Read the October 1st, 2025 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.
October 1st, 2025 Newsletter
Category: GBIG News
GBIG NEWS | 94 Stories and Links on the Internet 10/01/2025
GBIG News
Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news members. Our goal is to remind the decision-makers in Wisconsin of the importance of our industry both historically, and more importantly, into the future.
Read the latest 94 Stories and Links on the Internet below.
Featured Stories
- Georgia abruptly closes 5 paper
- Georgia Abruptly Loses 5 Paper Plants Triggering $2.9 Billion Economic Timebomb
- Patti Habeck named new President and CEO of New North, Inc.
- Wisconsin education teachers attend wood industry course at new training sawmill
- AI already displacement of these jobs
- UW Madison researchers map out a promising future for solvent based plastic recycling
- Wisconsin skyrocketing American tourism.
- UW Madison launching new hub to accelerate entrepreneurship
- Georgia-Pacific leverages retirees expertise to maintain productivity and ensure knowledge transfer
- Proctor and Gamble doubles down forest degradation
- Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum announces Beth Kowalski as New Executive Director
- Talk tissue converting with Giambini Managing Director of North America
- UW Stout partner award with Great Northern Corporation
- A largely invisible role of international students fueling the USA economy
- Which Wisconsin companies are best to work for!
- Georgia-Pacific acquires Anchor Packaging
- Timber harvesting in national forests while cutting public oversight won’t solve wildfire problem
- What is the 996 rule in China – Slave labor at the expense of the workers.
- Asia Pulp and Paper China walks back on its 2013 commitment to no deforestation
- Wisconsin Packaging plant to close with 48 employees laid off.
- KDV Label welcomes Joe Daubert as CFO
- Quad Europe rebrands as P/mint
Packaging
- The Most Popular Brand Color in each industry
- Liquid Packaging Market project to grow at 5.2 cagr
- Sustainability legislation drives packaging innovation for recycling
- Sustainable innovation in the flexible packaging can’t wait
- Reusable packaging market size & growth 2025 – 2031
- Paperboard packaging market to reach $347 billion by 2034
- Navigating the new wave of packaging regulations
- Commercial Printing market worth $848 billing with focus on packaging and digital Printing
- Interactive packaging market growth at 6.1% cagr 2025 – 2035
- Sustainable pharmaceutical packaging market set to surpass $316 billion
- SAPPI expands recyclable high barrier paper for packaging
Forest
- The Amazon lost area larger than Spain
- Deforestation linked to thousands of heat related deaths each year
- Deforestation reduces rainfall 74% and increases temperatures 16% in the Amazon
- World scientists may have identified a culprit behind declining amazon rains
- Wisconsin researchers listen to forests to learn to protect them
Education
- UW Madison rated highly for career preparation of graduates
- Fewer Indiana high school college enrollment hits record low
- What goes into University budget and the Impact of Federal funding cuts
- Cornell University restructure due to job cuts Trump administration
- Trump cancels dozens of educational grants with more terminations
- UW Stout graduate students protein packed candy – cheese creations earn accolades
- The Future of American higher education is the global crown slipping from their hands
- Northwestern President resigns with Trump federal funding layoffs
- Humanities and Social Sciences most cut UW programs
- Top Harvard mathematician Liu Jun leaves US for China
- UW Platteville sees 10% increase in freshman class
AI
- ai having a significant impact on young workers prospects
- ai killing entry level jobs
- 45 million jobs at Risk from ai report calls for a modern income stabilizer
- ai pioneer predicts ai could cause 99% of workers unemployed by 2030
- Management in the age of ai
- ai isn’t replacing workers just wasting money
- ai intelligence replace teachers
- ai expanding economic opportunity
- Companies are benefiting from ai driven layoffs
- Open ai is hiring a pilled academics to build a scientific discovery accelerator
- How ai is driving a sharp rise in electricity bills
- ai machine learning for engineering design
Sponsors
- Boldt Co. aims to play active in state’s data center development
- Keller opens a 30,000 square foot steel shop
- Lagers and Loggers fundraisers sponsored by Boldt
- Orin Technologies of Verona chosen to clean up former cliffs dow site
- Andy Knapp Joins Anderson-Vreeland
- Miron Construction donates $106,800to 30 local organizations
- Hybrid Software buys artwork management
Wisconsin Paper Council: 2025 Golf Tournament
Attend WPC’s Golf Outing to network with industry leaders while enjoying a day golfing riverside with fast greens and lush fairways. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with key players in the paper industry.
