FPInnovations’ near-neutral brightening (NNB) technology and other technical services will be introduced to the forest products industry in Alabama, and over time to the broader U.S. Southeast, as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by FPInnovations and Auburn University, through its Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering (AC-PABE).
The five-year agreement initially aims to bring NNB technology to AC-PABE’s member mills in Alabama, while facilitating the transfer of FPInnovations’ technical services to Alabama and neighboring states.
“This MOU is an important milestone in FPInnovations’ strategy to showcase our globally-renowned expertise and provide services to U.S. mills. FPInnovations has world-class research and technologies which match perfectly with AC-PABE’s mission to bring technical solutions from around the world to its members and together we will implement innovative technologies that will be of benefit to Alabama, FPInnovations and the southeastern United States,” said Pierre Lapointe, president and CEO of FPInnovations.
In addition, the parties have agreed to begin building future technical support capabilities by sponsoring a post-doctoral student at Auburn University, to conduct further research on NNB technology and other aspects of the bleaching of kraft pulp and to support the implementation of the technology in the state. The AC-PABE is hosted within the Auburn University’s Department of Chemical Engineering.
The MOU was signed during the 2016 TAPPI PEERS conference in Jacksonville, Florida.
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