Article1 min read Sep 24, 2025STAR - September 2025 - STAR of the MonthThis TAPPI test method provides operations managers and R&D professionals with standardized procedures for identifying compression wood in pulpwood using visual inspection techniques. The method covers detection of severe, intermediate, and borderline compression wood forms that can impact pulping efficiency and product quality. While visual identification suffices for most operational decisions, the standard also addresses when microscopic and chemical testing may be necessary. This technical resource helps mill professionals maintain quality control standards, reduce processing issues, and make informed purchasing decisions when evaluating pulpwood feedstock quality for optimal production outcomes.
Article1 min read Sep 24, 2025STAR - September 2025 - Standards Ready for Final Approval at SARGTAPPI's Standards Advisory Review Group (SARG) will review 18 critical technical standards at the Fall 2025 meeting, including 16 eligible for American National Standards designation. These comprehensive standards cover essential testing methods for pulp, paper, and paperboard properties including color measurement, moisture content, tearing resistance, surface pH, and whiteness determination. Senior industry professionals and technical experts can access final drafts through TAPPI's SARG portal to provide expert commentary and influence industry testing protocols. This standards review process represents a vital opportunity for experienced practitioners to shape technical benchmarks that will guide quality control and testing procedures across the pulp and paper industry.
Article1 min read Mar 26, 2025STAR - March 2025 - Did You KnowMid-career professionals seeking leadership roles in technical standards development must join Standard-Specific Interest Groups (SSIGs) to participate in TAPPI Standards balloting processes. While draft standards are available for public review, voting rights require SSIG membership for each specific standard of interest. This engagement opportunity allows plant managers, R&D leads, and sales engineers to influence industry standards, demonstrate technical expertise to employers, and build professional credibility. Access all available SSIGs by subject category through the official SSIG Join Page, where professionals can select relevant standards aligned with their specialization areas and career advancement goals.
Article3 min read Feb 26, 2025STAR - February 2025 - Standards Coming Up For ReviewTAPPI announces the 2025 review schedule for critical industry standards affecting pulp, paper, and packaging testing methodologies. Mid-career professionals and operations managers can participate in Standard-Specific Interest Groups (SSIGs) to influence revisions of 46 technical standards, including instrumental color measurement, pulp testing protocols, and containerboard specifications. Two major review periods target May 17-18 and October 14-19, 2025, covering essential quality control methods from dirt count analysis to water vapor transmission testing. Voting membership in SSIGs requires advance registration with standards@tappi.org before ballot dates, providing technical leaders opportunities to shape industry practices and demonstrate ROI through standards committee participation.
Article1 min read Feb 26, 2025STAR - February 2025 - Searching and Ordering TAPPI Standards, TIPs, and Useful MethodsTAPPI Standards, TIPs, and Useful Methods are available individually for $35 (member price) or through company licenses for continuous web access. Electronic delivery via PDF eliminates shipping costs, while the discontinued CD format has been replaced by always-current online licensing options. Mid-career professionals can leverage these technical resources for benchmarking operations, supporting ROI justification to leadership, and accessing advanced industry knowledge. Company licenses provide team-wide access to updated standards, enabling better project management and technical decision-making. Contact TAPPI Press for enterprise quotes or order individual documents online at tappi.org for immediate technical reference needs.
