Paper 360
Change, they say, is inevitable. As an organization approaching its 110th anniversary in 2025, TAPPI has consistently and successfully evolved to meet the changing needs of its membership and the industries it serves. This is at the very heart of what TAPPI does—from the creation of Standards that guide best production practices to supporting and publicizing rigorous scientific study and revolutionary learning opportunities.
Change is also the reason that TAPPI is pleased to announce another exciting evolution on the horizon. TAPPICon 2025 is expanding its industry footprint and updating its programming format to focus on forward-thinking industry topics that encompass scientific, technical, and technological subjects, along with leadership, production, sustainability, and safety. New programming will fall under pulping, engineering, bioproducts, and nanotechnology, while popular but enhanced segments—including process control, coating, fibers, tissue, and more—will continue to offer learning opportunities in a “one-stop-shop” environment.
FROM FRONTLINE TO FRONT OFFICE
As an innovative and interactive forum, TAPPICon’s purpose is to bring together the global forest product community in an environment that encourages education, elevation, and collaboration. Aided by the upcoming changes, the 2025 conference experience is designed to help accelerate professional growth and incubate future leaders in a setting that cultivates sustainable ideas and solutions. The event is all created by industry professionals, for industry professionals—no matter where they are on the spectrum, from frontline to front office.
The list of new topics∗, and a brief synopsis of each topic’s focus, currently includes:
- Processes, Equipment, and Operations: Emphasizes fundamentals of engineering and process control; covers the use of AI, predictive analytics, mechanical seal technology, and digital twins to streamline operations and reduce downtime.
- Technology Advancements, Emerging Technologies, and Cyber Security: Includes solutions and pitfalls, as well as new tools and methods for assessing and optimizing production processes, focusing on both fundamental and cutting-edge engineering approaches (digital packaging and printing included).
- Corporate Citizenship, Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Emphasizes corporate responsibility to engage in ethical practices that benefit society and the environment, alongside recycling, sustainability, and environmental impacts of various processes.
- Future Technologies for Materials Used in Innovative Products and Processes: Covers fibers like bamboo and eucalyptus, plus incorporating advanced technology and predictive analytics to increase use of recyclable materials for resource efficiency and sustainability.
- Pulp & Fiber Innovations, Alternative Materials and Applications: Examines quality control, product properties, and production reliability through advanced monitoring; material interactions; and coating technologies, including surface enhancement, additives, and eco-friendly coatings.
- Skillset Development, Safety, and Industry Trends: Focuses on career development, plus industry trends and best practices for attracting and retaining talent, with a special focus on the importance of safety and student involvement across the entire industry.
TAPPI is looking for your input on these topics as well as the expanded program. With the upcoming call for papers/abstracts scheduled for late summer, the TAPPICon Steering Committee will soon begin outreach for speakers, presenters, panelists, and other program participants. TAPPICon 2025 will take place May 4 – 7, 2025, in Minneapolis, MN.
If you would like to be a part of these exciting changes, or if you would simply like more information about the event and/or the format, please contact Tyler Mast, TAPPI Division Manager, at [email protected]. Please visitTAPPICon.org to see regular updates on the call for papers/abstracts and program details.
∗Topics subject to change.
