Valmet Tissue Technology Award granted to modification of hard wood pulp for tissue production

Valmet Corporation's press release on March 17, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. EET

The winner of Valmet Tissue Technology Award was announced at the Tissue World Conference, Barcelona, Spain, on March 17, 2015. The award and the USD 25,000 prize amount was granted to Abdus Salam, Graduate Student from North Carolina State University, USA.

The purpose of the Valmet Tissue Technology Award is to promote university students' or scientists' work to develop environmentally sound products applicable to the tissue making processes. The award is granted every second year and the winner is selected by a panel of jurors representing universities, scientific organizations and Valmet.

The focus area for the award this year was environmental efficiency. Mr. Salam is awarded for his work on modified hardwood pulp for tissue production. The objective of Mr. Salam's work has been to develop a method to provide unique tissue characteristics using only natural materials. By modifying hardwood pulp, it can be cross-linked with a biodegradable product to greatly improve absorbency properties. The modified fibers are elastic, very soft, highly porous and durable, and also have microbial properties.

"We are constantly searching for new innovations to make the tissue process more sustainable and environmentally efficient. Mr. Salam's innovation is well in line with our strategy and shows how biomaterials can be utilized to add new and improved properties to tissue products. This is an excellent example of how scientists and the academic world can contribute to the important work of developing sustainable solutions for the future of tissue-making," says Anders Björn, Vice President, Tissue Mills business unit, Valmet.

"I greatly appreciate the award committee's selection of my research for Valmet Tissue Technology Award of 2015. This is my first international award which has truly inspired me to develop new products and ideas for tissue and paper towel applications. I believe the research developments related to modifying hardwood pulp can significantly contribute to the personal health care sector as well as the global economy," says Abdus Salam, the winner of the Valmet Tissue Technology Award.

Valmet Tissue Technology Award ceremonies at the Tissue World Conference in Barcelona

More information about the Valmet Tissue Technology Award including application regulations can be found at www.valmet.com/tissueaward.

VALMET CORPORATION
Corporate Communications

For further information, please contact:
Anders Björn, Vice President, Tissue Mills business unit, Valmet, Tel. +46 705 17 13 38

Allan Grimm, Manager, Global Technology, Tissue Mills business unit, Valmet, Tel. +46 54 17 11 42

Valmet Corporation is a leading global developer and supplier of services and technologies for the pulp, paper and energy industries. Our 10,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day.

Valmet's services cover everything from maintenance outsourcing to mill and plant improvements and spare parts. Our strong technology offering includes entire pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bio-energy production.

Valmet's net sales in 2014 were approximately EUR 2.5 billion. Valmet's objective is to become the global champion in serving its customers.

Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.