2/ 2007 Supplement of Czech Business and Trade The CZECH and Industry THE CZECH

THE CZECH PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY The Pulp and Paper Supplement of: Czech Business and Trade 03-04/2007 Industry Stresses CONTENTS: INTRODUCTION 3 The Pulp and Paper Industry Environmentally ANALYSIS 4 Good Prospects for the Pulp and Paper Industry 6 The Czech Pulp and Paper Industry and the Environment in the 21st Century Friendly Production LEGISLATION 7 Corrugated - an Environmentally Friendly Material 8 The Packaging Act Amendment Brings Good, But Also Less Favourable Changes Blanka Ksandrová, Ministry of Industry and Trade, e-mail: [email protected], www.mpo.cz DESIGN 10 Innovation Supports Promotion and Marketing EDUCATION 14 Education and Research in the Pulp and Paper Sector Have Won Renown even Abroad The pulp and paper industry is one of the most forward- looking branches of the Czech manufacturing industry. ENTERPRISE In relation to the European Union, Czech enterprises 16 Paper Made to Measure from the Krkonoše within this branch account for approximately 1 % of WE ARE INTRODUCING total EU output. Pulp and paper products are used in all 18 Hand- – Combination of Tradition and Exclusiveness branches of the manufacturing industry, especially in CZECH TOP and packing production. For a number of years, 20 Modern Plants, Ecology, and Popularity of Products the branch has been pursuing a sustainable 22 Biocel Paskov – One of the Important Pulp Mills in Europe 24 Clever Production Technology Gives Protection and Spares the Environment development strategy. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT 26 Paper Research Is Building on Co-operation with Companies A Decisive Role Is Played by Large Companies In the pulp and paper industry, owing to the character of SURVEY its production, a decisive role is played by large 27 Poll of Successful Companies Operating in the Pulp and Paper Industry companies, which have approximately a 60 % share of INFORMATION revenues from the sale of their own products and 30 Exhibitions and Fairs in the Area of Pulp and Paper Industry in the Czech Republic in 2007 services and about a 50 % share of the workforce in the 30 Important Contacts branch. Of the total number of 147 companies with PRESENTATION OF COMPANIES: 20 and more employees, 35 are under foreign control 2 Böttcher ČR, k.s. (28.3 %). 15 KDN Packaging s.r.o. 17 KRKONOŠSKÉ PAPÍRNY a.s. Exports and Imports 19 PAPÍRNY BRNO a.s. 23 INAPA s.r.o. The territorial distribution of trade exchange in the 31 EMBA, spol. s r.o. branch has been practically unchanged for a number of 32 Lobby Česká republika, s. r. o. years and is showing only minimum changes in PAPOS v.o.s., Omega Hořovice spol. s r.o., ELMES s.r.o., ARTYPA Holubov, spol. s r.o., Smurfit Kappa Czech s.r.o., Duropack Bupak Obaly a.s., JIP - Papírny Větřní, a.s. comparison with the previous year. This fact is confirmation of the Czech Republic’s long-term trade MK ČR E 6379 relations with its partners, Germany, Slovakia, Poland, This magazine is published as a supplement to the economic bi-monthly issued in English and Italy. (Czech Business and Trade), German (Wirtschaft und Handel in der Tschechischen Republik), French (Industrie et commerce tchèques), Spanish (Empresas y negocios en la Optimistic Prospects of the Pulp and Paper República Checa), and Russian ( ). óe¯cÍafl Úop„o‚Îfl Ë Ôe‰ÔËÌËÏaÚeθcÚ‚o Industry Managing Editor: Jana Vápeníková Despite the dynamic growth of paper and Editor: Naďa Vávrová Graphic Design: Helena Dvořáková, Miloslav Bucvan consumption, the Czech Republic is still below the level of advanced EU states, and its further growth, to a level Address: PP Agency, s.r.o., Myslíkova 25 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic of up to 200 kg per head of the population, can be Phone: +420 221 406 623, 221 406 626 expected. This would correspond to the total Fax: +420 224 934 383 consumption of approximately 2 million tons a year. To E-mail: [email protected] attain this target, higher investments will have to be www.ppagency.cz made in the industry. The optimistic forecasts for the www.mpo.cz/cbt pulp and paper industry are underlined by the fact that Deadline: 24/1/2007 this is a branch based on renewable raw material sources Attitudes expressed by the authors of articles in this magazine are not necessarily taking advantage of an easy recovery of its production, consistent with the viewpoint of the Publisher. generally considered to be environment-friendly. PP Agency Company with the ISO 9001 certified quality management system for publishing services Cover photo: www.photocombo.cz

3 | ANALYSIS

Good Prospects for the Pulp and Paper Industry

Petr Filgas, Ministry of Industry and Trade, e-mail: [email protected], www.mpo.cz

The pulp and paper industry is one of from the point of view of employment, lowering of the unfavourable balance the most forward-looking branches of it accounted for 1.5 % of the workforce of trade in wood mass and paper the Czech manufacturing industry, with in the manufacturing industry as articles by nearly EUR 56 900 was a good environmental record. Its a whole. In 2005, the situation of the mainly due to higher exports than production is based on renewable raw sector within the branch did not change imports. In 2006, further lowering of materials (wood mass) and secondary in comparison with 2004. the unfavourable balance of trade is raw materials (waste and scrap paper), expected. mostly of Czech origin. Its products are Basic Production Characteristics The decisive partner of the Czech used in all the other branches of the A detailed analysis examining the Republic in exports is Germany, manufacturing industry, particularly basic production characteristics of accounting for 22 %, whose share in printing. development in the pulp and paper comparison with the previous year The industry’s high energy industry has revealed the following increased by 1 %. Its other important consumption is partly offset by its use trends: partners are Slovakia with a share of of renewable sources (mainly biomass). • Revenues from the sale of OPaS 13 % (-2 %), Poland with 12 % (+2 %), Currently this environmentally friendly (in constant prices) in branch NACE and Italy with 8 %. method of biomass incineration covers 21 in 2005 increased by 13.1 % In imports, too, Germany continues to approximately one-fourth of total gross in comparison with 2004, to EUR be our largest trade partner, with energy consumption. 2 057.5 million, showing a steady a share of 34 %, despite a 2 % decline According to the international NACE growth in the period under review. in comparison with the previous year. classification, the branch is divided into Faster growth in the past period was Coming next are Austria with 9 % two sectors: 21.1 Manufacturing of observed in sector 21.2. (+1 %), Slovakia with 8 % (+1 %) and pulp and paper and 21.2 Manufactu- • The book added value indicator (in Poland also with 8 % (+1 %). ring of articles of paper and paper- constant prices), with the exception The graph and the list show that links board. of 2003 (consequences of disastrous to EU states are decisive for this flooding in the previous year and the country’s trade exchange. In 2005, EU Shares of Sectors in Revenues effect of exchange rate changes), also states accounted for 80 % of the Czech The shares of NACE 21 sectors in shows a rising trend (2005/2004 year- Republic’s total exports and for 90 % of revenues from the sale of own products on-year index approx. 121.5 %). its imports. and services (OPaS) in current prices • The number of employees in 2005 in 2005 show that sector 21.2 increased by 234 persons in Investment Manufacturing of articles of paper and comparison with the previous year, Between 2000 and 2006, material paperboard in that year accounted for a 1.2 % year-on-year growth. investments amounted to around 53 % of revenues from the sale of • While in the paper and paperboard EUR 105 million a year, of which OPaS, 1 % more than in 2004. From the manufacturing sector employment investments in machinery and long-term point of view, the shares of rose by 4.6 %, in the pulp and paper equipment to approx. EUR 88 million. the sectors within the branch change sector it declined by 5.5 %. The volume of direct foreign only minimally. investments in the pulp and paper In the pulp and paper industry, in view Foreign Trade industry in 2004 were worth approx. of the character of production, the Most strongly represented in total EUR 776 million, 10.7 % more than in decisive role in 2004 was played by exports of SCP 21 products in 2005 was the previous year. large companies (with 205-999 group SCP 21.12 Manufacture of paper employees), which accounted for 60 % and paperboard, with 38.6 %, followed International Comparisons and of revenues from the sale of OPaS and by SCP 21.22 Manufacture of Competitiveness for 50 % of the number of employees household and sanitary goods and of After the Czech Republic’s accession to in the branch. Of the total number of toilet requisites with the highest growth the EU, the Czech paper industry 147 companies with 20 and more of exports in comparison with 2004 (by became an integral part of the all- employees, 35 are under foreign 20.6 %). European paper industry. This control (28.3 %). In group SCP 21 imports are higher happened twelve years after it was In 2005, NACE 21 accounted for 2 % than exports, especially because of the detached from its association with of the revenues of the manufacturing import of special kinds of paper articles. paper mills in Slovakia in the former industry’s sales of its OPaS, the same as In 2005, products in group SCP 21.12 Czechoslovak Republic. This fact is in 2004. accounted for approx. 56.7 % of total relatively important, as it influences The sector’s share of created added imports. In comparison with 2004, significantly the structure of the Czech value in 2005 amounted to 2.1 %, and imports in 2005 grew by 1.8 %. The industry’s production and its

