Interviews
“Redefining tissue converting means transforming every stage of production into a smarter, more flexible, and more sustainable operation”.
Industrial machinery designer for over 30 years. He has worked with several companies, gaining extensive experience in the tissue converting. In 2021, he founded Giotto Technologies with the aim of creating a company driven by a desire to innovate, improving the efficiency and the sustainable performance of the tissue converting process.
“Precision moisture application is becoming a key driver of quality, stability, and efficiency in corrugated board production.”
Markus Klempin, born in 1966, has studied printing technology at the Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences for Printing and Media, Germany. He then worked for two years at one of the largest printing companies in southern Germany. In 1997, he started his career as a product manager at Weitmann & Konrad GmbH in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. Initially responsible for the worldwide launch of a new generation of dusting systems for sheetfed offset presses. His responsibilities quickly expanded to include rewetting and coating systems for the printing, paper and plastics industries. In this role, he played a key part in the development and market launch of many innovative products. Today, drawing on decades of experience in numerous industries, his focus is on development, consulting, and improvement of customer-specific production processes, along with the implementation of corresponding technical solutions.
“The future of tissue converting lies in simplifying complexity through intelligent, sustainable, and flexible innovation.”
Experienced executive in tissue and FMCG industries, with leadership roles at Fabio Perini, WEPA, APP, Maxima Tissue Solutions, and Giotto Technologies. Former CEO and Global Sales Director, specializing in business turnaround, international expansion, sales growth, and operational reorganization across Europe and Asia. Proven track record in manufacturing and converting technologies.
"Transforming nonwoven quality control through intelligent inspection, real-time insights, and data-driven precision."
Guido Maass is Global Business Development Manager for Material Inspection at ISRA VISION. He drives growth across metals, paper and tissue, advanced materials, and print inspection. With over 25 years in industrial inspection and sales, he brings deep market expertise and global leadership experience from strategy to execution worldwide initiatives.
“The future of tissue manufacturing will belong to companies that can combine sustainability, digital intelligence, and operational excellence to deliver real value to consumers”.
Helena Abreu is a Tissue Process Specialist with more than 15 years in the pulp and paper industry, specializing in tissue production, process engineering and quality control. A trained mechanical engineer, Helena is recognized for her expertise in fibre recipe management and product quality optimization, consistently driving measurable operational and performance improvements.
“Modularity is no longer just a design choice—it’s a strategic necessity. In a market defined by rapid shifts and customization, the ability to adapt production in days, not months, is what sets leaders apart”.
Scot Schoenwalder is an Account Manager for Maflex America, Inc. He supports converters in the United States and Canada. He has over twelve years of experience in the tissue industry, with a history in packaging and a main focus on converting. He is a strong believer in building and developing long-lasting relationships that grow with his client’s success. In his spare time, Scot enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family.
-(1).webp "Carlos Reinoso")
"The European tissue industry is not just a supplier of essential hygiene products—it is a resilient economic engine, where sustainability, innovation, and local value creation move in lockstep."
Carlos Reinoso is Chairman and Director General of the European Tissue Symposium (ETS), with over 25 years of experience in public affairs and industrial associations. He specialises in European policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic advocacy for the pulp and paper sector, with previous leadership roles at ASPAPEL and CEPI
“The future of paper-based packaging will be defined not just by innovation, but by credibility—solutions that balance performance, sustainability, and transparency in a measurable and practical way.”
With over 30 years of experience, I am a results-driven marketing professional specializing in strategic marketing, brand and project management, and event execution. Having worked across distribution, IT, and manufacturing sectors, I bring a well-rounded perspective to driving business growth. Passionate about supporting startups, I focus on building strong relationships, enhancing engagement through creative strategies, and delivering results while optimizing resources. I am committed to helping businesses achieve and exceed their goals.
Reliability, modularity and efficiency: how tissue converting technology is evolving according to Maflex
After completing his studies in mechanical engineering, Mr. Mazzotti started his career as a Service Technician in Fosber America inc. in US. He then joined Maflex (Italy) as technician and then Operations Manager & HR Director. After 10 years he became General Manager succeeding his father, the company founder. He is also in charge as Vice President of the American branch Maflex America Inc.
“Paper production is not deforestation - it’s part of a renewable cycle.”
