Pulp & Paper Power-Up: From First Principles to AI Enhancing Mill Operations, TAPPICon25

The pulp and paper industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by fluctuating raw material quality and costs, a shrinking skilled workforce, and increasing demands for energy efficiency. Engineers and operators have long relied on first-principles engineering and statistical process control (SPC) to maintain production efficiency and product quality. However, as mills strive to remain competitive, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool that enhances human expertise, streamlines data analysis, and improves operational efficiency.

This paper explores the industry’s shift from traditional methodologies to AI-driven solutions. It presents real-world case studies and examples where AI has significantly enhanced mill operations by optimizing fiber utilization, predictive maintenance, and real-time quality control. Additionally, it highlights the role of AI in mitigating workforce shortages by accelerating knowledge transfer and augmenting decision-making capabilities. The paper concludes with an analysis of the challenges and opportunities in AI adoption and a roadmap for industry leaders to leverage AI as a strategic enabler in the evolving landscape of pulp and paper manufacturing.

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