Wednesday February 11, 2026 / Detailed program

PaperWeek Detailed Program

10:30 – 12:30

PAPERMAKING Roundtable – Taking the Mystery out of AI

Session Chairs : Przem Pruszynski, Pruszynski Paper Chemistry Consulting & Javad-Reza Saberian, Kruger

10:30 KEYNOTE: “Solvent Design and Lignin Valorization”, Dr Ahmed Ragab, Lead Scientist in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Adjunct Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal, and Member of MILA – Quebec AI Institute.

Presentation summary:  Lignin valorization is critical for industrial decarbonization but faces challenges due to lignin’s variability and complex solvent interactions. This presentation showcases a novel approach combining machine learning (ML) and generative AI to optimize solvent selection and design new molecules. An ensemble ML model predicts Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) from SMILES codes for precise solvent efficiency estimation, while a generative AI framework creates novel molecules using advanced algorithms and a physics-informed loss function. This approach provides reliable solvent selection and new molecule generation, contributing to more efficient lignin processing and supporting the growing lignin bioeconomy with cutting-edge computational techniques in solvent and material design.
11:00 “Balancing Fibre Mix Properties with Starch and Dry Strength Additives Usage: An AI-Driven Approach to Cost Effective Papermaking”, Anthony Giampapa, HABER
11:30 “NGAdvancing Paper Mill Water Treatment through Predictive Optimization”, Jerome Ricard & Chad Runtz, Kemira
12:00 “AI in Market Intelligence: Use cases to see market developments earlier, decide better and act faster”, Sanna Sosa, AFRY

12:30 – 14:00

Mills for Mills – Safety Better Practices

Session Chair : Eric Ashby, Kruger

A focused exchange where pulp and paper industry leaders share practical safety successes from their facilities. Participants highlight the practices, innovations, and cultural approaches that have made a real difference, helping inspire stronger safety performance across the sector.

Une discussion ciblée où les dirigeants de l’industrie des pâtes et papiers partagent les pratiques et innovations qui ont réellement amélioré la sécurité dans leurs installations. Les participants mettent en valeur leurs réussites afin d’inspirer une performance accrue dans tout le secteur.

14:00 – 15:30

MANAGEMENT

Session Chair :

14:00 “The Odds of Meeting your Goal”, Martin Carignan, Différence GCS & Guillaume Bouvier, Kruger
14:30 “From Reactive to Predictive: Leveraging Data-Driven Safety Systems Across the Modern Pulp & Paper Mill”, John Feola, 3FB Consulting

15:00 – 17:00

ENERGY – Advancing Energy Efficiency Projects: From Opportunities to Fundings

Session Chairs : Luciana Savulescu  & Hakim Ghezzaz, Natural Resources Canada/Canmet ENERGY

15:00 “High Performance Heat Pump Cycles for Pulp and Paper Industry”, Charles Rand, Natural Resources Canada/ CanmetENERGY
15:30 “Integrating Heat Pump and MVR with Existing Heat Recovery Systems”, Antoine Hofer, Thermal Energy
16:00 “Driving Bold Reductions in Energy Costs and GHG Emissions Without Using Your CAPEX: SOFIAC’s Approach”, Chantal Goyette, SOFIAC

15:30 – 17:00

BLEACHING

Session Chair : Mona Henderson, Valmet

15:30 “Ozone, the Most Local and Green Bleaching Chemical”, Alexis Métais, Xylem
16:00 “Cooking and fiberline operation: Lignin and Hexenuronic acid (HexA) Removal, Strength and Yield optimization”, Troy Willis, Valmet
16:30 “Pulp Brightness Transitions / Program to Minimize Variation”, Jacob Wall, Irving & Grace Du, BTG

*Please note all schedule is set on Eastern Time
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BIOFOR Detailed Program

08:00 – 10:30

Bioeconomy Strategies

Session Chair: Shabnam Sanaei, Canfor

Country Hosting Conditions and Setting Bioeconomy Strategies 

8:00 Fireside Chat with Davis Chiu, Deloitte

Comparing and Contrasting between Canada and Finland’s Forest Bioeconomy
Jean-François Levasseur, NRCan
Lauri Sikanen, LUKE

 

9:00 Panelists:

Paul Stuart, Polytechnique Montréal
Jeff Passmore, Passmore Group 
Tom Browne, Tom Browne & Associates
Maryam Arefmanesh, AFRY

11:00 – 12:30

Reimagining the Forest Sector: Innovation, Bottlenecks and Bold Futures

Session Chair: Shabnam Sanaei, Canfor

Panelists:

Alexander Koukoulas, Director, AFRY
Chris Walton, Director – Partnerships Development, CRIBE
Matyas Kosa, Bioproducts Lead, WestFraser

13:00 – 15:30

Sustainability as a Cornerstone for the Future of the Forest Industry

Session Chair: Virginie Chambost, Domtar

The forestry sector is undergoing a transformation as it responds to climate change, global market dynamics, and evolving societal expectations. Sustainability has moved from being an optional differentiator to becoming the foundation of competitiveness and long-term resilience. This session will bring together leaders from across the industry to explore how sustainability can redefine forestry’s future, highlight pathways to success, and identify challenges that must be addressed.

13:00 Keynote Presentation
“From Cost Center to Profit Engine: Sustainability as Competitive Advantage”, Sabrina de Branco, Global CSO, Domtar

Panelists:

Kate Lindsay, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer – FPAC
Francisco Razzolini, Executive Director for Sustainability, Innovation & R&D – Klabin
Thibault Millet, Partner, Climate Change & Sustainability Services – EY Canada
Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy and Climate Finance, Office of the CEO – CIBC

*Please note all schedule is set on Eastern Time
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