Jules’ brings a high-profile presence to her position as Executive Director of Two Sides North America. She has experience in a variety of roles in manufacturing, non-profits, and associations in the print and graphic communications space. Her focus is on truth in messaging around sustainability and greenwashing issues through marketing, direct outreach, and community building. Jules is also a partner at Bubble & Hatch Marketing and serves on several industry boards.
“Sustainability is no longer a compliance exercise - it is the foundation of competitiveness, resilience, and long-term growth in pulp and paper”.
Davide Mainardi is a seasoned industry leader currently serving as Chief Technical Officer at Sofidel S.p.A., based in Lucca, Italy. With extensive experience in the pulp and paper sector, he has held key roles within Sofidel and previously contributed to organizations including Toscotec Spa, PMT Italia SpA, and Metso. Davide earned his degree from Politecnico di Torino (1980–1985). He brings a strong and versatile skill set encompassing sales management, public speaking, project planning, program management, and strategic leadership, making him a respected technical and operational expert in the industry.
“Incremental improvement will not secure our future. Bold reinvention will”
Juan Carlos Bueno has served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Mercer International Inc. (TSX/NASDAQ: MERC) since May 2022. He brings more than 30 years of global leadership experience across the forest products, biomaterials, and energy sectors, with a career built on commercial excellence and a conviction that bold reinvention, not incremental improvement, is what the industry demands. Before joining Mercer, Bueno served as Executive Vice President and Divisional CEO, Biomaterials, at Stora Enso, where he built the company's biomaterials division from the ground up, leading six manufacturing sites and approximately 2,000 employees. He also co-founded Global Energy, focused on novel green energy generation, and held executive roles with EI DuPont de Nemours across Brazil, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Colombia, and the United States. Bueno holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, a graduate degree in Negotiation and International Relations, and has pursued executive education at Harvard Business School. He is based in Berlin, Germany.
“The future of paper machines lies in intelligent systems that don’t just run faster—but think, adapt, and optimize in real time.”
Roland Eckerstorfer graduated the technical high school in 2001 and is already more than 24 years working for Röchling Industrial Oepping. For over 10 years he was leading the product group “ceramic dewatering elements” before he focused completely on the successful development of the SmartTable product family. During this time, he gained a lot of experience in managing rebuild projects. Since October 2023 he is Head of sales for Röchling Industrial Oeppings paper mills business.
“Where sustainability meets scale: shaping the future of paper with innovation, integrity, and unwavering reliability.”
Bernhard Cantzler is the Marketing and Sales director at Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper. With nearly two decades of international experience, he leads product development, innovation, and sustainability initiatives, driving customer-focused solutions and advancing environmentally responsible practices in the paper industry. Bernhard is recognised for his strategic vision and leadership
“In today’s pulp and paper industry, sustainability is no longer a compliance checkbox - it’s the currency of trust, the true marker of leadership, and the line that separates reputational strength from vulnerability.”
With 20 years of experience in the UK paper industry, Brad has spent the past 15 years specialising in marketing and communications. Skilled in producing a wide range of collateral as well as adverts, editorial, email and social media campaigns— he has played a key role in product launches, exhibitions, and events. Bringing creativity and strategic insight, Brad is passionate about showcasing the value of paper through engaging, impactful campaigns that connect with audiences and strengthen brand presence.
“In the pulp and paper industry, sustainability is no longer just about compliance - it’s about transforming waste into opportunity, driving efficiency, and future-proofing businesses in a world where eco-friendly innovation defines competitiveness.”
Tom David has over 20 years of experience in business development, marketing, and introducing new technologies to the pulp, paper, and tissue converting industry. As co-founder of Machine Source, he focuses on connecting global suppliers with UK manufacturers to deliver innovative, efficient, and sustainable production solutions.
"AI, data analytics, and social listening are shifting pulp and paper marketing from reactive to predictive, enabling deeper connections with niche audiences"
Federica Barrella is a Senior Marketing Manager at Caidya with over seven years’ experience in social media, digital marketing, and content strategy. Originally from Italy and now based in the UK, she holds CIM Level 4 and APM qualifications and is passionate about driving brand growth through digital innovation.