A Chance to Win up to $5,000 Cash Prize!
- Cost: $200 – Per Player and $800 – 4 Players
- Where: Bullseye Golf Club, 2800 Ridgewood Trail, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
- When: Tuesday, October 7th
- Registration: 8:30 – 10:00 am
- Shotgun starts: 10:00 am
Wisconsin Paper Council: 2025 WPC/NCASI REGULATORY & TECHNICAL WORKSHOP
About Our Workshop
The Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) and NCASI will host a one-day in-person Technical and Regulatory Workshop on December 4, 2025, for employees of companies that are members of WPC and/or NCASI.
- Cost: $75 per person
- When: December 4th, 2025
- Where: Miron Construction Corporate Headquarters, 1471 McMahon Drive, Neenah, WI
Why Attend
- Learn from experts on environmental regulations and technical topics
- Explore industry challenges and solutions
- Network with peers and professionals
- Continuing education credit
GBIG: Overview of the Specialty Paper Conference – a Huge Success!
Green Bay Innovation Group Foundation is a non-profit business-to-business association supporting the 5P and Converting Industries and our communities. We are projecting to donate $75,000 to other non-profits in 2025. We thank our Sponsors/Members/Exhibitors for your support. GBIG offers outstanding relationship-building, education, innovation, and networking opportunities by working together. In 2025, GBIG was involved in multiple projects that provided support for Sponsors and Exhibitors, and similar opportunities are expected to continue.
The Specialty Paper Conference was an enormous success. We had 162 people register for the event. We had a very impressive lineup of speakers and outstanding panel of Paper Manufacturing Companies. We want to thank ALL the speakers and attendees for their participation. We want to thank Fox 11 News for covering our story to help educate the industry and the State of Wisconsin on the size and impact of the 5P and Converting Industries!
SPEAKERS
David Zamarin Founder and CEO of Impermea Materials. Forbes recognized him 30 Under 30 and is also a TEDx speaker and the founder of Impermea Materials, an advanced materials company leading the way in PFAS-free, plastic-free barrier coatings for paper, packaging, and industrial substrates. David leads Impermea in delivering high-performance solutions that meet today’s toughest sustainability and regulatory demands with barrier performance and operational efficiency.
Chris Jansen – Chris is a Principal Product Development Engineer at Amcor. His focus is on the AmFibre Portfolio, specifically paper-based flexible packaging structures that are recyclable in the paper stream and are compostable.
Breanna Van Nuland Senior Product Development Engineer at Amcor Focused on AmFiber Portfolio paper-based packaging solutions. Beanna has amassed experience in both 2D and 3D fiber converting across a variety of consumer products for packaging solutions.
Paul Fowler is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology at the University of Stevens Point where he leads laboratories dedicated to composability testing, pulp, and paper research and analytical Testing. He speaks regularly addressing matters on sustainability, paper, and paper-based packaging, bio-based plastics, and recyclability.
PANEL
Mark Hunter Director of Technology and Innovation for Hoffmaster. He has over 25 years of pulp and paper experience as an Asset Manager, Production Manager, and Process Engineering Technical Director. He leads a team of thirty-two maintenance engineers.
Jay Downey – Product Manager at Sun Chemical Responsible for Adhesives and Coatings for Flexible Packaging and Converting with over 35 years of Experience.
Dean Benjamin Director of Development at Ahlstrom. Dean is focused on developing new specialty paper products for food packaging including barrier and heat seal papers, labels, release liners, and other industrial paper. He worked at Avery Dennison, Consolidated Paper, and Pixelle Specialty Papers.
Ryan Day General Manager of BPM, Inc. a Specialty Paper Company. He has held roles as Technical/Quality Control, and a Plant Manager focusing on Specialty Papers.
