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Agenda

Day One - 13 May 2025 Tuesday Day Two - 14 May 2025 Wednesday
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Opening Remarks
Session 1 Specialty papers market outlook
The Future of Specialty Paper to 2029
As an international consulting firm, Smithers offers market intelligence and strategic consulting services primarily within the paper, printing, and packaging industries, with a particular focus on specialty paper. This presentation will begin by examining the key trends and drivers shaping the specialty paper sector. It will then provide an in-depth analysis of the specialty paper market, segmented by end-use, with a focus on major applications such as flexible packaging and printing, which represent the largest market volumes. Each end-use category will be further broken down into relevant sub-categories. Following this, we will analyze the specialty paper market by region, with a focus on Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, and North America— the regions with the highest sales volumes— while also highlighting regions and countries with significant growth potential. Finally, the presentation will explore the competitive landscape, including key players and innovation case studies that are driving the market forward
Sharon Tong | Consulting Analyst, Smithers
Asian Specialty Paper Market Development: Trade and Innovation
The Asian specialty paper market is undergoing significant development, driven by various factors and influenced by trade and innovation. The presentation will dive into the market drivers, tariffs and regulations, highlighting how they shape the industry's landscape. We will provide an overview of the trade situation, examining the market by main grades and key countries/regions, such as China and India, which are experiencing substantial growth due to rising disposable income and booming e-commerce sectors. The supply situation will also be discussed, including transitions through conversion, expansion, M&A, as companies strive to meet increasing demand. Moreover, we will explore the development trends in specialty paper innovation and coating technology, which are essential for creating customized, high-quality products to cater to diverse industries and consumer needs. AFRY's insights on future growth possibilities will be shared, emphasizing the importance of embracing sustainability, investing in technology, and adapting to shifting consumer preferences to thrive in this dynamic market. By analyzing these aspects, the presentation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Asian specialty paper market's current state and future prospects.
 
Yunlan Meng | Manager, AFRY Management Consulting
Tea break and Networking
Session 2 Recycling and Sustainable development
Standardising Recyclability Testing for Fibre-Based Packaging: From Industry Guidelines to National Standards
The recyclability of fibre-based packaging is critical for achieving a circular economy, yet variations in testing methods and equipment present challenges for consistent evaluation. This presentation reviews existing recyclability assessment approaches, highlighting differences in methodologies and processing equipment. A study was conducted to evaluate the recyclability of commercially available packaging materials, examining the impact of disintegration conditions on repulpability and the quality of recovered fibres. The findings informed the development of a standardised recyclability testing method, initially published by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) for Australia and New Zealand. This method has since been formalised into an Australian Standard. A comparison will be made between the Australian Standard, the APCO method, and the recently developed CEPI recyclability method. Case studies of recyclability testing for speciality papers will be presented, alongside key principles for designing fibre-based packaging for improved recycling outcomes.
 
Warren Batchelor | Associate Professor and Deputy Director, MONASH University
OATLY Sustainable packaging strategies and practices
Chloe Lin | Head of Sustainability, Greater China | Senior Brand Director, OATLY
The latest policy developments and response measures in the packaging and environmental field
1. Overview of policies in the packaging and environmental field
2. Introduction to the EU's packaging and environmental technical regulations
3. Response measures and suggestions for the packaging industry
Qingzheng Feng | Deputy Chief Engineer, China National Export Commodities Packaging Research Institute
Lunch and Networking
Session 3 Updates in Specialty Papers and Barrier coatings
The End of Silicone? Advancing PFAS-Free Release Liners for a Circular Economy
The industry standard for release liners—silicone-based coatings—was never designed with sustainability in mind. While effective, they introduce fundamental recyclability issues, rely on expensive raw materials, and are increasingly subject to regulatory and supply chain risks. At the same time, PFAS-based coatings, often marketed as sustainable solutions, are now facing global bans. The question isn’t whether the industry must change, but how fast it can adapt.
This presentation challenges the assumption that high-performance release properties require either silicone or fluorochemicals. By rethinking surface chemistry and leveraging inorganic-organic hybrid coatings, we have developed a recyclable, PFAS-free alternative that maintains excellent release and mechanical properties without requiring costly process modifications.
- The hidden costs of silicone in release liners—from recyclability barriers to price volatility.
- The regulatory crackdown on PFAS—and why stopgap solutions won’t last.
- How new material architectures achieve release without legacy drawbacks—real-world case studies from adhesives, tapes, and linerless applications.
The future of release coatings must align with a circular economy. This talk will present a clear roadmap for converters, brands, and manufacturers ready to transition from legacy chemistries to next-generation solutions. The end of silicone isn’t a threat—it’s an opportunity to redefine what’s possible in high-performance, sustainable materials.
 