Sustainability isn’t just compliance - it’s the competitive edge redefining the future of the pulp and paper industry
Jino John is a pulp and paper industry professional with over 13 years of global market intelligence experience. He has worked with PCRA on writing the "Energy Conservation in Pulp & Paper Industries" handbook. He currently publishes Pulp Paper Chronicle on LinkedIn, providing daily industry updates on mill activities, investments, and sustainability trends, connecting professionals worldwide.
"Maflex's commitment to innovation, modularity, and reliability has made us a benchmark in the tissue converting industry, providing tailored solutions that exceed customer expectations and drive success."
After completing his studies in mechanical engineering, Mr. Mazzotti started his career as a Service Technician in Fosber America inc. in US. He then joined Maflex (Italy) as technician and then Operations Manager & HR Director. After 10 years he became General Manager succeeding his father, the company founder. He is also in charge as Vice President of the American branch Maflex America Inc.
"The Silyzer 300 is Siemens Energy?s latest product line in our portfolio of double-digit megawatt electrolyzers. It has several features that make it well suited for today?s green hydrogen production plants"
Thorbjoern Fors is the EVP of Siemens Energy?s Industrial Applications division. Prior to this position, he served as CEO of the Service Distribution Generation and Oil and Gas business unit of Siemens. He also held EVP roles in the organization?s industrial power generation and compression business and within global marketing and sales of new equipment. Mr. Fors is a mechanical engineer with more than 25 years of international experience in business development, sales, operations, and leading global businesses.
"AFT's proprietary simulation software called SimAudit? helps in the evaluation and selection of appropriate equipment to fit the specific customer needs. We can simulate individual unit operations or an entire process line to accurately predict the benefits of our proposed solutions".
Canadian CPA with over 35 years of experience in an international manufacturing environment. A strong belief in continuous improvement philosophy and sharing best practices. A collaborative management style with a reputation for building teamwork within the global organization. Focused on aligning the input of multidisciplinary, talented people who can tackle problems and turn them into opportunities for improvement to better serve AFT customers, contribute to their productivity, and support sustainability efforts.
"As manufacturers, we ought to offer machines that are reliable, customizable and affordable so our customers can be competitive in this global landscape".
Mr. Dani Garcia has done his MBA Internacional Executive Program from Georgetown University. Later on, he worked as the Board of Directors Member in RDIMet for almost 6 years. Then, he served the company Fagor Arrasate S.Coop for 21 years as an Overseas Chief Engineer to Technical and Innovation Director. He has also been the Member of the Governing Council - Koniker for 4 years. Dani started working for Pasaban in May 2019 as CEO of the company.
"The goal of PAPCEL is to offer a complex customized solution for each of our customers that do not include only machinery delivery, but also involve an added value for the customer".
In 2014, Mr. David Dostal, PAPCEL Co. Managing Director, was awarded "The Olomouc Region Entrepreneur of the Year" and in 2015 was announced "The Town of Litovel Personality" for his credit in the town development. In 2016, Mr. David Dostal won a prestigious award in the category ?Manager of the Sector 2015 - machinery, equipment, and technology manufacturing? and the award in the category ?Finalist of the Competition Manager of the Year 2015?. He is the CEO and Managing Director of PAPCEL A.S, ABK GROUPE.
"We offer a complete package of deliveries from stock preparation lines to paper machines to papermaking auxiliary chemical plants and naturally to professional engineering services"
In 2014, Mr. David Dostal, PAPCEL Co. Managing Director, was awarded "The Olomouc Region Entrepreneur of the Year" and in 2015 was announced "The Town of Litovel Personality" for his credit in the town development. In 2016, Mr. David Dostal won a prestigious award in the category ?Manager of the Sector 2015 - machinery, equipment, and technology manufacturing? and the award in the category ?Finalist of the Competition Manager of the Year 2015?. He is the CEO and Managing Director of PAPCEL A.S, ABK GROUPE.
"We believe we provide to our customers a cost effective primary treatment system for their wastewater treatment".
Worked for nearly two decades in Krofta Engineering Limited right from the inception of the company in 1982 in India till the death of Dr. Milos Krofta. Trained in the technology of Dissolved Air Flotation at Krofta Headquarters in Lenox, USA, and various DAF installations in the USA, United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark. Introduced the technology of Dissolved Air Flotation in paper mills of the country and diversified its applications in a variety of industries both in India and abroad. Set up Daftech Engineers Pvt. Ltd. in 2001 which has DAF installations to its credit in Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Colombia, and the USA. Specialties: marketing management, industrial wastewater treatment, sewage treatment using the technology of Moving Bed Bio Reactor.