David Barr Director of New Product Development of BiOrgin has over 25 years’ experience in the Paper with a background in technical Manager, Operations Manager, Mill Manager in both MG, Tissue, and Secondary Fiber Development.
Brit Swisher is the Area Vice President – Northern Region at Midland Paper, Packaging, & Supplies; Midland is one of the largest independent paper and packaging distributors in North America. He has 40 years’ experience in the industries!
Wisconsin Paper Council Announces New Addition to its Environmental Leadership Team
Keren A. Vivas, PhD, Hired as Director of Environmental Regulatory Affairs for WPC
Madison…The Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) is pleased to announce a new member of the 57-year-old trade association’s growing leadership team. Keren A. Vivas, PhD, has joined the WPC as its Director of Environmental Regulatory Affairs.
“Our statewide trade association is thrilled to welcome Keren Vivas, PhD to the Wisconsin Paper Council’s team of professionals,” stated WPC President Scott Suder. “Keren’s impressive sustainability experience and PhD background will bring us to a new level of strategic capability for our members. We are very pleased to have a professional of such magnitude as a member of our team.”
WPC is the premier trade association that advocates for the papermaking industry before regulatory bodies, and state and federal legislatures to achieve positive policy outcomes. WPC also works to educate the public about the social, environmental, and economic importance of paper, pulp, and forestry production in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest. The pulp and paper sector employs over 30,000 people in Wisconsin and has an annual payroll of $2.5 billion. Wisconsin is the number one paper-producing state in the United States, with the annual output of paper manufactured products estimated to be over $18 billion.
“I’m excited to begin work on behalf of an industry that is one of the economic engines of Wisconsin, which supports thousands of family-supporting jobs throughout Wisconsin,” stated Keren Vivas. “I look forward to the challenge of enhancing the Wisconsin Paper Council’s mission and strengthening its advocacy presence throughout the regulatory community.”
Prior to joining the WPC, Keren was Research Manager for the Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) Consortium, where she led project development, coordinated member engagement, organized annual conferences, and mentored graduate students. Concurrently, she served as a Senior Research Associate at NCSU, leading consumer studies and managing benchmarking data for the tissue and towel markets.
While completing her PhD at NCSU, Keren led SAFI Consortium research on supply chains, techno-economics, and consumer behavior, focusing on the feasibility and perception of using alternative fibers in pulp and paper products. During this time, she also completed two internships with Kimberly-Clark Corporation, focusing on business and sustainability strategy management.
Beyond research, she served as Vice President of the Forest Biomaterials Graduate Student Association, was a member of the College of Natural Resources DEI Committee and worked as a teaching assistant for the Strategic Business Processes course in the Paper Science and Engineering program.
Keren was born and raised in Mérida, Venezuela, where she earned her degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Los Andes (ULA). She later moved to the United States to pursue her PhD in Forest Biomaterials at North Carolina State University (NCSU).
You can learn more about the Wisconsin Paper Council by visiting their website at www.wipaper.org.
Follow the WPC on our social media platforms:
Edana: Anti-dumping probe launched into PET spunbond for bituminous membranes imports from China
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 15/09/2025
Brussels, Belgium, 15th of September 2025 – The European Commission has opened an anti-dumping investigation into PET spunbond imports from China, following a complaint lodged by members of EDANA, the international association for nonwoven and related industries.
EDANA welcomes this vital move by the European Commission to counter the influx of unfairly priced goods from Chinese exporters entering the EU market. Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Director of Market Analysis & Economic Affairs, stressed the need for urgent trade defence measures, stating: “The EU PET spunbond sector is facing mounting pressure from Chinese manufacturers. Since 2021, Chinese producers have rapidly increased exports of PET spunbond to the EU and have taken over a significant share of the EU PET spunbond market at the expense of the EU industry. Accordingly, we look forward to the rapid registration of imports and the possibility of retroactive imposition of anti-dumping measures.”
PET spunbond is a nonwoven material made from polyester filaments and is used as a carrier layer in bituminous membranes. The product is an essential input material for the EU’s building and construction sector in their efforts to accelerate housing renovation and clean energy roof construction in line with the EU’s green transition policies.