| 4 THE CZECH PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY

manufacturing possibilities (in the past, The following are important manufacturing companies within the branch the construction of paper-making in terms of turnover: facilities was conceived so as to suit the Biocel Paskov, a. s. www.biocel.cz needs of the Czechoslovak Republic as JIP – Papírny Větřní, a. s. www.jip.cz a whole) and the possibilities of KRKONOŠSKÉ PAPÍRNY, a. s. www.krpa.cz covering real needs from Czech Mondi Packaging Paper Štětí, a. s. www.mondipackaging.com resources. MODEL OBALY CZ, a. s. www.model.cz This is the reason why a larger part of Norske Skog, Štětí, a. s. www.norskeskog.com paper and paperboard consumption Olšanské papírny, a. s www.olpa.cz must be satisfied by import. Paper and OP papírna, s. r. o. www.delfortgroup.com paperboard manufacture in the Czech Kimberly-Clark, s. r. o. www.kimberly-clark.com Republic continued to grow also in Smurfit Kappa Czech, s. r. o. www.smurfitkappa.com 2005, when the output reached the level of 966 000 tons. In comparison with 2004, material production grew by nearly 3 %, with approximately 65 % of competitiveness of Czech enterprises environment. All the major the output going for export. Total paper on the European market by manufacturers have implemented and paperboard consumption in the unnecessarily raising EU limits above environmental management systems. Czech Republic in 2005 amounted to those set by the market, thus creating As a result, an important decline, by up 1.3 million tons, 1.0 million tons of unequal conditions. to 90 %, in all kinds of pollution has which had to be imported. Environmental targets in the paper taken place since 1992. Specific energy The statistics of the Association of the industry must be assessed with regard consumption in the production of 1 ton Paper and Pulp Industry are to their economic and social impacts. At of paper has been reduced (water by confirmation of the very favourable the same time, optimum measures must 42 %, electricity by 44 %). Waste and development of the branch, which is be found both in the economy and scrap paper consumption in the mainly supported by data on per capita employment, and in environmental manufacture of new paper has trebled paper consumption in the Czech considerations. This approach takes since 1992, to nearly 480 000 tons in Republic. In 2005, paper consumption into account the sustainable 2005. At the beginning of 2006, increased by 3 % in comparison with development principle based on the member enterprises of the Association the previous year (from 129.7 kg to dynamic balancing of three pillars: of the Paper and Pulp Industry adopted 133.3 kg). A favourable feature is the economic, social, and environmental. rules to prevent unauthorised wood growing consumption of scrap and Any imbalance among them involves cutting, and it is their intention to waste paper in the furnish of pulp from risks for the system. This approach is extend these rules to cover the entire 448 000 tons to 480 000 tons, raising adopted by the Czech paper industry wood processing sector of Czech the proportion of recovered fibre in the together with all the 18 member states industry. furnish to 48.5 % in the manufacture of the Confederation of European of new paper and paperboard. Paper Industries (CEPI). After the Czech Republic’s accession The paper industry is continuously to the EU, the share of Czech goods striving for the reduction of the coming under SCP 21 accounted for negative impact of its activities on the approx. 1.4 % of deliveries to EU25 and for 26.8 % of deliveries to the new EU states. Trade in SCP 21 products in current prices from 2000 to 2006 New Prospects of the Branch Total exports (EUR million) An important task for the industry in SCP 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006* the next few years will be to ensure Exchange rate sufficient energy sources and prepare CZK/EUR 35.61 34,.08 30.81 31.84 31.90 29.78 28.4 a system of changes to prevent the Exports inefficient increase of production costs (EUR million) 731.46 782.91 853.16 869.75 941.56 1 103.86 1 250.00 of enterprises and dissuasion of Year-on-year index X 107.0 109.0 101.9 108.3 117.2 113.2 potential foreign investors. It is Total imports (EUR million) important to ward off the danger that SCP 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006* there will not be a sufficient supply of Imports (EUR million) 859.50 946.26 1 033.14 1 059.51 1 168.36 1 273.79 1 369.72 the basic raw material – wood pulp – Year-on-year index X 110.1 109.2 102.6 110.3 101.8 109.0 for the paper industry, caused by its Balance (EUR million) possible diversion to power generation SCP 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006* based on renewable sources instead of SCP 21 the more efficient transformation of (EUR million) -128.05 -163.35 -179,97 -189.76 -226.80 -169.93 -119.72 those sources into industrial products. *Expert estimate, constant prices of 2000 At the same time it is necessary to SCP – Standard classification of production prevent the weakening of the Source: Czech Statistical Office, own calculation of MIT

5 | ANALYSIS

The Czech Pulp and Paper Industry and the Environment in the 21st Century

Jaroslav Tauc, Pulp and Paper Industry Association, e-mail: [email protected], www.sppac.cz

The pulp and paper industry was, and Recycling of Used Paper new fibres. All this is being done despite still is, unjustly, considered a great and Paperboard the fact that new fibres are made from polluter of the environment. It is very The pulp and paper industry is the domestic renewable raw materials. difficult to disprove untrue myth, but second largest branch worldwide, after provable evidence should speak for the food industry, using recoverable raw Unlawful Logging for Paper itself. material sources. In addition, its Mills immense advantage, unlike the food In recent years, the world paper industry Real Facts and Figures industry, is that the used products can be has been a frequent target of Fresh water consumption for the recycled. Recycling is a natural attribute accusations from non-government manufacture of l ton of paper and of this branch, and looking back into environmental organisations claiming paperboard has been reduced by 57 % history we shall see that the industry that it uses illegally harvested wood for since 1990 (from 102 cu.m to 44 cu. m). came into being actually by "recycling" the production of paper. This is an Thanks to the installation of a number rags. Paper mills have always behaved, unfounded claim, and in the case of of waste water treatment plants, the and will continue to behave, strictly timber from tropical rain forests it is an total volume of discharged waste waters economically, while at the same time absurd charge. In spite of this, in 2006 was also reduced. At the same time, the being friendly to the environment. members of the Pulp and Paper Industry pollution of those waste waters was Different ratios of basic raw materials are Association (SPPaC) pledged to observe reduced by 90 % on an average used to make new paper and the Code of Conduct for the Paper according to the main indicators paperboard, i.e. new pulp (groundwood Industry in connection with unlawful (biological and chemical oxygen pulp and ), waste and scrap logging issued by the Confederation of demand and solid matter content). In paper and non-fibrous components European Paper Industries (CEPI). In six this way, the pulp and paper industry is (fillers, agents, etc.). The usual points, the Code stipulates the basic partly responsible for the fact that we composition in the Czech pulp and principles, which SPPaC members strictly can feel the difference in the quality of paper industry in 2005 was 51 % new observe. One of the principles is that surface waters even by our senses. pulp, 43 % waste paper, and 6 % other they will only purchase legally logged Much progress has also been made by components. Paper and paperboard timber, that they can ensure that the reducing the emission of harmful consumption is continuously growing in legal logging of the purchased timber substances into the atmosphere. The the Czech Republic, which is confirmed can be proved (e.g. by logging licence, improvement is due to the use of more not only by the growing performance of mediator registration, logging refined fuels and the reconstruction of the Czech economy, but also by the documents, contracts, orders, operating the boiler units, in addition to the rising standard of living of the sheets), that they will co-operate improvement of the mill technological population. This goes hand in hand with helpfully with and answer all requests or processes. Greenhouse gas emissions, growing consumption of waste paper in requirements of customs officers, too, are continuously declining thanks the manufacture of new paper and government authorities, or any other to the increasingly wider use of better- paperboard. The main asset of using body authorised to make such requests quality fuels. The pulp and paper waste paper is its contribution to or inquiries and that they will instruct industry is receiving more than 50 % of environmental protection and lower their employees and trade partners to its total thermal energy needs by consumption of primary raw materials – observe the Code. incinerating its own wastes (mainly waste liquors and bark) in special or power boilers. In this connection, it Waste paper consumption and per capita paper and paperboard consumption in the Czech Republic must be realised that these results have 600 140 been achieved while the actual output Waste paper consumption 130 was growing. From 1996 to 2005, pulp 500 Per capita paper consumption 120 production grew by nearly 43 % and 400 110

Czech consumption went up by 44 %. 100 300 Although in the same period paper and 90 Kg/Capita paperboard production showed 200 80 a growth of only 32 %, the 70 100 consumption of this material was 60 0 50 several times higher, by up to 104 %. 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

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Corrugated Cardboard – an Environmentally Friendly Material

Pavel Sobol, Association of Corrugated Cardboard Manufacturers, e-mail: [email protected], www.svvl.cz

The Czech Republic is a country with The Association’s Main Task renowned structures. The only material a long tradition in the area of corrugated Is Publicity they were allowed to use was cardboard manufacture and consump- One of the main tasks of the corrugated cardboard. As part of tion. The popularisation of this material Association of Corrugated Cardboard celebrations of the International Day of among the general public and the regard Manufacturers in the Czech Republic is the Environment, the most successful paid to it in Czech legislation are much to publicise the favourable effect of the students were awarded by the Minister to the credit of the Association of use of corrugated cardboard as packing of the Environment, Libor Ambrozek. Corrugated Cardboard Manufacturers. material on the environment. Each This body associates five local year, the Association organises Design Is Scoring Success manufacturers - Duropack Bupak Obaly, a number of projects to address the In the area of design, corrugated Smurfit Kappa Czech, Model Obaly, SCA general public and to make people cardboard is undergoing continuous Packaging Česká republika, and THIMM think about environmental problems. development. Each year, the best Obaly. Annually, the members of the Association sell more than 280 000 tons of corrugated cardboard, 60 000 tons of which is exported. This environmentally friendly material is becoming increasing- ly popular and is used, for example, in the automotive, electrical engineering, and chemical industries and in a large number of new sectors.

