in the Paper and Pulp Sector:
- Moderated by İsmet Müstecaplıoğlu (Reis)
- Sami Safran (Arab Federation for Paper, Printing & Packaging Industries - AFPPPI)
- Abdullah Al Khateeb (IPM-CPM)
- Michael Shamma (ADNPM)
- Kaan Cindemir (Caran Kimya)
AI and Technological Advances in the Paper Industry:
- Moderated by Karim Pourak (ProcessMiner)
- Abdullah Sunna (Tulip Technologies)
- Sami Algan (Kadant)
- Tevfik Türker Savuran (Eczacıbaşı Consumer Products)
Innovative Chemical Solutions in the Paper Industry Sponsored By Akkim:
- Moderated by Prof. Dr. Sedat Ondaral (KTÜ)
- Duygu Özlem Doğan (Akkim)
- Lorenzo Sorci (NCR Biochemicals)
- Serdar Açıkgün (Eczacıbaşı Consumer Products)
Interactive and Engaging Networking:
In addition to the sessions and panels, B2B networking events, organized through special matchmaking tables, provided attendees with the chance to engage directly with potential partners. These discussions led to new opportunities and collaborations, ensuring the event was not only informative but also commercially fruitful.
The entertainment and sports segments sponsored by Caran Kimya brought an additional element of excitement to the event, allowing participants to unwind, socialize, and build relationships in a more relaxed setting.
The success of Paper Week 2024 is a testament to the continued growth and innovation within the industry. We look forward to welcoming you to next year’s symposium, where we will continue to lead the way in shaping the future of the paper, tissue, and pulp industries.