According to the Complainants, the unfairly priced Chinese imports have caused material injury to their performance, which saw a significant decline. “This underlines the need for the European Commission to make use of its trade defence tools. EDANA stands ready to support the EU Commission during its investigation,” Prigneaux concluded.
For more information, please contact Jacques Prigneaux:
jacques.prigneaux@edana.org
Please find the official notice of initiation here.
Q&A
Why did the EU PET spunbond producers file the anti-dumping Complaint?
The Chinese PET spunbond exporting producers have been increasing their presence on the EU market. Between 2021 and 2024, imports of Chinese PET spunbond into the EU increased their market share from [0-5] % to [15-20] %. The EU PET spunbond industry therefore asked the Commission to investigate the situation with a view to restoring a level playing field in the EU.
How long does the investigation last?
The anti-dumping investigation lasts up to 14 months. The Commission will conduct an objective examination of the situation and reach its findings after hearing all interested parties.
What will be the outcome of the investigation?
The Commission will, based on the evidence collected, decide whether it is necessary to impose anti-dumping duties on imports of PET spunbond from China.
What will be the level of the AD duties?
We do not know that. That is one of the findings the Commission will need to reach based on its investigation.
When could measures be imposed?
The Commission can impose provisional measures up to 8 months after the initiation of the investigation. Definitive measures can be imposed before the end of the investigation (14 months from the date of initiation). Also, relatively early in the investigation, the Commission can be expected to direct national customs authorities to register imports. The registration allows the Commission to make the definitive measures retroactive to the date of registration.
About EDANA
Comprising over 260 members, EDANA is the international association advocating for the benefits of nonwovens for society. Since 1971, EDANA has been providing a comprehensive range of services to enhance the industry’s goals and performance, including supporting sustainability ambitions, responsible product stewardship, and addressing common technical, regulatory and market challenges. EDANA also organizes several application-specific and geographic-focused industry events.
For further information, please contact:
Felipe Cossio Cuartero
Mobile: +32 499 689 249
E-mail: felipe.cossio@edana.org
Website: www.edana.org
Quad Plus: How Industrial Automation Systems Integration Helps Achieve End-to-End Automation
Manufacturers aiming for true end-to-end automation quickly discover that success depends on more than equipment. It requires seamless connectivity across machines, software, and processes. This is where industrial automation system integrators play a critical role.
These experts bridge the gap between standalone technologies, creating fully integrated operations. By coordinating hardware, control platforms, and enterprise systems, they ensure that every component of a facility communicates effectively.
The result is improved efficiency, better decision-making, and a reduction in costly downtime.
The Role of System Integration
System integration brings together diverse technologies into a cohesive framework. Whether it’s connecting robotics with PLCs, linking production lines to ERP software, or optimizing SCADA systems, a skilled system integration engineer ensures smooth interaction across all levels of automation.
This level of integration streamlines workflows and provides real-time data visibility. With accurate insights available at every stage, managers can respond quickly to issues, improve scheduling, and maximize output.
How Integrators Deliver End-to-End Automation
Industrial automation system integrators follow a disciplined approach that reduces risk and accelerates results:
- Discovery and Assessment. Map assets, network topology, and process constraints. Identify legacy bottlenecks and interoperability gaps.
- Solution Design. Specify controls architecture, I/O, communications standards, and data models that align with business goals.
- Implementation. Configure PLC and HMI code, commission drives and robotics, and integrate SCADA, MES, and ERP systems.
- Testing and Validation. Simulate edge cases, verify fail-safes, and document procedures for operations and maintenance.
- Optimization and Scaling. Tune recipes, add analytics, and standardize templates to replicate success across lines and sites.
Why Work with Control System Integrators
Partnering with control system integrators means more than technical expertise. They customize solutions to meet the unique needs of each facility, from small upgrades to complete plant-wide modernization.
Highly experienced control system integrators possess knowledge of both legacy systems and the latest automation technologies, enabling them to design strategies that minimize risk, shorten project timelines, and extend equipment life.
