The Portuguese city of Tomar, known for its rich Templar heritage, is hosting this week the 27th TECNICELPA International Conference – Forest Biobased Materials, gathering professionals from the pulp, paper, forest and biorefinery sectors.
Organized by TECNICELPA, the Portuguese Association of Pulp and Paper Industry Technicians, whose President, Vitor Lucas, Industrial Director of Biotek Altri, inaugurated the event, this biennial event brings together scientists, technologists, industrial experts and suppliers for three days of knowledge exchange, networking and innovation showcases. The meeting is being held at the Hotel dos Templários, which also hosts the EXPOCELPA exhibition area.
This year’s edition focuses on the theme “Forest Biobased Materials”, reflecting the sector’s ongoing transition toward circularity, renewable feedstocks and carbon-neutral production. The programme combines plenary sessions, technical papers, and poster presentations covering topics such as pulp production efficiency, papermaking innovations, recycling, biorefinery integration, process digitalization, and sustainability management.
Alongside the technical sessions, EXPOCELPA provides a platform for equipment suppliers, service providers and technology developers to present their latest solutions. Social and networking activities, including a conference dinner, further promote exchange between academia, industry and institutions.
According to TECNICELPA, the main objectives of the event are to disseminate recent scientific and technological advances, strengthen collaboration across the pulp and paper value chain, and highlight Portugal’s contribution to the international bioeconomy. Awards will also be given for outstanding papers and posters, encouraging young professionals and researchers to engage with industrial challenges.
Held at a time when the pulp and paper industry faces rising environmental and economic pressures, the Tomar conference underscores the importance of innovation and cooperation to secure a sustainable future for forest-based industries.