"NETZSCH has a very extensive world-wide network of manufacturing plants and sales companies so any further expansion will be very targeted on specific strategically import countries".
Roger started working as a Business Unit Manager Chemical Pulp + Paper at NETZSCH Pumpen und Systeme GmbH from 2001 to date. His keen interests are mainly Mining news & Networking, Flottweg Separation Technology, and Pump Users Forum.
"PTS is required to pre-think the future and join forces with partners to create the prerequisites for the development of innovative fibre-based products and processes in our sectors".
Dr. Frank had done his diploma from Technische Universit?t Dresden / TU Dresden and graduated from Universit?t Leipzig. Frank worked as the Head of paper development in Felix Schoeller Osnabr?ck. Later on, he worked as Director R&D and QM in Ahlstrom Osnabr?ck GmbH. He retired as the Technical Director and President from Paper Technology Foundation (PTS) in the year 2018 and is currently working as a Strategy & Research Consultant in FM innovation.
"CEPI will keep highlighting the pulp and paper industries? role for the EU economy, where we create value and bring employment".
Marco Mensink is currently the Director-General of Cefic, the European chemical industry, since May 2016. With members adding over 550 billion Euro to the EU economy annually, Cefic is the largest industry sector representation of its kind in Brussels. As part of this role, Mr. Mensink shapes the strategy and direction of the European chemical industry, uniting more than 22 national federations, 8 associate federations, and 650 members and affiliates from all over Europe. A Dutch national, he is a seasoned public affair professional, who has lived and worked in Brussels since 2006. He has an extensive network of contacts within European institutions and the wider Brussels sphere and is active in several European Commission High-Level Groups. Starting his career at Ernst & Young Management Consulting, he worked for six years in environmental management and due diligence projects. He then worked for six years at the Royal Netherlands? Paper and Board Association, also representing the Dutch industry in Brussels. Marco worked as the Director-General of CEPI - Confederation of European Paper Industries. Marco Mensink holds a Master of Science Degree in Forestry and Business Management from the Agricultural University of Wageningen in the Netherlands.
"Thermax performance chemicals are tailored to give world class performance while using alternate quality raw materials, enabling customers to ensure their product quality".
Experienced India Corporate Business Leader in the Water Industry and B-2-B markets. Competences of loss-making business turnaround, creating profitable growth, Go-to-Market initiatives, and New Business launch. Two and a half decades of in-depth experience in the Indian Water industry covering Equipment, Consumables and Service segments. Unique skills of Medium and Small Enterprise access, through direct or dealer type operation, and of getting B2B products successfully to a fifty thousand mid-market base. A successful cultural bridge between East and West, launching western products adapted to Indian Markets. Mr. Ramachandran worked as an Executive Vice President ? Environment for 6 years. Currently, he is working as a Management Consultant for SR Consultants. He had done his graduation from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and PGDM from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
"With our strong research capacity and being part of a European research network we have excellent conditions to support our customers to encounter this challenges successfully".
"PTS is a foundation of the German paper Industry. That includes paper manufacturers, paper converts and the supplying industries. The Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS) provides support to companies from all sectors in the development and application of modern fibre-based solutions based on research & development, consultancy, measurement engineering and training."
"Feltest Equipment BV focusses on the needs of the Production Manager and Super-intendent, especially when they want to trouble-shoot or optimize the runnability of the Paper Machine".
During his 12 years of experience in the sales & service of Paper Machine Clothing, Marcel was continuously frustrated by the poor performance and reliability of available gauges. Something had to be done! In 2002 he started his company Feltest Equipment BV. Feltest aims to improve the professional quality and efficiency of all people who work with Paper Machine Clothing. Feltest offers specialized tools and measuring instruments that help to improve the performance of Paper Machine Clothing. One-stop-shop Feltest supply customers worldwide, from Europe (where it is based) to North, Central and South America, Australia, and (last but not least) Asia. Specialties: Specialized in service measurements on press felts of fast running graphic paper machines, including a thorough interpretation of the test results.
