Major Pulp and Paper Conference

12 May 2005

Major Pulp and Paper Conference Focuses on New Technologies and Sustainability

Appita, the technical association serving the Australian and New Zealand pulp and paper industry, begins one of the sector's biggest events in Auckland on Monday (May 16).

The four-day conference will focus on new developments and research into the science and technology of pulp and paper manufacturing, and is expected to attract more than 500 delegates from New Zealand, Australia and around the world.

New Zealand Forest Industries Council, representing the New Zealand pulp and paper industry, is the official host of the conference. New Zealand's six pulp and paper mills represent capital invested of more than $4 billion, and employ more than 4,000 New Zealanders. The industry relies on the output of New Zealand's sustainably managed planted forests.

A key theme of the conference will be how the pulp and paper industry can stay at the forefront of sustainable development.

"Over the past decade, the industry has managed to increase productivity, while meeting and in most cases exceeding international environmental standards," says New Zealand Forest Industries Council Chief Executive Stephen Jacobi.

"Pulp and paper making today is a sophisticated operation. The technology involved in handling wastes, reducing energy use and eliminating dangerous chemicals has moved on significantly as result of the industry's commitment to research and new investment."

Major improvements in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, while increasing output per tonne, have been achieved by pulp and paper companies' commitment to energy-efficiency gains through co-generation, increased use of bio-fuels and usage efficiencies.

Founded in 1947, Appita has approximately 1500 members and promotes education in the science and technology of pulp and paper manufacture, encourages research, provides data and a forum for practitioners to further their development. The annual conference rotates between New Zealand and Australia.

The conference takes place at the Sky City convention Centre from Monday 16 to Thursday 19 May. Further information can be found at www.appita.com.

About Forestry

NZFIC represents and promotes the interests of all sectors involved in the New Zealand forest and wood processing industry. Membership comprises forestry companies and industry associations who collectively own, manage and process wood and paper products from a sustainable, planted production forest resource of 1.8 million hectares.

New Zealand forestry directly employs 26,000 people, accounts for just under 4 percent of GDP, has annual sales of more than $5 billion and is the country's third largest export earner at $3.5 billion annually. Through its Vision 2025, the industry aims to become New Zealand's largest export sector, directly employ 60,000 people, contribute 14 percent of GDP and record an annual turnover of $20 billion.

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