We turn the page: Recap of the ZRR Paper Conference

“We are turning the page” – that was the motto of the ZRR Paper Conference, organised by Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier GmbH in cooperation with us as an anchor project for structural change in the region. The event focused on the paper industry and how it can drive transformation as an innovator.

In his keynote speech, Gerhard Hochstein, a management consultant specialising in transformation processes and an industry expert, described the current challenges facing the German paper industry: “Like many other industries, the paper industry will need new technological solutions and to adapt significantly to new digital possibilities in the coming years. It needs a completely new perspective on its role in future value creation networks”. Given the growing innovative strength of the global market, rising energy costs, and the scarcity of raw materials, the paper industry must reorient itself. The mutual task for the future is to achieve more with fewer resources. Hochstein highlighted the opportunities arising from the restructuring of energy systems, competition for new biogenic raw materials, and new business models and product solutions.

Taking action instead of waiting

But how can the industry capitalise on these opportunities? What environment is needed for it to become more energy-efficient, circular and sustainable? These questions were discussed in three workshops with experts from politics, business and research. The groups, divided into ‘Radically new business models’, ‘Innovation and transfer’ and ‘The role of politics’, discussed options and viable ways to actively shape transformation and drive innovation.

Input for the discussions was provided by six keynote speeches on the topics of ‘Energy and Resources’ and ‘Circular Economy’. Among the speakers was MFP project manager Philip Kayser, who reported on the FOREST research work. He explained how creating a comprehensive virtual representation of the paper machine as a digital twin can help to make paper production more energy-efficient. Christof Dahmen from Otto Junker Solutions GmbH presented solutions for using power-to-heat technologies to decarbonise process heat. Tiemo Arndt, from the paper manufacturer Reflex, presented approaches to reducing fossil fuel use in fine paper production. In the field of the circular economy, Amrei Becker from re.solutions described how the chemical recycling of polycotton textiles could provide the paper industry with new sources of raw materials. Frank Kolvenbach from Papstar Solutions presented a recycling approach for disposable tableware in the festival industry. Arne Krolle from Propakma presented solutions for the digital optimisation of the paper machine recycling cycle.

Fishbowl-style panel discussion

The core theses and key questions developed in the three workshops were passed on to Petra Trosien, representative of the State Secretary of the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Prof. Dr. Uli Schur, MFP research network partner and representative of Forschungszentrum Jülich, for discussion in the subsequent fishbowl-format panel discussion. Around 100 participants from business, science, and politics accepted the invitation from Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier and Modellfabrik Papier. An exhibition and informal chat with snacks provided an opportunity for further discussion and exchange.