The right partner also addresses cybersecurity, safety standards, and change management so improvements stick. Look for teams with a multi-vendor track record and certifications to match your installed base. A strong system integrator also hardens OT networks so production remains secure and available.
Ask for clear documentation and training to support your maintenance staff. Prioritize providers who offer post-commissioning support and set clear expectations for response times. Lastly, ensure that you and your system integrator agree on KPIs upfront so that success is measured in the same way.
End-to-End Benefits
When executed correctly by industrial automation system integrators, end-to-end automation delivers:
- Higher Productivity. Integrated systems reduce delays and increase throughput.
- Less Downtime. Proactive design and monitoring identify problems before they escalate.
- Improved Flexibility. Systems can adapt more easily to new processes or production changes.
- Data-Driven Operations. Seamless integration ensures reliable information for smarter business decisions.
- Lifecycle Support. Standardized code, documentation, and training simplify maintenance.
By connecting equipment, software, and processes, industrial automation system integrators provide the foundation for efficient, reliable, and future-ready operations. To explore a practical roadmap for your facility, contact Adam Kahler at akahler@quadplus.com or call (815) 210-9885.
Quad Plus
1379 Unit C Carlson Ave New Richmond, WI 54017 www.quadplus.com
Paper Dimensions Announces Barry Christensen as VP and General Manager
Beaver Dam, WI – September 10, 2025 – Paper Dimensions LLC, a leading provider of precision paper converting solutions, is excited to announce the appointment of Barry Christenson as Vice President and General Manager. With a robust background in the paper and packaging industry, Christenson will drive the company’s growth, innovation, and business development.
Christenson brings 25 years of experience in paper and packaging, complemented by 10 years in the transportation industry. His expertise spans sales, sales management, operations, and supply chain management, with a proven record of fostering client relationships and business growth. A Wisconsin native, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI, and a Master of Business Administration from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.
“We are thrilled to welcome Barry to Paper Dimensions,” said Peter Emenecker, CEO of Paper Dimensions LLC. “His deep industry knowledge and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that create real value for our customers.”
As Vice President and General Manager, Christenson will oversee operations, lead business development, and drive strategic initiatives to strengthen Paper Dimensions’ position in the industry. His focus will include expanding market reach, optimizing operations, and fostering innovation.
“I’m honored to join Paper Dimensions and lead this talented team,” said Barry Christenson. “Together, we will expand our market presence, embrace innovation, and strengthen the partnerships that drive long-term success for our customers and our company.”
For more information, visit www.paperdimensionsllc.com or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/paper-dimensions-llc.
About Paper Dimensions LLC
Headquartered in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Paper Dimensions LLC specializes in precision paper converting, delivering high-quality solutions for diverse industries with a commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer partnership.
Media Contact:
Trista Rahn
Paper Dimensions LLC
trahn@paperdimensionsllc.com
Miron: Construction Suicide Prevention Week Stand-Down
Preventing Suicide in Construction
Mental Health, Depression, and Suicide
Mental health in construction isn’t talked about enough, yet it is a significant safety risk. It’s even been dubbed the “silent killer,” because poor mental health can lead to depression and even
worse, suicide. Mental health in construction is indeed a significant safety risk and a crisis we have to deal with.
Statistics point to the fact that a large number of construction workers struggle in some way with a mental health issue. In fact, 60% report this. Mental health issues can be caused by a wide range of variables. In construction, these problems include, but are not limited to, substance abuse, burnout, poor diet, and unrealistic expectations. However, one of the more prevalent issues is depression, which can ultimately lead to suicide.
While most individuals with depression have a full remission of the disorder with effective treatment, only about one-third (35%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. People often resist treatment because they believe depression isn’t serious, that they can treat it themselves, or that it is a personal weakness rather than a serious medical condition.
Depression is very treatable, with the overwhelming majority of those who seek treatment showing improvement. Please don’t hesitate to seek treatment. A great place to start is by contacting your local health provider, your local EAP (Employee Assistance Program), or utilizing the resources listed below.
Struggling? It’s ok to ask for help!
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- United Way: Call or Text 211
- Miron’s Mental Health HUB: miron-construction.com/MENTALHEALTH
For more information, click on the links below.