Manuel Milliery | CEO, Papkot
Re/Thinking Paper Untold perspectives of a 2000 years’ old innovation of the future
Paper is more than just fibers. In today’s demand for responsible production and consumption, this renewable material has many elements of distinctions.
The improvements of operations towards emissions free solutions, the cross-capabilities for a wide range of innovative outputs, the growing competences striving for continuous development, and the applications in replacement to film or in adjacent markets, makes paper truly an endless innovation worth to understand, explore and consider under new perspectives.
Mondi certifies its paper range on relevant sustainable dimensions, collaborates with machine suppliers for effective replacements and cost-efficient applications, includes partners and brands in redefining the role of paper for a Circular Economy.
The presentation will portray the original idea, the distinctive properties, and the utilization of paper grades with new business value and lasting sustainable impact for all players along the value chain, with attention to EUDR and the implication of EPR.
 
Marco Macoratti | Head of Sustainable Packaging Solutions & Circularity for Retail brands, Mondi
Innovations in Paper Coatings and Technologies for Enhanced Performance and Sustainability.
Paint point of CE Package: the triple challenges of appearance, sustainable and functional
Application of Nano-coating technology：Special Paper Waterproof and anti-fingerprint
Innovative ink technology and customized color solutions for specialty paper
 
Squall Shen | Sr. Technical Research Manager, RR Donnelley (China) Holding Co.,Ltd.
Current status and future prospects of the thermal paper industry - a breakthrough path driven by personalization and environmental protection
Thermal paper is a special paper widely used in supermarkets, logistics, medical treatment, gambling and other fields. In recent years, it has faced the challenges of slowing industry growth, accelerated expansion of production capacity, tightening environmental protection policies and intensified homogeneous competition. Traditional thermal paper is restricted by environmental regulations because it contains chemical substances such as bisphenol A. Although the wave of digitalization has replaced some scenarios (such as electronic invoices), it is still irreplaceable in the fields of instant printing and portability. In the future, thermal paper should jump out of the "low-cost expansion" path, take environmental compliance as the bottom line, and scenario-based innovation as the core. Through material revolution, technological innovation and business model reconstruction, the product can be upgraded from "consumables" to "solutions" to open up a high-value track in the stock market.
Chuanfeng Du | Product Manager (Specialty Paper), Guangdong Guanhao High-Tech
Tea break and Networking
Seize opportunities & meet challenges, enter a new era of paper products
This report analyzes the market potential and innovation direction of "paper instead of plastic" from the perspective of the papermaking industry. Focus on the growing demand for paper materials in the global market, especially in the fields of packaging materials and disposable consumer goods. Combined with the core capabilities of papermaking companies, the feasibility and limitations of innovative research and development of environmentally friendly paper materials (such as waterproof, oil-proof, heat-sealed, etc.) and products are discussed. "Paper instead of plastic" has brought unprecedented development opportunities to the papermaking industry, but it also puts higher requirements on cost control and technical capabilities. With innovation as the core, APP Group cooperates deeply with global policies, industrial chains and end users to jointly promote the development of green transformation in the packaging market.
 