Ecology: the First Priority Corrugated cardboard as packing material has many positive attributes attached to it. Perhaps the most important are its qualities from the environmental point of view. Cardboard is one of just a few materials which are one- hundred per cent recyclable and its use plays a favourable role in environmental protection efforts. This, after all, is attested by the results of a study carried out by the Polytechnic University in Valencia, which was confirmed, among others, by the University in Barcelona, and in the Czech Republic by the University of Pardubice. As part of the study, scientists Notre Dame in Paris made of corrugated cardboard examined cardboard and plastic boxes used to transport fruit and vegetables to The activities of the Czech association manufacturers of corrugated card- longer distances, and at the same time are unique at least in the framework of board packing are given prestigious they analysed their entire life cycle. The European countries. For its work in this awards for their extraordinary result was the finding that in areas with area, in 2006 the Association won the achievements in the construction and a reduced ozone layer a plastic box has an support of state authorities, specifically printing of packing. All this is only 87-per cent greater impact on the the Ministry of the Environment. With possible thanks to the extraordinary environment than a box made of its assistance, the project continued adjustability of the material for trying corrugated cardboard. In addition, also the following year, in the new possibilities in the creation of a cardboard box is 13 % cheaper than framework of which secondary-school packing. a plastic one. students made copies of world Photo: SVVL archives

7 | LEGISLATION

The Packaging Act Amendment Brings Good, But Also Less Favourable Changes

Vlado Volek, SYBA Packaging Association, e-mail: [email protected], www.syba.cz

A new EU directive on packaging and packaging waste was issued in February 2004. Member states were required to implement it by 18 August 2005 at the latest. The Czech Republic, a regular EU member, transposed the directive into its legislation, which came into force as late as 15 March 2006.

The Amendment Brings Favourable Changes The amendment has brought several favourable changes. In the first place, it introduced unequivocal marking fully compatible with European law. Material identification, i.e. indication what material the packaging is made of, is voluntary for all materials. Nevertheless, the marking of the packaging material must be in accordance with the Commission decision. That decision assigns numerical and letter codes to materials. The Commission decision is not identical with the Czech technical standard. For example European regulations do not define the use of specific marks, unlike the Czech standard, which recommends the use of a triangle with full arrows. A wide range of marks can thus be seen on the shelves of European shops. Another favourable change is the shifting of the assessment of the properties of the packaging according to the system of standards from compulsory to optional level. This solution is fully compatible with the principles of European law, making it possible for manufacturers to use the above-mentioned technical standards as an efficient tool to prove that the requirements of the law placed on packaging from the environmental point of view have been met. A favourable feature is also the limitation of obligated entities to more than 300 kg of packaging a year, but this is complicated by the condition Only abbreviations or numerical codes are binding, not the shape of the mark Photo: SYBA archives

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that the firm’s annual turnover must be category of negative changes is the intended to be filled at the point of less than EUR 159 000. establishment of three criteria for sale, provided they fulfil the function defining whether the object is of packing. Exception for the Czech a packaging or not. Obviously, the Finally, according to the third Republic in Recycling definition of packaging in the act, and criterion, packaging signifies auxiliary Other aspects of the amendment are in the directive concerned, is not elements hung directly onto the recycling requirements. The required sufficiently clear. This, after all, is product or attached to the product and higher percentage of recycling admitted implicitly also by its authors, fulfilling the function of packaging packaging waste is motivated by who came forward with a solution in provided they are not an indivisible part environmental considerations. At the the form of three criteria that will of that product and all its parts are not same time, however, recycling, and in "safely" distinguish between intended to be consumed or removed particular collection and sorting, are packaging and "non packing". The together. a costly affair, which becomes first criterion defines packaging as projected into the consumer prices of a product corresponding to the stated Cross-border Transport goods. At present, the Czech Republic definition of packing, which at the A new term, rather vague, is "cross- is not fully prepared for these same time fulfils or may also fulfil border transport". How should this requirements. a function other than that of term be interpreted in the context of The Ministry of the Environment has packaging and is considered packaging European law with regard to potential therefore negotiated for the Czech only if it is not an indivisible part of barriers to free trade is a subject for Republic, the same as have the other another product and is not essential a long and extensive debate. In brief it new EU members, a transition period for closing, carrying, or maintaining can be said: When transporting goods until 2012, with percentages which the that product for the duration of its life to the Czech Republic from another EU older members must meet in 2008. and if all its parts are not intended to state, no assessment of the observation be used, consumed or removed of conditions for placing packaging on Packaging or Non Packaging together. The other criterion defines the market is required, unlike the A change which belongs rather to the packaging as objects designed and Ekokom fee, which must be paid.

9 | DESIGN

Innovation Supports Promotion and Marketing

Benedikt Klaudis, SYBA Packaging Institute, e-mail: [email protected], www.obalroku.cz

In 2006, the OBAL ROKU (Packaging of the Year) national competition, a traditional event organised by the SYBA Packaging Institute, was held for the twelfth time. The jury had the difficult task of choosing the most noteworthy items from among 70 exhibits. In the end, 38 of them succeeded. This competition attracts continuing interest from its participants. Innovation goes hand in hand with the interest in promotion and marketing, and this explains why innovation is such a great help in this area. The entries are classed in different categories, where the steadily leading position is held by the Consumer Packaging category. The greatest growth is recorded by the Industrial, handling, and technological packaging and the Packaging materials categories.

Some of the Winning Items in Different Categories of the packaging giving it the shape is made from corrugated in the OBAL ROKU 2006 Competition cardboard, with a flexible foil bag inside fitted with an outlet valve enabling simple drawing and pouring of the wine. The Consumer Packaging Category accessories for the filling equipment are supplied flatways to Item: Souvenir Centennial minimise transport and storage costs. The packaging gets its Anniversary Set shape by filling, which can be done by hand, by machine, semi- Entered by Grafobal, akciová automatically and automatically, regardless of whether the spoločnosť liquid is cold or hot. There is a possibility of aseptic filling. The Construction by Lubica Šimovcová durability of the wine is enhanced by its being let out through Design by RECO, s.r.o., Advertising a valve without the intake of air. Easy separation of the Agency materials supports recycling.

The souvenir set, made on the occasion of the centennial Item: Wine packaging with a zip fastener anniversary of the company Grafobal a.s., consists of a decanter Entered by Omnipack s.r.o. and a wine bottle. The packaging of the set is marked for its Construction by Ivo Tomáš, TOMI Studio modern graphic rendering and pure style, as well as its precise Design by Ivo Tomáš, TOMI Studio construction, fixing perfectly the non-typically shaped pieces. The construction of the decanter packaging is designed so as to The gift packaging for wine bottles with zip suit the great disproportions of the neck and the body of the fastening immediately attracts consumers’ bottle, fixing it in an interesting oblique position with the help interest by its unusual design. The packaging is of an internal fixation, thus enabling the minimisation of the made from corrugated cardboard. The interesting external size of the packaging. The opening over the red wedge presentation effect is achieved by the system of allows easy handling of the packaging. fractures in the microwave cardboard in The wine bottle has the same colour finishing. A new feature combination with a zip fastener. is the opening cut out in the packaging, which makes it possible The product itself consists of four parts. The to see and also to "take out" the label from the bottle without external packaging is formed by smooth three- having to open the packaging. layer microwave cardboard, into which the bottom and partly The material used for the production of the packaging is also the top made of the same material are stuck. The loose corrugated cardboard. The choice of the colours – silver, red, parts – flaps – are held together by a zip. When taking the and black – reflects the colours of the company. bottle out of the packaging, it is necessary to first open the zip, then the side flaps and after that to lift a part of the lid. This Item: Bag-in-Barrel system, when the lid is fixed by the open flaps, makes it possible Entered by STI Česko s.r.o. for the goods to be displayed with a surprising effect. Ordered by Export Union International Wines Item: Paper bag with sealing valve Construction by STI – Entered by Mondi Bags Štětí a.s. Unternehmensgruppe Design by Daniel Benasch In response to current trends in construction, the Mondi Packaging group Bag-in-Barrel is a consumer- presents its new one-layer bag "One". The attractive, well-designed packaging bag is made of firm, stiff and highly porous suitable for the sale of wine. The high quality print imitating paper, which can be filled with all sorts of wood, in combination with the construction of the packaging in powder materials designed for sale in chain the shape of a little barrel, is reminiscent of the traditional way stores. The one-layer bag, made of of storing wine and implying high quality. The external firm part Advantage ONE paper, offers many

