Reimagining Fiber: From Paper to Bio-Innovation

Fiber is no longer just about paper. Across industries, wood and cellulose are being transformed into advanced biomaterials, sustainable textiles, and renewable energy sources. These innovations are reshaping how we think about circular production, reducing fossil dependency, and unlocking new business opportunities. In this bonus episode we are asking Stefan Thorburn, Senior Principal Scientist at ABB Corporate Research, how is this shift happening and what role is technology playing in enabling it? Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode. If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here or The Process Automation Podcast — ABB GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our last episode, we looked at how shipping - one of the world’s oldest industries - has evolved, with digital technology driving much of that change.  Safety, efficiency, and sustainability remain the big drivers. Today’s ships benefit from smarter logistics, predictive maintenance, and real-time tracking.  But taking digitalization further in such a complex sector isn’t easy. New and existing technologies must integrate seamlessly to keep operations safe, resilient, and reliable.  Add to that the challenges of cybersecurity, secure ship-to-shore data, and preparing the workforce for a digital future - and the task becomes even tougher.  That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode: how to take digitalization to the next level in the maritime industry. In this episode, host Fran Scott will be joined by:  - Mikkel Skou Managing Director of Veracity by DNV - Osku Kälkäjä, Digital Division Lead, ABB’s Marine & Ports division  - Leigh Carr, Vice President, Maritime Cyber Safety of Carnival Corporation and PLC   Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shipping is one of the world’s oldest industries, moving 80% of global trade and linking millions of people. But while seafarers’ mission hasn’t changed, the way ships are run has.  Digitalization is reshaping maritime operations: smarter logistics, predictive maintenance, real-time tracking, and energy management. Modern ships are now “systems of systems,” where navigation, propulsion, and communications must work seamlessly together.  In this bonus episode, we talk with Osku Kälkäjä, Division Digital Lead at ABB’s Marine & Ports division, about how life at sea has shifted from analog traditions to the realities of the digital era.  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.  If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here: https://forms.abb.com/form-79084/process-automation-podcast-form or The Process Automation Podcast — ABB Group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From measuring emissions to boosting efficiency and enhancing plant safety, modern instrumentation often works quietly behind the scenes — yet its impact can be huge. Following on from discovering how the ‘Hidden heroes’ of Industry are created, we ask how these instruments have such a big impact?   How do they integrate into the bigger picture to make operations more efficient? And how can they help industries operating in hazardous environments run leaner and cleaner?   These are some of the questions Fran will be exploring as we ask the question, ‘How do small-scale instruments deliver large-scale impact in extreme industrial conditions?’   In this episode, host Fran Scott will be joined by:  Dr Carlos López-Gómez - Head of Policy Links, IfM Engage at The University of Cambridge  Shanthala Kamath, Corporate Executive Engineer at ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In industries where extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and high-pressure environments are the norm, specialized instrumentation technologies are making a massive difference.  From compact sensors monitoring temperature in chemical reactors, to advanced instrumentation systems that minimize water loss in pipelines, these technologies are driving huge gains in safety, efficiency and sustainability.  In this episode, we shine a light on these small but mighty technologies that keep the world’s toughest industrial environments running.   To uncover the story behind these ‘hidden heroes’, we’re joined by Shanthala Kamath, R&D Corporate Executive Engineer at ABB Measurement and Analytics. She takes us inside the world of R&D (Research & Development) to explore how these innovations are created, tested, and what they could mean for the future of smart instrumentation.  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.  If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise: The Process Automation Podcast — ABB Group  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She’s usually the one asking the questions – but in this episode, the mic is turned.  After four seasons of hosting The Process Automation Podcast, Fran Scott is joined by guest host Margarita Sjursen, Head of External Communications at ABB’s Process Automation business area, to take a closer look at the person behind the questions.   We explore how Fran became a science communicator, engineering expert and podcast host – and reflect on what drives her passion for making complex topics engaging, accessible, and most importantly – fun!  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology advancements have driven transformative evolution for industrial automation, but the benefits of modernization must be weighed against the cost of interruption to plant operations.  In this bonus episode, host Fran Scott is joined by Christopher Leinen, Chief Technology Officer at PLT Networks, to explore how industrial facilities can strike the balance between innovation and continuity.   Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Process automation is everywhere – powering the essential industries we rely on every day, from energy and metals to water and beyond.   In this episode, we explore the critical role of automation, and ask the question: “As demands for energy and materials grow, how does automation keep the world’s most essential industries running – safely, efficiently and without interruption?”  In this episode, host Fran Scott is joined by:  Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President of Process Automation Technology at ABB  Nico Duursema, CEO of Cerilon   Sam Eklöf, Automation Engineer at Käppälaförbundet  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode, we revisit the future of metals through the lens of experience. Frederik Esterhuizen, Business Line Manager at ABB, reflects on his 30-year journey in the metals sector: from the biggest shifts he’s witnessed in the industry to what 'future-proofing' really means today. He also shares his advice for the next generation entering the metals world. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Metals enable progress. They are essential to everything that shapes our daily lives, from infrastructure and transport to high technology. But with demand rising, how can the industry adapt to meet these needs in a responsible way? What steps will help to future-proof the sector? And why are automation, electrification and digitalization vital for the future of the metals industry?   In this episode, host Fran Scott will be joined by: - Helena Malmqvist, Research Manager at Jernkontoret - Frederik Esterhuizen, Metals Business Line Manager at ABB Process Industries - Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.