Malin Bergenstråhle and Stefan Lindström awarded 2008 Alf de Ruvo scholarship

Malin Bergenstråhle and Stefan Lindström awarded 2008 Alf de Ruvo scholarship 

The 2008 Alf de Ruvo scholarship was awarded to Malin Bergenstråhle and Stefan
Lindström. Malin Bergenstråhle, Stockholm, received the scholarship for her
research involving important contributions to the development of cellulose
composites, while Stefan Lindström from Sundsvall received the scholarship for
research results related to his studies of the consolidation of paper webs. The
amount of the scholarship is SEK 500.000 each.

Malin Bergenstråhle's research efforts are relevant for today's packaging
materials, such as corrugated board products, as well as paper products of the
future in which the focus is on using renewable materials to replace
fossil-based barriers. Malin studied the structure and properties of cellulose
at the atomic level using computer simulation. As a result, her research is a
significant contribution to the development of new cellulose composites. ”Malin
Bergenstråhle goes to great lengths to compare her computer simulations with
experimental results and to also place those results in a practical context,”
writes the Alf de Ruvo Memorial Foundation in citation. 

Through Stefan Lindström's research efforts, it has been possible, for the first
time, to simulate what occurs at the micro level in the formation process,
through use of computer-based modeling and simulation techniques. Stefan
Lindström's work has resulted in a fundamental understanding of how paper
structures are created during the formation process. This will result in a
better design of the forming section of the paper machine and a correspondingly
better-designed paper material for publication papers, packaging and hygiene
products.

The scholarship, which amounts to SEK 500,000, will be awarded at a ceremony on
27 January 2009 in conjunction with the Swedish Pulp and Paper Industry's Ekman
Days in Stockholm.

Alf de Ruvo (1938-2000) was well known and highly respected in the forest and
paper industry. He held leading positions for many years including Executive
Vice President of SCA. Alf de Ruvo was also Chairman of the Forest Products
Industry Research College at the Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, Sweden. He
conducted broad research within wood-fiber based materials and contributed to
the development of world-class paper engineering research. In packaging, his
work included the mechanical properties of packaging and their significance at
conversion and end-use.

The Alf de Ruvo Memorial Foundation was formed in 2000 from funds donated in
memory of Alf de Ruvo. The purpose of the Foundation is to support forest
industry education and research activities that promote technical and scientific
progress within the industry.

The Board of the Foundation, deciding on the scholarship, comprises Professor
Tom Lindström, KTH/STFI-Packforsk, Anders Nyberg, Senior Vice President, SCA,
Ingemar Croon, consultant and researcher within the forest industry and a
research council with Professor Gunilla Jönsson, Technical University of Lund,
Professor Gunnar Svedberg, CEO STFI-Packforsk, Professor Myat Htun, Mid-Sweden
University and Christer Söremark, consultant and researcher within the forest
industry.

Scholarships have previously been awarded to Matti Ristinmaa (2001), Magnus
Berggren (2002), Magnus Norgren (2004), Johan Alfthan (2006) and Birgitta
Svensson (2007).


Stockholm, 27 January 2009


For further information please contact
Tom Lindström, Professor KTH/STFI-Packforsk, +46 8 790 90 35
Gunnar Vrang, Press & Media Officer SCA, +46 8 788 51 29 



SCA is a global consumer goods and paper company that develops and produces
personal care products, tissue, packaging solutions, publication papers and
solid-wood products. Sales are conducted in some 90 countries. SCA has many
well-known brands, including the global brands Tena and Tork. Sales in 2007
amounted to SEK 106 billion (EUR 11.4 billion). SCA has approximately 50,000
employees. More information at www.sca.com