| 10 THE CZECH PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY

advantages, as its name suggests, such as rapid filling, no Sale, Exhibition, Group Packaging, and Display perforation, and minimum dust in filling. After filling, the bag Categories remains clean and so is the workplace. ONE is combined with a foil, which protects the content against moisture, and is Item: Packaging for Nestlé provided with a handle for easier transport and with a sealing chocolate – Czech and Polish valve that closes the bag hermetically after filling. markets Entered by Smurfit Kappa Item: Monte Drink Olomouc s.r.o. Entered by Zott s.r.o. Ordered by Nestlé Česko s.r.o. Construction by Radek Topiarz, Monte Drink 200 ml is marked for its construction designer with the attractive graphic design, suitable shape firm Smurfit Kappa Olomouc s.r.o. and size of its packaging. This product is Designed by Panflex s.r.o. another item supplementing the Monte Dessert series. It is a fresh UHT treated A simple and at the same time very appealing display made of dairy product for children. With its corrugated cardboard to pack Nestlé chocolate for sale. The parameters, the packaging, TetraPak box, packaging is used for hand packing on the packing line, with makes it possible for the product to stay fresh, without emphasis on minimum time needed for its filling. The chocolate deteriorating its quality, even if stored (for a short time) away is clearly visible in the display and is within easy reach. It has an from the cooling shelf. The box is provided with a screw cap for aesthetic appeal. repeated closing, the size of which suits careful consumption. Item: Trio Scribbi Item: Innovative multi-layer bag with Entered by Artypa Holubov spol. s r.o. handles for easy carrying Entered by Fiorini International Czech The sales display from corrugated Republic s.r.o. cardboard is intended to hold forty pieces of STABILO TRIO Scribbi felt- A new item in the area of large-volume tipped pens and is designed so that the consumer packaging for loose mixtures customer may examine the product is the two-layer paper bag which, in easily and try out each of the eight addition to the conventional carrying colours on the attached testing pad. handles, is provided with yet another The overall design of the display makes it possible to arrange handle on the external side of the bag’s, the pens in rows according to colour. The customers’ attention bottom. This additional handle allows for easy emptying of is drawn by the graphic design presenting the mark and the the bag, easy handling, and consequently more accurate special properties of the product. filling. Apart from the above-mentioned innovation, the bag is fitted with a simple dosing device (formed by tearing off Item: Alpha Tray the upper tip) and a strip of hotmelt glue applied to the Entered by THIMM Obaly packaging part instead of sewing, thus allowing potential k.s. cost saving. The bag has an attractive design with exquisite printing. Alpha-tray is a patented packaging intended for Item: Sevenpack for Královský automatic folding. It is pivovar Krušovice a.s. designed for machine folding Entered by Smurfit Kappa Olomouc s.r.o. and its principal advantage is the maximum possible use of the Ordered by Královský pivovar Krušovice cardboard surface. After folding, the side walls are doubled and a.s. lowered for the presentation of products. In addition, stacking Construction by a team of CAD surfaces are formed in the corners of the pallet. In stacking, the designers of Smurfit Kappa Olomouc pallets must be turned round by 180°. After the pallet has been Design by the graphic studio of Královský folded, its bottom is formed by the printed side of the pivovar Krušovice a.s. cardboard, which allows better communication with the customer. Sevenpack is an attractive hexagonal packaging made of backed corrugated cardboard to hold seven Industrial, Handling, and bottles of Krušovice beer. Its construction is quite new on the Technological Packaging multipack market. It allows a compact grouping of more pieces Category of goods and excellent communication with customers. Sevenpack (six bottles in the corners of the hexagon + one in Item: Packaging with the middle) uses the outer surface for advertising the intelligent fixation combination of three different kinds of Krušovice beer. At the Entered by Servisbal Obaly s.r.o. top, the packaging is provided with a plastic handle and a tear- Construction by Aleš Jakubec off tape to facilitate its opening. Design by Aleš Jakubec

11 | DESIGN

The main asset of this corrugated cardboard packaging is its Romadur ripening cheese is marked for its interesting bonding design, allowing the easiest and consequently the fastest possible of the layers and good-quality graphic rendering. The foil packing of the product. The time needed for folding the consists of two layers, printed aluminium foil and paper, which packaging, and especially its fixing, is transferred to the are bonded by a special laminating method using a water-based manufacturer of the packaging. The only thing for the person adhesive. The lamination of the two materials is carried out by filling the packaging to do is to press two opposite sides that will mere local-point contact of the adhesive with both layers. As turn the packaging and the fixation into a three-dimensional regards mechanical properties important in the process of shape, placing the product inside and closing the packaging. The packing, very important is the flexibility of the packaging, its fixation makes it possible to pack two different kinds of PORSCHE firmness, and especially its remarkable shape memory. This headlights, both the left and the right versions, altogether four finish makes the packaging lofty, making it possible for the different products. Another advantage for the person filling the cheese to mature during the incubation period, and ensures packaging is the transport and storage of only one piece, which antibacterial protection and the maintenance of the also helps minimise storage and handling costs. characteristic smell of the product. The foil is printed by photogravure, which lends the product a representative Item: Transport packaging appearance. As immature wrapped cheese is characteristic of its of wire weighing 900 kg considerable chemical aggressiveness, the print is protected by Entered by Podorlická kartonážní a special resistant paint. spol. s r.o. Construction design by Podorlická Labels, Caps, and Other Auxiliary Packaging kartonážní spol. s r.o. Devices

The simple and at the same time fully Item: Jupík 0.33 l functioning fixation from corrugated Entered by Obchodní tiskárny, cardboard is intended for the packing a.s. of wire into tubes closed at both ends by plastic lids. The fixing is Ordered by Kofola a.s. done by a shaped cut-out glued into the required shape. This makes it possible for effective industrial production in large series Apart from the motif of the and enables simple and safe transport. The main advantages of Spiderman comics figure, the this kind of fixation are the savings in material, safety of transport label of the commercially packaging, support of the customer’s logistic system, easy successful fruit drink for handling, possibility of recycling packaging wastes, and economy. children, Jupík, draws attention by its higher added value. Packaging Materials Category Thanks to the fluorescent print in UV colour on the PP foil, Item: KH PACK® Superior children will discover a collection Entered by Krkonošské of 12 little figures on the back papírny a.s. side of the label. After illumination by UV light (a small The wood-free, white, lamp is part of group packaging), the figures will shine. Another machine-glazed special positive aspect is the possibility of making sketches on the wrapping paper represents labels using a fluorescent UV colour pencil. The a new generation of food printing technology used is photogravure. wrapping paper. The completely new kind of finish Item: Wine label guarantees the required properties (fat resistance) and prevents, Entered by SVS, spol s r.o. albeit only the theoretical, risk of perfluoroctane acid and PFOA Ordered by Vinařství Galant derivatives forming. KH PACK® Superior is suitable for the direct packing of foodstuffs and further processing, such as the The self-sticking label using silk-screen printing production of food bags and the packaging of fast food. The and safe colours (EN 71-3) on special paper is lower surface tension of the functional side of KH PACK® a new item on the market, with inscriptions Superior paper has allowed better printing and processing also in Braille. The sensitively selected (cutting, gluing, recoiling, and folding). Laminating the paper combination of colour and gold embossing, with other materials is no problem, either. The safety of the KH the same as the relief print of Braille PACK® Superior wrapping paper and the suitability of its use as inscriptions giving the name, kind, and vintage primary packaging of foodstuffs are attested by the FDA of the wine, attract the interest of customers. international certificate. The unconventional design allows the application of only the front label, without Item: ROMADUR – special violating current legislation. This results in packaging for ripening cheeses material saving and more economical, and Entered by AL Invest Břidličná, a.s. environmentally friendlier processing. The label meets all Ordered by MADETA GROUP, a.s. design, safety, economical, and ecological aspects and, in The unique foil for packing the addition, the use of Braille helps people with poor eyesight.

| 12 EDUCATION

Education and Research in the Pulp and Paper Sector Have Won Renown even Abroad

Miloslav Milichovský, University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Wood, Pulp and Paper. E-mail: [email protected], www.upce.cz

Owing to its environmentally friendly character, the chemical processing of wood and paper is undergoing a renaissance in this country, enhanced by its good raw-material base. The only university workplace with this specialisation in the Czech Republic is the University of Pardubice, where education in this subject is provided by the Wood, Pulp, and Paper Department (KDCP) at the Faculty of Chemical Technology. Tuition in the pulp-and-paper course is given at the Faculty of Chemical Technology, branch Pulp and Paper Chemistry and Technology, falling under the Materials Chemistry and Technology branch group.

