The Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) held its International Corrugated Containers Conference October 5-7, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The conference combined a trade show with technical seminars and closed with an awards banquet.

Keynote speaker Richard Pratt, the chairman of Visy Industries who shared his predictions for the paper industry, was a highlight of the show. Visy Industries employs more than 5,000 people worldwide in Australia, the United States, New Zealand and New Guinea. Under Pratt's direction, Visy has expanded from a one-plant operation in Melbourne, Australia, to 55 plants around the globe.

The theme of Pratt's talk was "The Age of Revolution" in which he discussed the revolution in the paper industry as it pertains to both the global and political revolution and the science and technological revolution, which he believes are happening right now.

"If you want me to tell you all the things you"ve heard about our industry again, I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you," said Pratt. "I'm here to offer a new perspective."

Part of his perspective centered around the Asian crisis and what he believes it will do to the paper industry. Predicting that the "worst is still to come," Pratt suggested that it will take at least 10 years for a complete recovery. He also said that what takes place in Japan and China will significantly impact the United States.

"However, the down economy is by no means a prescription for paralysis," Pratt explained. "The global economy has survived other recessions and has kept growing. The U.S. economy is vibrant and capable of sustaining much. So while the short- to medium-run is pessimistic, the long-run is optimistic."

As for the science and technology revolution, Pratt believes that, because lead times are the difference between victory and defeat, future success will depend on who can master the electronic battlefield.

"As an industry we are not sufficiently prepared for survival," Pratt said. "If there is overcapacity, the answer is not to hold back on technology and slow things down. We must move from being production-driven to customer-driven and embrace change."

Pratt suggested innovation along the lines of lightweight liners, alternative fibers, supply chain management and digital technology.

In closing, Pratt said, "The goal should be to not only survive the revolution, but also to enjoy and prosper from it."

Another speaker highlight was John F. Wymer, III, Esquire, one of the United States' most prominent employment law attorneys, who discussed ways to avoid legal landmines in the workplace. In his discussion, which was hosted by TAPPI's HRD Committee, he gave practical tips on avoiding legal hassles. He covered everything from the latest developing court decisions to discrimination laws dealing with sexual harassment, the American Disabilities Act and age discrimination among others. He also discussed how discrimination is proven, class action lawsuits, preparing for a hearing and when to settle and not to settle complaints.

One common suggestion that Wymer advocated was to write everything down when investigating any situation. "It's always worth the time and effort to go through the process of documentation," he said. "And I would strongly encourage getting legal advice as soon as a situation arises. It could help to avoid a more costly lawsuit later on."

Other workshops covered topics such as improving printing on flexographic and corrugated presses and corrugator control systems.

Many suppliers showcased their new innovations both through the trade fair and technical presentations. Among the new products were Corn Products' ABC carrier starch, which is formulated to eliminate the need for adding caustic, which has been an environmental and safety issue for box plants, and Marquip's Pyro(TM) double backer with Hot Top(TM), designed to run double wall at quick speeds.

In closing, the banquet celebrated the accomplishments of leaders in the corrugated industry and announced the Best of Show winner in the conference's annual CorrPak competition.

Edwin J. (Al) Biorseth, an independent consultant, formerly of Chillicothe, Ohio, received the Division Technical Award. Robert H. Quick, project manager at Weyerhaeuser, Tacoma, Washington, received the Leadership and Service Award.

Certificates of Outstanding Merit went to Craig H. Leake, a market development manager at National Starch & Chemical Co., Bridgewater, New Jersey; and Harold L. Fortney, an independent consultant in Belle Plaine, Kansas.

Joseph P. Trungale, retired vice president of Pamarco Inc., Batavia, Illinois; James T. Carbone, international technical service manager of Harper/Love Adhesives Corp., Nashville, Tennessee; and David Whitman, vice president of international operations at Corrugated Container Services, Monrovia, California, received a Division Special Certificate of Appreciation.

The Best of Show winner in the CorrPak competition was Fleetwood Container and Display, Vernon, California, for its Epson Stylus 850 N Printer package.-Robin Levine