Kemira’s business in Asia-Pacific (APAC) has grown significantly since we first established an R&D center in China in 2008. To keep up with demand and better serve our customers in the region, we just completed a new state-of-the-art research facility that will usher in a new era of sustainability. The project is also a reflection of China’s changing regulatory landscape, which is driving many organizations to improve air quality, energy efficiency and overall sustainability.
Unparalleled sizing expertise for sustainable paper and board
Michelle Xiao is Kemira’s Director of Technology, Research & Development for APAC. She said the new research center acknowledges that her team of 30 innovation experts have grown their capabilities along APAC growth. “We’ve become the unofficial global center of excellence for sizing, which is a key technology for the company’s pulp and paper segment,” she explained.
In case you’re not familiar with sizing, it’s a type of chemistry that makes paper and board repel water, inks and other liquids ─ or at least not fully absorb them. Companies that manufacture paper products need sizing technology for applications like liquid packaging board, containerboards, fine paper, and printing paper. With more food and beverage brands replacing their plastic containers with compostable paper options, Kemira’s sizing chemistry is in demand.
Michelle said her team’s focus on sizing was born of necessity. Nanjing, China is home to Kemira’s largest ASA sizing manufacturing plant. ASA stands for alkenyl succinic anhydride. China is also home to the company’s only production site for AKD wax, another type of sizing solution.
Meeting the evolving needs of an always-on market
According to Michelle, another reason to build the new regional R&D center was to stay competitive in the fast-paced, cost-conscious and increasingly environmentally focused Chinese market.
“We have a unique customer process for pulping in China. It impacts the bleaching technology, a very old technology, but the operating environment is different than, say, Europe or the Americas. Manufacturing sites here are becoming much more environmentally sustainable under the rule of zero liquid discharge,” she explained.
“Also, mainland China is extremely competitive, so our technical service teams must have a very quick response. The turnaround time in Shanghai is short and our cost performance must be really high,” she said.
This evolving, ‘always-on’ environment means Kemira’s Shanghai team focuses on serving customers near-term needs. They often set their sights on 1- to 3-year delivery.
R&D beyond borders
At the same time, the Shanghai R&D Center supports our business across the highly complex APAC region. There are many different national markets that have their own set of challenges and regulatory demands. For instance, the team is busy with projects for Kemira’s new dry polymer production plant in South Korea.
But their work doesn’t stop at Asian borders. Michelle and her team take on global responsibilities in collaboration with other Kemira researchers from around the world. “In fact, Kemira doesn’t have a corporate R&D function. Instead, we approach innovation in the spirit of collaboration by bringing together teams of international experts from our research centers in Espoo (Finland), Atlanta (USA) and Shanghai to co-manage global projects,” she explained.
Creating a comfortable, sustainable workplace
Last but not least, the new research center in Shanghai appeals to another extremely important group ─ local employees. The stylish and modern space is situated within walking distance to the local metro station, which makes it easy for people to commute to the lab or travel from Kemira’s nearby commercial office. It has attractive architectural elements, a floor plan that facilitates collaboration, and lots of natural light and plants to support a sense of well-being. Amenities like the on-site gym help employees stay fit. The new building offers improved air quality, filtered water and better energy efficiency. Finally, Kemira has also implemented a Zero Plastic Initiative, aiming to contribute to the reduction of plastic consumption in Kemira premises. It’s a tangible example of our commitment to sustainability, especially our company’s desire to support a safe and comfortable working environment for all of our employees around the world.