Leslee Masters

United States

Managing Editor at TAPPI Paper 360

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Articles

Processes, Tech, and Sustainability Should be 2025 Focus

1 week ago | paper360.tappi.org | Leslee Masters

The pulp and paper industry stands at a critical juncture with sustainability, operational efficiency, and technological innovation driving its transformation. Achieving sustainability is no longer just an aspiration—it is a necessity. By integrating optimized production processes and shifting toward renewable energy sources, mills can significantly reduce emissions and costs while safeguarding their future.
Process Stability is First Step Toward Process Excellence

1 week ago | paper360.tappi.org | Leslee Masters

“Too many businesses fall into the technology trap—relying on new tech to fix broken processes—only to face more chaos and inefficiency. Technology can’t save you if your processes aren’t stable.”This is how Rich Ermlick describes the motivation behind his company, Boring Excellence, and his drive to bring stable processes to mills, companies, and even the personal lives of those he meets.
The Invisible Injury: What HOP Misses

2 weeks ago | paper360.tappi.org | Leslee Masters

HOP—Human and Organizational Performance—is the safety world’s shiny toy. Since its early days after Three Mile Island, it has spread faster than free ice cream on a hot day. It’s brought a lot of good ideas to the table, but like any tool, it’s not perfect. There’s one gap I call the Invisible SIF. Fig. 1: Heinrich pyramid, first introduced by H.W. Heinrich in 1931. MASTER_SHIFU/SHUTTERSTOCK.COMLet me be clear: HOP isn’t bad—it’s just incomplete.
Choosing the Right Strapping Materials for Your Product

2 weeks ago | paper360.tappi.org | Leslee Masters

When it comes to securing your products for shipment, selecting the right strapping materials is critical. This decision impacts not only the safety and integrity of your goods, but also your operational efficiency and overall costs of delivery. Improperly applied strapping can increase pressure on products, crushing and damaging them unnecessarily.
emtec Strengthens Market Presence in North America

3 weeks ago | paper360.tappi.org | Leslee Masters

Germany-based emtec Electronic GmbH is known for innovative test devices. Some of the most popular are its TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer (formerly Tissue Softness Analyzer), used to optimize the hand feel of tissue paper products; and the CAS touch, FPA touch, and online device FPO, used to optimize the wet end of the paper production. Recently, emtec expanded its sales and support into the USA and Canada. What does the company wish to achieve by these changes?
Valmet to Supply Major Paper Machine Rebuild to Sylvamo in North America

1 month ago | paper360.tappi.org | Leslee Masters

Valmet will supply an extensive rebuild for Sylvamo’s paper machine PM 2 in Eastover, South Carolina, USA. The rebuild for the paper machine will include a new headbox, enhancements to various sections of the machine, and Industrial Internet solutions. The start-up is scheduled for the end of 2026. The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the first quarter 2025. The value of the order will not be disclosed.
Elixrr, India, Enters MDF Sector with ANDRITZ Pressurized Refining System

1 month ago | paper360.tappi.org | Leslee Masters

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Elixrr Industries Pvt. Ltd. to supply a pressurized refining system to their mill in Madhya Pradesh, India. Start-up is planned for the first quarter of 2026. The new system will process mainly eucalyptus and poplar, as well as mixed wood, at a capacity of35 t/h. Key components include an S1056 refiner with an installed power of 5500 kW as well as a CFeeder, the first to be supplied to India.
Siemens Energy to Provide Integrated Energy Solution for Arauco’s First Pulp Mill in Brazil

1 month ago | paper360.tappi.org | Leslee Masters

Siemens Energy has been selected by Arauco, one of the largest global pulp companies, to supply steam turbogenerators and the entire energy distribution system for its first pulp mill in Brazil. The Sucuriú plant is being built in Mato Grosso do Sul State and will have the capacity to produce 3.5 million tons of short fiber per year.
Solenis Recognized as a US Best Managed Company for Fifth Consecutive Year

1 month ago | paper360.tappi.org | Leslee Masters

Solenis, a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions, has been selected as a 2025 US Best Managed Company for the fifth consecutive year. This also marks its second time as a “Gold Honoree” designating four or more consecutive years of recognition. Sponsored by Deloitte Private* and The Wall Street Journal, the program acknowledges outstanding U.S. private companies.
Innovation on Display: Students Shine at TAPPICon 2025 Poster Competition

1 month ago | paper360.tappi.org | Leslee Masters

Future industry leaders took center stage at this year’s TAPPICon as students from across the country showcased cutting-edge research at the annual Poster Competition, held during TAPPICon in Minneapolis. Sponsored by Sekisui, the competition featured 14 student participants from seven universities, all eager to share advancements that could shape the future of the pulp, paper, and packaging industry.