Important Centre of Tuition The Faculty of Chemical Technology (FCHT), historically the oldest faculty of the University of Pardubice, has a tradition of more than fifty years, enjoying great credit in the Czech Republic and also in other countries. It The Faculty graduates find employment in important positions in the CR and other countries has developed into an important centre of research and education in chemistry the Pulp and Paper Industry Association part of educational and re-qualification and technical chemistry, material and with a large number of enterprises co-operation with industry, the engineering, chemical technologies, bio- operating in this sector. As part of their Department organises short-term chemical branches and management and scientific and research work, the teachers narrowly specialised courses and training control processes. The tuition links up to and students of the Department according to the requirements of conventional branches, of study adjusted participate in basic and applied research particular enterprises, as well as (usually accordingly to meet European standards. projects in the form of dissertations, four-term) licence studies in different Tuition at the faculty is given under five consulting, service activities, and specialisations (intended for workers of Bachelorship programmes, six follow-up economic contracts. Currently, the pulp-and-paper firms not having Master programmes and seven Doctoral Wood, Pulp, and Paper Department is the a specialised education in the branch). courses divided into ten branches. The only workplace in the Czech Republic Altogether 103 workers attended this faculty is renowned for a number of running Master and Doctoral courses in type of study in six courses. Many of the unique projects and personalities, who pulp and paper chemistry and graduates have found working worked or are still working at the faculty. technology, and at the same time opportunities not only in the Czech The fame of the faculty during its carrying out scientific and research work Republic, but also abroad. Pardubice existence was enhanced by a long string mainly in co-operation with industry. University graduates hold a good of excellent teachers and scientists. During the 46 years of its existence, position in industry, research institutes altogether 468 engineers completed and universities in a number of countries, Scientific and Research Work and their studies for a Master’s degree in daily such as Germany, Sweden, Slovenia, the Students’ Opportunities and correspondence courses, 15 of Canada, Ecuador, Vietnam, Cambodia, The Department co-operates closely with whom obtained a Doctor’s degree. As and naturally also Slovakia. Photo: Photocombo archives

| 14 ENTERPRISE

Paper Made to Measure from the Krkonoše

KRKONOŠSKÉ PAPÍRNY a.s. is one of the derivatives even largest paper producers in the Czech theoretically. KH PACK® Republic. Its wide variety of products Superior is machine- makes it one of the most significant finished white paper, and companies in the paper production has the property of sector in Central and Eastern Europe. homogeneous show- The production in the through. Control processes Krkonoše (Giant Mountains) goes back implemented throughout to the 16th century. Since then, the the production process paper mill has undergone extensive ensure stable attributes of restructuring. The contemporary history functionality as well as the of the company has begun in 1992, at desired quality of the base which time the KRKONOŠSKÉ PAPÍRNY paper. The quality of the a.s. company was privatised to become KH PACK® Superior a corporation. wrapping paper not being harmful to health and its Special Paper Grades suitability for primary food Today, the core programme of the packaging are confirmed KRKONOŠSKÉ PAPÍRNY a.s. corporation by the awarded ISEGA is the production of special grades of and FDA international paper designed for further processing in certificates. The unique the printing and food industries. In the qualities of this paper lead past ten years, the company has been to an award received at the intensively developing its own paper- 12th ANNIVERSARY OF processing programme to cover the THE WRAPPER OF THE markets for stationery, wrapping paper, YEAR 2006 competition. forms, envelopes, paper bags, till and fax We won a prize for our rolls. Another important area is the product KH PACK Superior Manufacturing process in the Krkonošské papírny production of bituminous insulating at WORLDSTAR OF felts. PACKAGING 2006 too. Group, which embodies companies that KH COPY carbonless copy paper is occupy significant positions on the Greaseproof and Carbonless another special type of paper produced Czech and Slovak paper markets Copy Paper Protected against by the KRKONOŠSKÉ PAPÍRNY a.s. featuring special paper grades, paper Forgery company and it can be supplied with products, and bituminous hydro- The greaseproof-paper market reveals certain elements that provide protection insulating belts. These companies have a continuously growing demand for against forgery, and thus increase its a leading position in the production of paper that is resistant to the penetration functional value and safety of forms, envelopes, , and paper of grease or fat, which in addition to documents. The security elements reels on the Czech market. being free of deleterious perfluoroctane include ordinary , watermark KRPA Group is also a major exporter acid (PFOA) and its derivatives, is made that is visible under UV light, security that supplies 45 % of its output to 40 exclusively from raw materials which fibers, luminous dots, and chemical countries on 5 continents. EU members preclude even a theoretical possibility of security elements. account for the greatest share of the the development of PFOA and its This type of paper allows for exports. Exports to economically derivatives. In response to this growing automatic, reliable, and clear developed countries overseas are trend, the KRKONOŠSKÉ PAPÍRNY a.s. development of two or more copies and becoming more and more important. company has developed a new- without the use of the conventional The companies KRKONOŠSKÉ PAPÍRNY generation of called . They may be used a.s. (www.krpa.cz), PAPÍRNY BRNO a.s. KH PACK® Superior. Its composition is wherever forms and similar documents (www.papirnybrno.cz) and the Slovak designed so as to fully satisfy two key need to be completed accurately, company KRPA-KUBIKO spol. s.r.o. requirements placed on modern primary quickly, comfortably, and in several (www.krpa-kubiko.sk) are the most food packaging, i.e. reliable functionality copies at a time. significant production companies in the and health safety. group. The unique barrier coating, the main feature of which is a chain of carbon and KRPA Group – One of the oxygen atoms where a maximum of two Biggest Exporters C atoms are bonded in a row, excludes The KRKONOŠSKÉ PAPÍRNY a.s. any risk of the formation of PFOA and its company is a member of the KRPA Naďa Vávrová Photo: KRKONOŠSKÉ PAPÍRNY Photo: archives KRKONOŠSKÉ PAPÍRNY

| 16 WE ARE INTRODUCING

Hand-paper Mill – Combination of Tradition and Exclusiveness

The hand-paper mill at Velké Losiny was established in 1596 by the graphic sheets and bibliophilic books, but they are also employed local landlord, Jan Jr. of Žerotín. It is one of the oldest mills of its in our restoration workshops, where they are indispensable in kind in Europe still in operation. Hand-paper is still being made in saving and restoring valuable old books and documents. In recent the traditional way, from cotton and flax. For its high quality and years, the range of our hand-made paper products has been centuries-long durability, it is used especially in graphic arts, for enlarged to include greeting cards and the printing of historic maps important personal and company correspondence, representation and calendars, and more possibilities of its use are being sought. and bibliophilic purposes and in book restoration. Hand-made paper and the wide range of exclusive products made from it have To which countries do you export your products and gained it a permanent place among traditional Czech hand-made what items are they? products. We export not only hand-made paper, but also note paper sets and The unique premises of this important technical monument, other products. In Europe our customers are firms in Germany, Italy, which in view of its four-hundred-year long continuous tradition the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, and Slovakia. hand-paper production has no parallel in Central Europe, was Outside Europe we export our goods to the USA and Japan, and declared, in 2002, part of the Czech national cultural heritage by are confident that the good-quality natural products from our the Government of the Czech Republic. The following is an paper mill will also appeal to customers in other countries. interview with Ms Blanka Dittrichová, the director of the company, who told us about the history and the present state of their unique A hand-made paper museum is attached to the mill. paper production. What interesting things are there to be seen? The paper museum was opened to visitors of the Velké Losiny Can you give us a brief description of the technology paper mill in 1987. It is an integral part of the building declared of hand-paper production which you are using in part of the national cultural heritage and at the same time the only your mill? museum in the CR featuring this subject. During the tour of the Hand-paper is still being made from good-quality natural cotton museum expositions, visitors will become acquainted especially and flax fibres. The paper stock made from them is scooped and with the history and tradition of the now extinct craft of paper- placed into paper sieves, the same as it was done centuries ago. making. Among other things, they will find there a number of Every single sheet of hand-paper is actually an original with its interesting showpieces, tools and instruments, which used to be typical properties, especially its inimitable irregular edge. After part of the old inventory of the local manufacture, and will be pressing, the wet sheets of paper are dried in spacious drying lofts, given a detailed account of the history of European paper-making sized and dried again and, in the last phase of the manufacturing technology. The second part of the museum exhibition, which links process, carefully smoothed on colanders, checked, and sorted. up with the first, already shows the beginnings of modern industrial paper production; the visitors’ attention will be attracted Why is your hand-paper manufacturing technology by the model of the first paper-making machine dating from 1799, so exceptional? they will be able to see specimens of gauging instruments and After four centuries of its existence, the hand-paper mill at Velké a number of documents relating to the oldest industrial paper mills Losiny, with its conventional manufacturing technology, has in the Czech lands. During the tour, lasting approximately one become a unique monument of extraordinary cultural, technical, hour, visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to see a film and historic value. The exceptional character of the manufacturing about the technology used by the paper manufactory today. In the process rests in that each particular sheet, unlike in the case of end, they will be introduced to some of the most important machine production, is scooped, or formed, as we say, separately. workplaces and will hear an expert account by the guide. Each sheet is actually an original with its inimitable properties, especially its typical uneven edge. This is underscored by the fact What interesting events are you preparing for this that our current technology has been in use here for more than year? 400 years without interruption and can therefore be considered For 2007 we have prepared several events. In May we shall observe the oldest hand-made paper mill in Central Europe still in the International Day of Museums, for August we are preparing operation. The manufacturing technology, which is still being kept the programme Summer in the Paper Mill, which in 2006 was alive and has remained practically unchanged, is illustrative highlighted with the practical forming of a record-size sheet, and evidence of the one-time importance and development of the in 2007 that event will be repeated. In September we shall mark ancient craft of paper production. the Days of European Heritage and in December we shall hold our traditional celebration, Christmas in the Paper Mill. What kinds of products are made by the traditional method and what purpose do they serve? More information, not only about the events, can be found Our current assortment of hand-formed sheets covers a wide range at www.rucnipapirna.cz. of graphic, aquarelle, and filtering and cardboard. They are used not only to represent the Czech state, but are also popular in the studios of our foremost artists. They are used for printing Naďa Vávrová

| 18 CZECH TOP

Modern Plants, Ecology, and Popularity of Products

Petr Malý, Smurfit Kappa Czech, s.r.o., e-mail: [email protected], www.smurfitkappa.cz

The Smurfit Kappa Group in the Czech Šlapanice was founded as far back as 1863, Germany, and Austria. Currently its largest Republic is part of the international Smurfit but it was only after its modernisation and customers are the food processing Kappa Group based in Ireland, one of relocation to the new locality in Brno concerns Nestlé, Danone, and Plzeňské Europe’s largest paper and paper-based Chrlice that the firm’s image and its pivovary (Plzeň Breweries), as well as packing manufacturers. In the Czech production programme changed by a number of important non-food Republic, the company designs, switching to sheet feeding. Now, the companies, such as Samsung, Matsushita manufactures, and sells sheets and packing modern mill has a corrugating line 2.5 m in (Panasonic), etc. made of corrugated or litholaminted board, width. The corrugated board sheets made and (recovered paper) for in Brno do not end as a mere semi-finished Smurfit Kappa Žebrák, Smurfit Kappa the manufacture of corrugated board. It product in the Smurfit Kappa processing Žimrovice has more than 500 skilled employees in five plants, as a part of it has become In addition to the actual corrugated board manufacturing plants, which participate in a marketable commodity purchased by sheets production (Žebrák), the Žebrák and the annual production and sale of 250 smaller manufacturers of corrugated Žimrovice plants process the material into million sq. m of corrugated board products packaging who do not have their own the final form of packaging. Regular and 60 000 tons of paper. corrrugators. Slotted Cases (American Boxes) are made Smurfit Kappa Brno currently makes "in-line" with a three-colour print. Die-cut The Smurfit Kappa Group in the CR double and triple wall corrugated board (B, packaging is done on both flatbed and Consists of Five Manufacturing C, E, BC, BE, BB) and supplies 45 different rotary cutting machines with integrated Plants kinds of corrugated sheets, where the BB printing units. This type of packaging, flute is unique in the whole of the Czech unless it is just folded, is glued by multi- Smurfit Kappa Morava Paper Republic. Grooving and application of the point gluing machines or is sewn by two- Is concerned with the manufacture of tear-off tape right on to the corrugated head sewing machines. Part of the containerboard designed for the board according to the customer’s wish is technological equipment are off-line production of corrugated board. The basic a matter of course. The planned purchase printing machines used for more raw material for paper manufacture is in 2007 of a new automatic line for demanding prints according to the exclusively waste and scrap paper. The corrugated sheet handling will signify an customer’s wish before further processing. company operates a paper-making important increase of the productivity of Apart from the standard corrugated machine with an annual capacity of 60 000 labour and the firm’s competitiveness. board packaging range these two plants tons of paper. The modernisation of the also make special packaging or packing mill has brought about many changes in Smurfit Kappa Olomouc material. In response to the more the manufacturing processes and SKO is a completely new plant, whose demanding market requirements, the plant technologies, such as the improvement of modern production lines were launched in Žebrák specialises increasingly in the the water supply system (micro-flotation + only in January 2005. Its die-cutting manufacture of so-called XXL packaging, technological water circuiting), preparation automatic machines are used to make whose size or basis weight exceed several of the matter, the power system, and the litholaminated packaging (corrugated times those of standard packaging. The construction of a new finished product packing, where the upper cover layer is company’s largest customer in that warehousing facility. formed by cardboard with offset printing) segment is the electrical engineering The principal item in SKMP’s production from different flute types of corrugated industry, especially the manufacture of programme is the manufacture of testliner board. The importance and popularity of giant LCD and plasma TV sets and in basis weights from 120 to 200 g/sq. m this packaging has been rapidly growing monitors, of which several million are made (cover layer of corrugated board), which in recent years, as "litholaminated" in the Czech and the Slovak Republics each accounts for up to 70 % of the mill’s total packaging very strongly enhances the year. output. As a supplementary product, SKMP saleability of products packed in it. The The most important customers of both makes fluting paper in basis weights from Olomouc plant is part of the group of plants are, for example, Nestlé, Hamé, 120 to 170 g/sq. m. Besides supplying the companies specialising in the manufacture Staropramen, Drinks Union, Samsung, Czech market, the products are exported to of litholaminated corrugated board Tatung, Andrew Telecommunications, Poland, Slovakia, and Greece. packaging. This group is unique in that it Matsushita, ASUS, Black&Decker, Narex, fully covers all Europe and has a very Hartman-Rico, and Zentiva. Its major Smurfit Kappa Brno reliable capacity reserves. Its target is the outlets are the neighbouring countries, The corrugated board sheets manufacture Central European market: the Czech and Slovakia, Poland, Germany, Austria, and in Brno has a long tradition. The plant in Slovak Republics, Poland, Hungary, Hungary.

| 20 CZECH TOP

Biocel Paskov – One of the Important Pulp Mills in Europe

Martina Konečná, Biocel Paskov a.s., e-mail: [email protected], www.biocel.cz

Biocel Paskov a.s. is a member of HEINZEL GROUP®, an internationally renowned pulp and paper manufacturer and trader. With its capacity of 280 000 tons of pulp it ranks among biggest European commercial pulp mills. The history of pulp production in Paskov goes back more than 120 years. Biocel’s predecessor was Vratimov paper mill which ended when the new was put into operation in 1983.

Biocel’s Core Product Goes for Export The company’s main product is the VIAN- PASKOV long-fibre paper pulp produced from spruce wood. The pulp is produced in two grades, ECO and ECF. It has wide use in paper industry, the main use is for hygienic paper production. 94 % of the pulp is exported to more than twenty countries. The company’s main markets are Italy, Germany, France, Slovakia, and Austria.

By-products Biocel’s by-products are fodder yeast and . Its VITEX fodder yeast is rich in proteins and essential amino acids. Supplied in dry form, it is used as a component in fodder mixtures for poultry, cattle, and fish and for the preparation of feed for small domestic animals. With its annual production of 24 000 tons, Biocel Paskov a.s. is Europe’s biggest producer of this type of fodder yeast. 75 % of its output is Pulp from Biocel Paskov exported to fourteen countries in three continents. Its largest clients are France, the ISO14001:2004 standard. The processing centres. At the moment it Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. VIANPLAST company also holds a certificate of the associates 26 firms. The cluster offers to lignosulfonates are used as an addition to C-o-C consumer chain and the GMP its members assistance in the areas of mortar and concrete mixtures, in the certificate in yeast production. After marketing, education, human resources, treatment of non-ferrous metal introducing the work safety management research, development and innovation sulphurous ores or as a bonding agent in system, it obtained the "Safe Company" and helps the firms to co-operate within ceramic production. They are sold through certificate and since the year 2006 also the cluster. MSDK was one of three the company Biotech, based in Paskov. holds the certificate OHSAS 18001:1999. clusters in the Moravia-Silesia Region Biocel Paskov a.s., together with the which at the end of 2006 obtained Certification and Clusters neighbouring Mayr-Melhof Holz AG saw subsidies through the Ministry of Industry The company has quality management mill, is one of the founding members of and Trade from the Industry and certification according to ISO 9001:2000 the new Moravian-Silesian Wood Cluster Enterprise Operating Programme for the and certification in the area of (MSDK), which has the ambition to operation of the cluster until the year environmental management according to become one of Europe’s important wood 2008. Photo: Biocel Paskov archives

| 22 CZECH TOP

Clever Production Technology Gives Protection and Spares the Environment

Martin Klusáček, Huhtamaki Česká republika, a.s., e-mail: [email protected], www.huhtamaki.com

The beginnings of the large paper mill in Fruit and vegetable packing is made in Huhtamaki Customers from the Czech-Moravian Highlands date back the form of boxes to hold 150, 250, 500 Bohemia and the World to the 17th century. Since 1948, the mill or 1000 grams of strawberries, The largest customers of Huhtamaki has been manufacturing, among other raspberries, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc. Česká republika, a.s. are Bohemian products, also packing for fresh food, Cup holders used mainly in fast-food poultry farms, but 80 % of its output goes especially eggs, which is made of shops are made in versions for two or four to foreign countries, mainly Poland, recovered paper by fibre moulding. The cups. Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia. mill ceased making paper in 2000 and The same technology is applied to make moulded fibre is currently its main product. consumer goods transport packing (e.g. A Satisfied Customer Is the First Today’s company Huhtamaki Česká for electronic goods, engineering goods Priority republika, a.s. is a part of the Huhtamaki components, etc.) and medical material – The egg market and the market of egg international group, a leading world disposable plates. The last mentioned are packing are undergoing no radical manufacturer of packing for the food and intended for direct use in a sterile changes, and no dramatic fashion consumer goods industries. The group, environment or as mats for medical fluctuations can be expected. In 2007, based in Finland, comprises 68 firms from material. They can be used in hospitals, therefore, Huhtamaki Česká republika, 37 countries the world over. The Přibyslavice sanatoria, etc. A special asset is their a.s. will be striving for quality, good firm is the only one in the Czech Republic to higher hygienic standard, comfort for the service, and timely delivery. In brief, it will use the moulded fibre technology. nursing personnel, and elimination of the strive for the satisfaction of customers. risk of infection spreading. Moulded Fibre Technology The moulded fibre technology makes it possible to produce packing with excellent protective and hygienic properties. In addition, it is extremely friendly to the environment. The material from which the packing is made (mixed waste paper), is porous, so that the moisture from the packed eggs does not concentrate in the packing in the form of small drops of water, but seeps into it. This prevents the reproduction of bacteria and reduces the risk of the eggs going rotten. The environmental value of this technology rests in that the recovered paper is returned back into circulation and also that the product itself is recoverable as well, or it can be easily liquidated in incinerating plants or on waste sites, where it completely disintegrates very quickly.

Production Programme The company’s main products are egg trays and , fruit and vegetable packing and cold-drink cup holders. Egg trays for 30 or 20 pieces are used to protect the eggs from being damaged during transport. Closable egg cartons are made to hold 6, 10, or 15 eggs. Printing or labels can be placed on the lids, according to the manufacturer’s Egg trays are one of the company’s principal products requirement. Photo: Huhtamaki archives

| 24 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Paper Research Is Building on Co-operation with Companies

Miloslav Milichovský, University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Wood, Pulp, and Paper, e-mail: [email protected], www.upce.cz

Paper is a specific bio-material made by studied from the point of view of Paper, Pulp, and a specific technology. The general public morphological, structural, and hyper- Nanotechnology usually sees paper as a material in its molecular changes of its fibrous Great attention is being paid throughout sheet form, although this is not always components. For these purposes, new the world to paper science and cellulose the case – there are, for example, many methods based on the monitoring of chemistry, as they extend into the area of paper products having different shapes, moistening kinetics followed by kinetics nanotechnology, although the subject and their number and assortment is of vapours condensation of selected concerns itself with bio-materials with broadening continuously, especially for organic liquids and rheo-sedimentation a high bio-compatibility. For many years, packaging purposes. Paper is the most are being prepared and the original the Wood, Pulp, and Paper Department widely used product of chemically methods are being improved. The aim has co-operated with the local firms processed wood and is formed mainly by of these efforts is to perfectly SYNTHESIA, EXPLOSIA, and VÚOS, fibrous elements usually containing understand hypermolecular chemical Pardubice in the development and cellulose with its self-bonding processes taking place in paper preparation of a number of products properties, provided it originated in an production and processing, including based on cellulose derivatives, especially aqueous environment. Cellulose is also the preparation of primary and oxy-cellulose, which is very well bio- the principal component of plants, and secondary fibrous raw materials and resorbable, has excellent medical consequently the most widely occurring their influence on the strength, properties and is suitable for other uses. bio-polymer in the world. mechanical, physical, and chemical A disadvantage of this fibrous material is properties of paper. In an effort to its bad paper-forming ability, which Basic Research Is Focused make the results applicable in practice prevents its making into a sheet of paper on Renewable Sources as quickly as possible, we co-operate by ordinary paper-making processing. An In general, basic pulp and paper research with a number of manufacturing original method has therefore been is focused on the maximum use of organisations. For example in co- developed, making it possible to prepare renewable plant matter, especially wood, operation with HUHTAMAKI CR, oxy-cellulose even in paper form. The for paper-making and other purposes, Přibyslavice, a unique method and knowledge we gained in the process especially in chemical processing, in an technology have been developed for inspired us with the idea of trying to use effort to achieve the maximum the manufacture of multi-layer moulded the current so-called passive nano- selectiveness of processes leading to the fibre forms. Until now, it has not been operation applied in nano-technologies division of the phytomass into its main possible to make such multi-layer in a similar way as is usual in living components, cellulose, hemicellulose, products with the use of existing matter, i.e. actively, directly in the actual and . A natural part of this process processes only based on fibre slurry porous three-dimensional structure. This is, and has always been, the effort to suction. This technology makes it is natural for paper mass, and by make maximum use of waste raw possible, for example, to manufacture building suitable active centres into the materials in the paper industry – waste sandwich-shaped moulded forms, nano-space of the cellulose structure it is . At present, this research where the inside layer is formed by possible to obtain matter which, for in the Czech Republic is carried out only poor-quality secondary fibres obtained example in water, leads to the surface at the Wood, Pulp, and Paper from waste paper, while the suitable flocculation of colloidal particles. In co- Department of the University of mechanical properties of the packaging operation with the firm HOBRA-Školník, Pardubice. thus produced will be preserved. In this Broumov, this phenomenon is currently way unusable waste fibre can be used being used in the so-called sorption Research in Co-operation for making paper, thus enlarging the filters. These are special filtering boards with Firms uses of waste paper. In co-operation based on cellulose, manufactured by In co-operation with the firms Mondi with the firm NATURAMYL, Hamry near ordinary paper-making technology, Packaging Paper, Štětí and DEZA, Havlíčkův Brod, a technology has been which make it possible in an aqueous Valašské Meziříčí, research is currently developed for the manufacture of environment to separate not only micro- focusing on the preparation of suitable starch moulded-fibre products with particles, but also colloidal and soluble catalytic compositions and the high bio-degradability also based on components with the use of the optimisation of alkaline boiling waste paper processing. The knowledge conventional filtering mechanism. processes in pulp production. Paper thus gained can also be used in energy recycling and aging is being intensively materials based on cellulose derivatives.

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Poll of Successful Companies Operating in the Pulp and Paper Industry

NORSKE SKOG ŠTĚTÍ a.s.

Litoměřická 250, 411 08 Štětí, phone: +420 416 801 122, fax: +420 416 803 780, e-mail: [email protected], www.norskeskog.com

Turnover: approx. CZK 1.8 billion – approx. EUR 63.2 million Number of employees: 215 Contact: Ms Dana Šedivá, e-mail: [email protected] Export: 65 %, e.g. to Slovakia, Romania, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Italy, Germany

Norske Skogindustrier ASA is the world’s second largest printing paper manufacturer with 23 enterprises in 15 countries of five continents exclusively or partly owned by the company. In Štětí, a machine was put into operation in 1963. The ROTO joint stock company, originally part of the company SEPAP a.s., was founded in 1993. At the end of 1997, the mill in Štětí was acquired by the Norske Skog company. In 1998, the company’s name was changed to NORSKE SKOG ŠTĚTÍ a.s.

