Substantive Steps Towards More Sustainable Global Economy Attract Spotlight For Pulp & Paper Industry Leaders

PPI Awards launches new Finalists Showcase to recognize effective implementation of bold ideas throughout supply chain

Boston, MA /PRNewswire/ - Pulp and Paper industry leaders at some of the largest and most influential companies will be sharing their bold and effective corporate initiatives to build a sustainable organization and global economy at this year's PPI Awards. The newly launched Finalist Showcase will be held at RISI's Eighth Annual PPI Awards in Brussels, Belgium on November 21, 2016 just prior to the highly anticipated PPI Awards ceremony. The PPI Awards are the only global honors dedicated to the achievements of companies, mills and individuals in the pulp and paper sector.

The Finalist Showcase will feature top executives and business leaders throughout the industry who have spearheaded key projects that propel their company and the collective industry towards a sustainable and profitable future. From new products that substitute renewables for plastic, to new approaches to energy production from biomass, to mill-level initiatives that reduce water consumption and pollution, the work of PPI Awards Finalists has an impact well beyond their corporate walls. Communities, employees, and customers all benefit from their thoughtful management of environmental and financial risks.

Here are just a few Finalist Showcase speakers and their notable achievements:

• Raffaella Demedici, Europe Middle East and Africa Environment Health and Safety Director at Kimberly Clark will present a company initiative at its Beech Island mill has resulted in the reduction of over 200 million gallons of fresh water use via recycling.
• Niklas Von Weymarn, Vice President for Research, Metsä Fibre will discuss efforts at the Äänekoski mill – the largest investment in Finnish forest products history and the first next-generation bioproduct mill in the world.
• Jonas Eriksson, Mill Manager for Södra Cell AB will discuss Södra's recent expansion at its Värö Mill in Sweden and how it became one of the largest softwood pulp mills in the world. Eriksson led the expansion project from the front.
• Leena Yliniemi, Director of Technical Marketing & Packaging Service for Metsä Board will present the Elevated Drink Box (EDB), an easy, convenient and sustainable way for consumers to enjoy beverages.

New products, new processes and overall sound management of mills and companies will be recognized by the PPI Awards and in the Finalists Showcase. For more information on Finalist Speakers or the Award Categories please visit www.risi.com/ppiawards.

About RISI (www.risi.com)
RISI is the leading information provider for the global forest products industry. The company works with clients in the pulp and paper, packaging, wood products, timber, biomass, tissue and nonwovens industries to help them make better decisions. Headquartered in Boston, MA, RISI operates additional offices throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia.