Joanne Palma, P.Eng., M.Eng.
Joanne Palma, P.Eng., M.Eng.
Joanne Palma is a distinguished professional with an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the pulp and paper industry. With a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Pulp and Paper Engineering, from the prestigious University of British Columbia, Joanne has continually demonstrated exceptional expertise and leadership in various capacities within pulp and paper factories.
As the proprietor of Pulp Solutions, Joanne is leveraging her expertise to provide consultancy services, offering strategic insights and solutions to optimize processes and enhance operational efficiency.
Throughout her career, Joanne has contributed significantly to process and environmental improvements by applying process engineering skills. Her initiatives at Hartmann Canada, Brantford, Ontario with chemical and process optimization bolstered carton strength and also yielded substantial reductions in energy and chemical costs. Joanne's commendable achievements also include the successful commissioning of a new recycled pulp mill and significant enhancements in dryer operating conditions, resulting in noteworthy energy savings.
Transitioning to Enzymatic Deinking Technologies Inc (EDT), Joanne served as a Technical Sales Engineer, where she effectively collaborated with clients to implement enzyme solutions, thereby enhancing process efficiency. Her keen analytical skills and technical acumen were instrumental in delivering value-added solutions tailored to meet client needs.
Her diverse experiences also extend to roles at Abitibi Consolidated Inc., where she lead various process engineering projects, driving remarkable improvements in pulp quality, operational efficiency, and cost savings.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Joanne has been involved in academia, serving as a part-time lecturer at Northern College, Timmins, Ontario, where she trained professionals and operators in the pulp and paper industry.
Joanne's educational background is built on a commitment to continuous learning, as evidenced by her completion of industry-related courses and certifications, including a Mastering Data Analysis using Microsoft Excel certification and a Programmable Logic Controllers Certificate from Mohawk College.
With a passion for resolving environmental issues through innovation and technical excellence, Joanne Palma continues to be a driving force for improvement in the pulp and paper industry.

Return-On-Investment Approach to Papermaking Chemistry
Abstract
When comparing different chemicals used in paper production, many factors needed to be reviewed to determine which product adds the most value. The use of the Return-On-Investment (ROI) method, like the process for a capital project, will result in a more complete evaluation than just comparing dollar costs per tonne of product ($/t). When manufacturing paper that is sold by area (for example, linerboard), the savings in lower basis weight to achieve target strength as well as energy consumption, will affect the ROI. Knowing the process bottlenecks will determine if the chemical application allows for an increase in production rate.