Better logistics and service are the two most important future challenges to the paper industry, according to Stora Gruvön. After two years of preparation this Swedish company is now introducing a completely new IT-based supply system. The aim is a considerable reduction in both stocks and delivery times - a profitable goal for all concerned.

A new ultraviolet lamp, developed in close collaboration between Philips and Swedish company Labino, may prove highly useful in industry. The light from the lamp is so powerful and tightly focused that it makes fluorescent objects glow at distances of several hundred metres.

A closed loop AC drive with built-in motion control and positioning, has been launched by ABB Industry Oy. The company claims the ACS 600 MotionControl offers servo performances from standard AC induction motors.

Slurry drying traditionally has required two machines to achieve maximum moisture reduction. Now, U.S. Filter/JWI has introduced a one-stage process that can produce cake of up to 99% solids in a broad range of applications, the company reports. New, patented technology combines filtering with a vacuum evaporation cycle to achieve consistent, pre-selected moisture content with reduced handling costs.

A new starter battery has been introduced to meet the needs of professional users who require a robust starting battery. Developed by Optima Batteries AB, the Grey Top has been introduced to suit the needs of users of small to mid-sizetractors and compactors.

Reduced environmental impact coupled with cost savings are the consequences of a successful R&D partnership between Stora Gruvön and McDonald's. This co-operation has lead to the increasing adoption of lightweight paper bags for French fries in many of the fast food chain's European outlets. Supplied by the Swedish paper mill, the bags weigh about 7 grams less than the cardboard containers they are replacing. This small difference adds up to thousands of tonnes less of paper waste per year.

A headset adapter for call centers that use ACD (automatic call detection) systems with the "Representative Not Available" (RNA) feature has been introduced by U. S. company Plantronics, Inc. The new Model E10 incorporates the RNA feature which automatically informs the ACD system when a call center agent leaves the console. This allows the system to automatically route incoming calls to available personnel, saving time and improving caller satisfaction.

The solution to the problem of quickly creating personal contacts on an international basis is here. That's the bold claim of the company behind the new Global Direct service, a global network for local service. It offers the internationally active person free information and a personal guide to everything from work to leisure. All over the world Global Direct trains franchisees, who let web users benefit from their local knowledge. Here, the keyword is personal service.

An uncoated SBS board called Ensocard, designed to meet environmental challenges and offer uniform printing quality is being introduced by Enso Paperboards. It is the latest addition to the company's graphic and packaging board family that also includes Ensocoat, Ensogloss and CTMP-based Enso Performa.