THERE is a famous saying: “To keep on doing the same actions while expecting different results is madness.”
None of the old ideas we have is helping us. It is time we came up with new ideas. This is why the International Council of Forests and Paper Associations (ICFPA) has invited the public to submit ideas for the 2018-2019 edition of the Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation Award
The Paper Manufacturers’ Association of SA (Pamsa) is coordinating the competition.
The contest is open to chemical engineers, green innovators, biotech researchers and others under the age of 30.
“In the new age of the bioeconomy, we want to stimulate competition among students and young researchers who are doing exciting things with wood, paper and process waste,” said Pamsa executive director and ICFPA president Jane Molony.
Project suggestions include wood-based science, products using forest-based raw materials, process improvements and other value chain innovations.
“The theme of the award is ‘layers’. It focuses on disruptive technologies revolutionising the future for forest-based products and services,” said Molony.
The competition includes two example categories: “Future generation forestry” and “innovations in wood-based industries”, but these are not limits to what people want to submit.
Future generation forestry
This covers forest tree breeding and biotechnology, precision forestry and measurements and inventory.
Wood-based industry innovations
This includes analysis and properties of pulp and paper; facilities, instrument and process control; bioproducts and wood chemistry; recycling, de-inking and the environment; timber for construction; and wood-substituting materials.
Online applications
South African applications are open until 31 August.
For more information, visit www.thepaperstory.co.za.
Only three candidates from around the world will get to travel to Canada in May next year to present their ideas to CEOs in the forestry and paper industry.