Juan Li | Technical Director for Specialty Paper, APP Group
Enhancing Paper Performance: Coatings for Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Navigating the evolving landscape of packaging sustainability, particularly in light of stringent regulations like the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), necessitates a paradigm shift towards circular solutions. Paper, a naturally renewable resource, stands poised to play a pivotal role in this transition. This presentation will delve into the critical need for sustainable packaging, driven by regulatory changes and consumer demand, and explore how advanced coatings can unlock the full potential of paper in packaging applications.
We will examine how specialized coatings can significantly enhance paper's performance, imparting essential properties such as water resistance, oil resistance, and sealability, thereby expanding its suitability for diverse packaging needs. Moreover, we will address the strategic application of coatings at various stages of the paper manufacturing and conversion process – from paper mills to converters, and printers. Understanding the nuances of coating application is paramount to achieving optimal performance and functionality.
Ultimately, this presentation will underscore the indispensable role of cross-value chain collaboration in driving the development and adoption of sustainable paper-based packaging solutions. By fostering partnerships and sharing expertise, we can collectively pave the way for a more circular and environmentally responsible packaging future
 
Gilles Le Moigne | Head of BU CE Coatings, Siegwerk
Panel discussion: Explore the Future of specialty papers - Bridging the gaps across value chains
Panelist: Doris Mao, Expert packaging, L’oreal
Peter Chen, Head of Business development, Henkel
Lijun Song, Expert, Yili Group
Prof. Gang Chen, chief professor of specialty paper research, South China University of Technology
Moderator:
Tianyi Pan | Marketing Director, Sun Paper Group
End of Day 1
Session 4 Fiber based packaging and materials
Driving packaging sustainability through novel fiber-based packaging materials
In view of 2025 packaging sustainability commitments, there is an urgent need to develop alternative packaging materials that is readily recyclable while matching the overall performance of existing difficult-to-recycle multilayer plastic laminates. Paper has emerged as a formidable alternative to conventionally used multilayer plastics thanks to the widely available infrastructure for recycling paper in most of the markets where Nestlé operates. Though paper-based packaging can help mitigate recyclability challenges and is also perceived positively by consumers, it needs considerable re-engineering for long shelf-life food packaging applications and additionally its machinability into existing packaging machines is quite difficult. This presentation discusses scientific considerations for barrier functionalization of paper for meeting long shelf-life food packaging requirements in such a way that the final packaging structure is recyclable in standard recycled paper mills. This presentation also provides insight to characterization of damage mechanics of high barrier recyclable paper which is crucial for enduring stresses prevalent on the packaging machines and in the supply chain. Finally, recyclability and life cycle assessment of specific packaging format is presented for paper-based packaging in conjunction to widely used plastic laminate packaging.
Abhijit Bhattacharya | Team Leader & Expert Fiber-based Packaging, Nestlé Research
Sustainable Chemical Solutions and a Holistic Approach to Molded Fiber Additives
Explore with us an innovative, bio-based chemical solutions designed for molded fiber applications. By leveraging advanced process control and embracing data-driven decision-making, we aim to enhance efficiency and sustainability within manufacturing. Our comprehensive portfolio of chemical solutions demonstrates a synergistic approach to achieving holistic and sustainable outcomes, paving the way for a greener future in fiber technology.
 
Alex Beam | Business Development Manager for Molded Fiber Globally , Kemira
Tea break and Networking
Consumer Brand Perspectives: Driving Innovation for a Consumer-Driven Future
  • How is consumer demand driving innovation and the development of sustainable products?
  • What impact do regulations have on research and development decisions?
  • What practical lessons have brands learned from riding the innovation wave?
  • How is fibre-based packaging contributing ?