Norske Skog ranks with the world’s largest manufacturers of groundwood printing paper. What is its main target? The company has not one, but several targets. Norske Skog wants to become the preferred newsprint manufacturer for its Photo: Norske Skog Štětí archives customers. Its other targets are the customers’ satisfaction, the Manufacturing process in Norske Skog Štětí employees’ interest in further development and its becoming a manufacturer whom investors will choose for the values it creates. As regards our subcontractors, we would like them to What is your annual production capacity? support our effort to continue improving. The basic values of Norske Skog Štětí a.s. is the most important newsprint the company Norske Skog are its openness, sincerity, and co- manufacturer in the Czech Republic. Newsprint is our only operation. These values are the basis of our internal and product. Our annual production capacity is 130 000 tons of external relationships. newsprint of 48.8 g/sq. m basis weight.

Model Obaly a.s.

Těšínská 2675/102, 746 01 Opava, phone: +420 553 686 111, Fax: +420 553 686 600, e-mail: [email protected], www.modelgroup.com

Turnover (2005): approx. CZK 2.4 billion – approx. EUR 84.6 million possibilities, such as five-colour flexographic printing, six-colour Number of employees: 810 offset printing, refining technologies, e.g. foil embossing, relief Contact: Mr Radovan Wicha, e-mail: [email protected] embossing, slotting, pasting-in metallic tear-off saws, hybrid Export: 25 %, e.g. to Poland, Slovakia, Germany, Denmark, printing, FX metal printing, etc. Four plants in the Czech Hungary Republic are part of the group: Opava, Nymburk, Moravské Budějovice, and Hostinné. Model Obaly a.s. makes packing from corrugated, back-up, and smooth paperboard. It is part of the Swiss Model Holding AG Your core production programme is paper packing. Group based in Weinfelden. Its share of the Czech market is Which companies are your most important customers? approximately 30 %. The company has wide technological Nearly 50 % of our turnover is accounted for by firms operating

27 | SURVEY

in the food industry. Other important customers for our 100 million in the Czech Republic and Poland, where we built products are firms concerned with glassmaking, electrical new plants on a green field (Nymburk, CR, Bilgoraj, Poland) and engineering, and plastics processing. Our largest customers are modernised and enlarged the technological facilities and the companies Teva Opava, Kraft Foods, Masterfoods, equipment in all our plants in the Czech Republic and Poland. Matsushita, Olma, Danone, Ikea, Porcela Plus, and Lego. A characteristic feature of our branch is its great investment intensity. Each new machine often costs more than EUR 1.6 In 2006 you invested in production. Can you tell us million, whether they are printing, die-cutting, or gluing what investment it was and what benefit it will machines. Our latest investments in 2006 went into new bring to your company, besides raising your machinery in Nymburk (automatic gluing machine, Bobst production capacity? diecutters) and the enlargement of the Opava plant (backed-up During the past 13 years, Model Group invested more than EUR and smooth folders).

JIP – Papírny Větřní, a.s.

Papírenská 2; 382 01 Větřní, phone: +420 380 909 111, fax: +420 380 909 234, e-mail: [email protected], www.jiplcz

Turnover: approx. CZK 1 387 billion – approx. EUR 48.9 million JIP – Papírny Větřní is a traditional paper manufacturer since Number of employees: 500 1870. Its portfolio of products can be divided into two Contact: Mr Vladimír Janura, e-mail: [email protected] groups: printing and wrapping paper. In the area of printing Export: 68 %, to Germany, France, Poland, Slovakia, paper, JIP focuses on of SC-A quality, with Hungary, Belgium, United Kingdom an output of 50 000 tons a year. In the area of wrapping paper, JIP supplies a wide range of bleached, unbleached, fat-proof, and special paper, altogether 30 000 tons a year.

What, in your opinion, are the prospects of your company and the entire pulp and paper industry? In view of the strongly competitive situation on the market, our main focus is special products, follow-up paper processing, and variable production. This view reflects the situation in the pulp and paper industry as a whole, which is dominated by several international manufacturers with a narrow range of production, so that smaller firms have nothing left but to specialise in less voluminous products.

Which are your most important export territories and what are your next targets in conquering foreign markets? As regards exports, the most interesting for us are neighbouring markets, i.e. Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland. We would very much like to increase our share of those markets and also find new outlets. Photo: JIP-Papírny archives Větřní Wrapping paper from the company’s production programme

EMBA spol. s r.o.

No. 235, 512 47 Paseky nad Jizerou, Phone: +420 481 553 11, fax: +420 481 553 163, e-mail: [email protected], www.emba.cz

The company’s original specialisation is the manufacture of form of sheets and the other half is processed into cardboard smooth paperboard, which it makes on two automatic products and folders. In the area of smooth paperboard, the paperboard machines. One half of the paperboard is sold in the company ranks among leading Czech manufacturers.

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demand on foreign markets are our smooth paperboard sheets and special filing boxes and folders.

You place special emphasis on the quality of your products, as shown by your repeated success in various competitions. Can you mention the most important prizes you have been awarded? We obtained the permission to use the CzechMade and the Ecologically Friendly Product labels and the "Krkonoše Product" regional label. At the EMBAX Brno international exhibition of packing in 2005 we gained awards from the "Packaging" and "Paper and Pulp" technical magazines for a clever design of presentation paperboard in combination with paper honeycomb. In 2005, in the Packing of the Year Czech competition and in the World Star Packaging competition we gained awards for our transportable paper honeycombed board.

Photo: Emba archives Turnover: approx. CZK 145 million – approx. EUR 5.1 million Folders are the company’s main production article Number of employees: 130 Which of your products is most popular on the Contat: Mr Evžen Pelikán, e-mail: [email protected] Czech and the foreign markets? Export: 42 %, to Slovakia, Poland, Germany, Hungary, Russia, On the Czech market, the unequivocally most popular are our Estonia, Italy, France, Greece, United Kingdom, Sweden, smooth paperboard products, specifically filing boxes of Austria, Slovenia, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, Tunisia, different sizes with different printing, and folders. Most in Denmark

THIMM Service, k.s.

Průmyslová 12, 294 28 Chotětov, phone: +420 326 900-91, fax: +420 326 900-940, e-mail: [email protected], www.thimm.cz

Turnover: CZK 160 million – approx. EUR 5.6 million linkage to logistics, and possibly follow-up optimisation and Number of employees: 37 development of new packing. Contact: Mr Martin Lovčuk, e-mail: [email protected], Mr Miroslav Špaček, e-mail: [email protected] Export 30 %, to EU states

The company THIMM Service has been operating on the Czech market since 2003, under the logo THIMM the highpack company. It supplies packing and whole packing systems and corrugated paperboard logistic systems. It provides a wide range of specific services, such as gluing, packing, palletisation, etc. It participates in the development of packing design and packing.

Can you give us a brief description of the development of your company? The company was founded in 1949 by Mr W. F. Thimm in Herzberg. In 1970 its business activities were promoted to also cover France, the Netherlands, and Denmark, and in 1994 it established its affiliation, THIMM Obaly, in the Czech Republic, and several other affiliations in East European countries. In 2003 it founded its second affiliation in the Czech Republic – THIMM Service – in Chotětov.

What new items will you place on the market

during 2007? Photo: THIMM Service archives Analyses of existing packing materials used by firms, with THIMM participates in the development of packing design and packing

29 | INFORMATION

Exhibitions and Trade Fairs in the Area of Pulp and Paper Industry in the Czech Republic in 2007

Embax Print 25 September – 27 September 2007 Nuremberg, Germany 24th international fair of packing, paper and printing – materials, e-mail: [email protected], www.printpack.de machines and technologies 22 May - 25 May 2007, Brno – Exhibition Ground JAPAN PACK Veletrhy Brno, a.s., e-mail: [email protected], www.bvv.cz International fair of packing technology 16 October – 20 October 2007 Tokyo, Japan Official participation of Czech Republic in international e-mail: [email protected] fairs and exhibitions in other countries in 2007

INTERGRAFIKA International fair of printing and paper industries 29 May – 1 June 2007 Zagreb, Croatia Intergraf, spol. s r.o., e-mail: [email protected], www.intergrapraha.cz

MODERNPAK International fair of packing equipment and technologies 29 May – 1 June 2007 Zagreb, Croatia e-mail: [email protected], www.integrapraha.cz

PRINTPACK Trade fair for printing, packing, and manufacture of packing

materials The pulp and paper industry has a long tradition in the CR Photo: SVVL archives

Important Contacts

Ministries Ministry of Industry and Trade of the CR www.mpo.cz [email protected] Ministry of the Environment of the CR www.env.cz [email protected] Associations and Unions Pulp and Paper Industry Association www.sppac.cz [email protected] Paper and Pulp Industry Association www.sppc.cz [email protected] Association of Corrugated Cardboard Mnufacturers www.svvl.cz [email protected] SPDS – APOREKO Waste Recycling Industry Union www.spds.cz [email protected] SYBA Packing Association www.syba.cz [email protected] Universities and Institutes University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Wood, Pulp, and Paper www.upce.cz [email protected]

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