This annual seminar brings together professionals, researchers, and industry experts from across the paper and board value chain to exchange knowledge, explore new technologies, and strengthen collaboration toward a more sustainable and innovative future.
Focus on Innovation and Collaboration
Organized by the Natuurvezel Applicatie Centrum, the Technologiekring Paper & Board series highlights key developments in paper and board machines, technologies, and products. The November 2025 edition will focus on innovation, technology, and collaboration as drivers of progress in the sector.
Joanne Siccama, Researcher in Food Processing Technology at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, will give a presentation on the SteamDry project.
Drying is among the most energy-intensive processes in industrial production, including in paper and board manufacturing. SteamDry explores advanced steam purification, digital process control, and innovative equipment design to significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Joanne Siccama will present the project’s progress, technical challenges, and potential contributions to the paper and board industry’s sustainability goals.
Shaping the Future of Fiber-Based Products
As the paper and board sector advances toward fiber-based, circular solutions, the Technologiekring Paper & Board provides a valuable forum for connecting research, innovation, and industrial practice. Participation in this event supports the broader mission of Wageningen Food & Biobased Research to develop technologies that enable a more resource-efficient, low-carbon manufacturing future.
Event details: Technologiekring Paper & Board Dates: 19–20 November 2025 Location: Van der Valk Hotel Apeldoorn – De Cantharel, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands
This premier international conference brings together researchers, professionals, and industry leaders to explore the latest developments in drying and dewatering technologies. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research, share knowledge, and help shape the future of the field.
What to Expect at Eurodrying 2025
Keynote talks from leading academic and industry experts.
Oral, pitch, and poster presentations on the latest research and innovations.
Interactive sessions that encourage discussion and collaboration.
Technical excursions to state-of-the-art facilities in Wageningen and across the Netherlands.
Featured Keynote Speakers
This year’s extended lineup includes thought leaders from across Europe, covering a range of topics critical to the future of drying:
Dr. Jewe Schröder (Danone): Bridging fundamental spray drying research with industrial application.
1. Driving Sustainability and Feasibility for Drying Technologies in the Paper, Wood, and Food Industries through Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis
This study evaluates the environmental and economic performance of drying technologies across the paper, wood, and food sectors, which together account for a significant share of industrial energy use. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA), the research identifies sustainable alternatives, highlighting superheated steam drying as a promising cross-sector solution with high energy savings potential. The study provides a much-needed quantitative framework for comparing drying methods and supporting strategic industrial decision-making in line with EU sustainability goals.
2. Enhancing Energy Efficiency of Paper Production by Superheated Steam Drying
This contribution focuses on optimizing the energy efficiency of paper drying by replacing traditional hot air drying with superheated steam and integrating heat recovery concepts. Using process simulations in IPSEpro, the team evaluates multiple configurations, identifying energy-saving potentials of up to 70% compared to conventional systems. The findings underline the crucial impact of steam pressure and temperature on efficiency and provide guidance for developing practical, cost-effective retrofits for the paper industry.
3. A Data-Driven Model as a Simulation Platform for Reinforcement-Based Dryness Control of a Pilot Paper-Making Machine Using Active Learning
This presentation introduces a data-driven control system for drying processes in paper production, based on reinforcement learning and activelearning strategies. The project involves building a simulation platform using real-world data from VTT’s pilot plant, modeling both impingement and through-air drying. By leveraging machine learning techniques such as Lasso regression and Gaussian process modeling, the team aims to develop a smart control system that can dynamically optimize drying conditions to balance product quality, energy efficiency, and production rates—paving the way for fully electrified, CO₂-neutral drying operations.
These contributions reflect SteamDry’s mission to support the transition toward more sustainable, efficient, and digitally controlled drying technologies for European industry. We look forward to sharing insights and engaging in meaningful discussion at Eurodrying 2025.
