Perspectives change from a distance and while Dubai, where I live now, has developed a solid reputation over the past few years with its megaprojects and development, the profound richness of the Cana…
Perspectives change from a distance and while Dubai, where I live now, has developed a solid reputation over the past few years with its megaprojects and development, the profound richness of the Canadian forests has never seemed to hold more potential than when looking homewards from a country better known for sand and oil.
The fact that there is limited natural vegetation here brings to mind the vast tracts of green forests that cover so much of Canada -what a precious resource, to be sure, and one to be ministered carefully. At the same time, it is also essential to remember that Canadian silviculture holds an immense promise of natural wealth for the industry and always will.
I am glad to have a chance to return as a guest editor to the magazine that represents so much to the industry. These pages have always done their best to support the industry, while lauding the people who have brought their dedication and ingenuity to further the development of this deeply respected and important segment of the Canadian economy.
This issue follows the same track. The cover story, As Long as it Burns, it’s Gold, brings to the forefront the ongoing controversy centred on biofuels and their impact on international concerns. David Leidl gathered the opinions from a panel of experts in the field, including Dr. Richard Kerekes, Dr. Andrew Garner, Dr. Tom Browne and Dr. Paul Stuart, on how the diversification of the forestry processes and products can hold the key to success for the struggling industry. Despite the risk and uncertainty of the available technologies, a careful and realistic scrutiny of the strategies, along with alignment with oil companies, can, ultimately, achieve success while earning respect and public support.
Also inside this issue, Martin Koepenick makes clear the main reason for applying nanotechnology solutions to papermaking in his article Mastering Materials Science. The added value and greater potential profit of this science is already evident around each one of us, creating a better world through improved products while using less raw material.
John Little opens up another important topic for the industry in Energy on the Cost-Cutting List in which he explains the importance of cutting the costs of energy, despite the difficulties involved, through implementing an energy-optimization program for mill equipment.
Following the same line of reasoning in Three Steps of Preventative Maintenance, Irwin Rapoport contributes information from Imperial Oil, Timken Company and SKF Canada that focuses on lubrication and bearings in order to avoid corrosion.
So, as usual, PPC brings to you, our reader, vital information gathered from leading sources, in order to better support the work and research of the future.
And I will enjoy keeping in touch with the industry that means so much to me.
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Those of you who have noted changes in the format of Pulp & Paper Canada should be commended for your keen perception, as the magazine has been adjusting its format to become both more streamlined and more concentrated. Now, veteran journalist and editor Yves Lavertu has taken the helm as the official Editor-in-Chief of the Pulp & Paper Canada Group (which encompasses Pulp & Paper Canada Magazine, Les Papetieres du Quebec, Parchemin, the PaperWeek Reporter and the group websites). Yves, who has been involved in the forestry industry for over 20 years and has been the editor for PDQ and Parchemin for over a year, has several ideas which will come to fruition in the next few months.
“A synergy will be developed between PPC, PDQ and the Parchemin,” he explains, “in order to develop in-depth news and detailed reports on the latest research in forestry.” He added, “In the coming years, we will try to be the best witness of what’s happening in the industry.”
At the same time, we also wish to acknowledge Nan Ryder for her dedication to the magazine in recent months.
As always, we look forward to input from our readers. If you have any comments, please contact info@pulpandpapercanada.com
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