Koel Bhadra | AGM Packaging Innovation , L'Oréal
Key Technologies and Applications of Specialty Paper for Plastic Replacement Packaging
Prof. Gang Chen | PhD Supervisor, South China University of Technology (SCUT)
Exploring the Unbleached Kraft Pulp Market: Current Challenges and Untapped Opportunities for Unbleached Eucalyptus
Cristiane Paiva | R&D Specialist, Suzano
Lunch and Networking
Leading the New Paradigm of Sustainable Protective Chemicals for Molded Fiber
In the current era, with growing demand for eco - friendly packaging and stricter fluorinated chemicals regulations, the Molded Fiber industry urgently needs more efficient and sustainable chemical protection. As an innovative pioneer in the industry, Solenis, with its profound technical accumulation and cutting-edge exploratory spirit, has been deeply engaged in the research and development of oil-resistant agents without fluorine added in the pulp and surface spray coating technologies in the field of pulp molding, injecting strong impetus into industrial upgrading and sustainable development. Traditional fluorinated oil - resistant agents, despite their good performance, are fading due to environmental risks. Solenis' non - fluorinated alternatives offer high - efficiency oil resistance and eliminate ecological risks, providing a green option. Solenis also invests in R&D to optimize surface spray coatings for higher barrier performance. These coatings enhance water barrier, MVTR, and OGR, improving product practicality and functionality to meet diverse market needs. These two innovations solve the key protective - performance issues of Molded Fiber products and align with sustainable development. In this presentation, we'll share Solenis' successful cases, analyzing how these innovations help brands meet consumer demands for green packaging and boost market competitiveness. Moreover,, this introduction will not only cover the Fossil-based polymer barrier coating developed by Solenis but also bring the latest research progress of the PHA emulsion coatings based on biological materials. Solenis will comprehensively showcase its unremitting efforts and remarkable achievements in promoting the sustainable development of the molded fiber industry, opening up a brand-new path for the future development of the industry.
 
Felix Wang | Business Development Manager- Barrier coatings & Molded Fiber, APAC, Solenis
Session 5 How AI and digitalization empower Specialty paper packaging
New Exploration of Cost Reduction and Efficiency of Specialty Paper Enterprises and the Opportunities of AI
From the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to the recently introduced Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), wood products producers, operators, and retailers are increasingly under pressure to measure, validate, and prove compliant, circular, and sustainably sourced feedstock. Whether woody biomass or common crop-based, feedstock is expected to be responsibly harvested based on evolving climate-smart practices and be free from any linkages to deforestation or land degradation. Digital technologies like blockchain are increasingly emerging as key solutions for measuring and validating key data, tracking events, & claims end-to-end throughout supply chains, enabling trust among key stakeholders, and ensuring the integrity of wood-based products to include specialty papers being imported into the European Union markets. A closer look at blockchain and other digital technologies and how they are being utilized in forestry product value chains for transparency, traceability, and auditability will be highlighted and discussed.

 
Henry Ines | Co-Founder and CEO, Chainparency
Integrating High-Throughput Data and AI to Develop Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Food Applications
Developing sustainable and functional packaging solutions requires a comprehensive data-driven approach to navigate the complexity of combining material science with customer requirements. This paper presents our systematic strategy for collecting, analysing, and utilising data from material screenings and high-throughput (HTP) efforts to characterise a diverse range of paper substrates. Material properties, including mechanical strength, composition, and fibre type (e.g., brown versus white paper, recycled versus virgin), predict compatibility with other relevant technologies.
Our approach considers various materials and their processing technologies and leverages iterative lab and small-scale experiments to expedite their subsequent multiparametric characterisation (high-throughput characterisation). By creating this comprehensive dataset, we can then use powerful AI-based models and machine learning to design packaging solutions in silica that are proven to meet specific customer needs.
This methodology has already led to the launch of several market-ready products, like Hazelsun 50, a non-bleached brown paper solution designed explicitly for food flowpacks. Bluemorph 80 is a fully recyclable white packaging paper with an outstanding oxygen and water vapour barrier for food products with a long shelf life, even in tropical conditions. The third case, our Clearwing product family, is a drop-in solution to substitute transparent plastic overwrappers, pouches and flow packs with low barrier requirements. These three product categories demonstrate how data and AI can significantly accelerate the creation of sustainable, high-performance packaging solutions that align with market demands and environmental goals.
 
Claire Hae-Min Gusko | Co-Founder, one • fıve
End of Day 2