"ITE believes in Creating Markets for its exhibitors. Quality and Innovation are the sole factors which drives ITE?s business across the globe".
Mr. Gagan Sahni started his professional career with Godrej FMCG division but within one year got the chance to work for the exhibition industry. Then he Joined Tafcon as a trainee in 1999, worked for various shows, and after 11 years left as General Manager in 2010. Worked with ITEI, an Indian subsidiary of ITE Group plc, UK for last 8 years he had been associated with over 100 international events in last 19 years on various industries like Construction, Dairy & Food processing, Education, Engineering & Manufacturing, Environment, Metals, Machine Tools, Mining, Paper, Packaging, Poultry, Travel & Tourism, etc. Currently, Gagan Sahni is the Director- Business Development at Hyve India.
"Pasaban?s product values are based on precision, quality, reliability and profitability. Offering customized and comprehensive solutions if needed we can solve the most difficult challenges".
Mr. Gustavo graduated from Tecnun - Universidad de Navarra. He started working as a Consultor with Tekniker and Accenture Espana. Then he joined Goialde S.L as Director de planta and moved on as Director Gerente in the same company. He worked as Director-General for Pasaban S.A for 10 years. Currently, he is serving as the Director-General for Egile Mechanics in the company "EGILE".
"With ?New Materials? we introduce our know-how on fibre properties into future markets. Innovative paper products make completely new applications possible - sustainable and eco-efficient but without wasting resources".
The PAT which is described in ISO 18916:2007 is not a new test method, at all. But until recently, there was only one major laboratory in the world that could do the PAT for you.
"Having an integrated production network with factories in Germany, Brazil, America, China and India all producing pumps to identical specifications we are able to manufacture and supply pumps and spares locally."
Roger started working as a Business Unit Manager Chemical Pulp + Paper at NETZSCH Pumpen und Systeme GmbH from 2001 to date. His keen interests are mainly Mining news & Networking, Flottweg Separation Technology, and Pump Users Forum.
"The slot dies of FMP Technology have been designed and built to work in various fields where coating and drying of thin liquid films are of interest, among them the paper industry".
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Franz Durst (FMP TECHNOLOGY GMBH) studied Aeronautical Engineering at the Technical University of Stuttgart, Germany, and Process Engineering at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London, England. He graduated from Imperial College at London University and received his doctor?s degree in 1972 (Ph.D.). In 1972, he returned to Germany and worked as subproject leader of various research projects at the Collaborative Research Center 80 at the University of Karlsruhe for ten years. Prof. Durst was offered a C3 professorship for Fluid Mechanics at the University of Karlsruhe in 1978 and was appointed chair of the Institute of Fluid Mechanics at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in 1982. He developed this institute into one of the most important institutes for fluid mechanics on a national and international level. During his active time at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg he worked at several universities abroad. He has been awarded many prizes for his research work and, at present, is member of four academies, among them the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and the Royal Academy of Engineering. In 2006, Prof. Durst retired from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and founded the company FMP TECHNOLOGY GMBH, whose CEO and shareholder he had been. This company is involved in coating and drying technologies.
"All our efforts are aimed at optimizing processes and manufacturing products that reduce environmental impact or even promote environmental sustainability".
Founder and CEO of BBA ECOTECH and one of inventors of BATP?, with 30+ year experience in industrial biotechnologies, specialized in building businesses and managing a portfolio of new bio applications.
"The main theme of the entire MAFLEX product portfolio is continuous improvement, and it is a key to success in our 4.0 revolution".
Mr. Luca started his career as a Service Technician in Fosber America. He then joined Maflex S.R.L as Operations Manager & HR Director where he worked for 12 years. He is currently working as the Vice President of Maflex America, Inc.
"We at Messe Muenchen India have been bringing the thought leaders, technology providers and government officials together at one platform to offer right technologies".
Innovative and results driven leader, focused on achieving exceptional results in highly competitive environments that demand continuous improvement. With over 14 years of experience in Trade Fair industry. The key areas of expertise involve Conceptualizing and launching trade shows, Develop new markets, Cuttings costs, Relationship management, General management, Business planning, International business development, financial acumen, Increasing sales. Personal Skills involve : Decision making, ?Can do? attitude, Target driven. He is the current CEO of Messe Muenchen India Pvt Ltd.
