“From Wood to Paper” was the theme of the second part of Invited Scholars Week for the EMJM SBBE 4th cohort students. The lecture was delivered by Mr. Krzysztof Tekień, a startup engineer from Valmet, who introduced the detailed processes of papermaking. 

During the first two days, he explained the types of paper and the workings of paper machines in the pulp and paper industry. His theoretical insights combined with first-hand experience in paper machine design made the sessions especially valuable.

After the lectures students traveled to Pałac Poledno, where they stayed overnight to start the next day’s visit early. There they had a pleasure to see an impressive vintage cars exhibition.

On the third day, students had the opportunity to witness theory in practice. Accompanied by Mr. Tekień, the SBBE group visited Mondi Świecie, one of the largest pulp and paper mills in the EU, to learn about sustainable papermaking. At the plant, they explored several areas—from the wood chip stockpile and recycled paper storage, which serve as feedstock, to the debarking and cooking plants where pulp is produced. The final stop was the paper machine area, where students observed how pulp is transformed into different paper grades. The visit provided a clear understanding of how theory connects with industrial applications. 

Overall, the week successfully deepened the students’ knowledge of sustainable paper production.