Ronalds Gonzalez
Bio
Assoc. Prof. Ronalds Gonzalez (Dr. G)
Associate Professor, Global Expert on Sustainable & Alternative Fibers for Consumer Products | Supply Chain, Conversion, Techno-economics & LCA.
Dr. G. is an Associate Professor at North Carolina State University, specializing in conversion and process economics with a focus on the pulp & paper and hygiene tissue industries. As a dedicated consultant and thought leader, he aims to advance sustainable practices in fiber-based consumer goods. He has been a regular lecturer at Universität für Bo den ku ltur Wien (Austria) and invited lecturer and opponent at Alto University (Finland) and Unversidade Beira Interior (Portugal).
Dr. Gonzalez’s work is recognized globally, notably by the Brazilian Association of Pulp & Paper Technologists. His innovative contributions have earned him the NC State University Faculty Scholar distinction and the Chancellor Innovation Award. With over 100 publications in high-impact scientific journals and trade magazines, Dr. Gonzalez is a prolific author and researcher, showcasing his commitment to the bio- and circular economy.
Research Interests
Leading a dynamic research group at NC State University (Conversion Economics & Sustainability – ConEcSus), Dr. Gonzalez works with companies and federal agencies to accelerate the industrial adoption of emerging and sustainable technologies and materials. He co-founded the Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI), a consortium supported by 30 companies (go.ncsu.edu/SAFI), dedicated to promoting responsible sourcing and development of sustainable fibers to combat climate change. Dr. Gonzalez’s research portfolio is valued at over $16 million.
Industrial Experience
With over 15 years of industry experience, Dr. Gonzalez has held leadership positions such as Corporate Controller of Manufacturing and Logistics for the Americas at SCA (Essity) and Controller of Fiber and Pulp Divisions at Smurfit Kappa Carton de Venezuela. His extensive consulting experience includes working with the United States International Trade Commission, International Paper, Domtar, Greenwood Resources, Proteak, Essity, Simply Human, and Evolution Resources, Smurfit Kappa among others.
Education
- Business Administration, Accounting: Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela
- Engineering: Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela
- Master in Marketing Forest Products: NC State University, USA
- Ph.D. in Supply Chain & Conversion Economics: NC State University, USA
- MBA in Corporate Finance: Jenkins Business School, USA
- Certification in Value Creation Forest Products & Consumer Goods: Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden
Area(s) of Expertise
Conversion economics, supply chain, sustainability, bioeconomy, hygiene tissue industry
Publications
- Assessing bleached bamboo fibers as a hardwood replacement via kraft co-cooking for paperboard applications , INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS (2025)
- Catalytic conversion of paper sludge carbohydrates to jet fuel range hydrocarbons: Process optimization and techno-economic analysis , CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2025)
- Cellulose Carbamate Synthesis and Dissolution from Wheat Straw: Influence of Biomass Origin and Inorganic Removal Compared to Softwood Dissolving Pulps , (2025)
- Comparative life cycle assessment of bamboo-containing and wood-based hygiene tissue: Implications of fiber sourcing and conversion technologies , CLEANER ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS (2025)
- Comparing the impacts of wood and APMP non-wood fibers on the properties of hygiene tissue paper , CELLULOSE (2025)
- Global Discussion on Life Cycle Assessment Allocation Methods for Recycled Fibers , BIORESOURCES (2025)
- Integration of artificial intelligence and sustainable energy management in the pulp and paper industry: A path to decarbonization , RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS (2025)
- Lignin self-assembly phenomena and valorization strategies for pulping, biorefining, and materials development: Part 2. Factors affecting the specificity of lignin self-assembly for industrial applications , ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE (2025)
- Moving toward fiber-based products free of PFAS: Industry response to regulations for paper packaging, hygiene and textile products , RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING (2025)
- PFAS regulations and economic impact: A review of U.S. pulp & paper and textiles industries , Chemosphere (2025)