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Ronalds Gonzalez

Assoc Professor

Pulp & Paper Labs 1211

Bio

Dr. Ronalds Gonzalez is an Associate Professor, consultant & thought leader in sustainable fiber-based consumer goods. He teaches conversion and process economics at North Carolina State University, focusing on the pulp & paper and hygiene tissue industry. Dr. Gonzalez is dedicated to developing tools and knowledge that create value in both the bio- and circular economy. His work has been widely recognized, including by the Brazilian Association of Pulp & Paper Technologists. He has also received the NC State University Faculty Scholar distinction and the Chancellor Innovation Award for his innovative contributions to the industry and academia. With over 100 publications in high-impact scientific journals and recognized trade magazines, Dr. Gonzalez is a prolific author and researcher. His work highlights his deep understanding of sustainable practices and his commitment to creating a more sustainable future.

Research Interest

Dr. Gonzalez leads a dynamic research group (go.ncsu.edu/ConEcSus) that collaborates closely with both companies and federal agencies to accelerate the industrial adoption of emerging and disruptive sustainable technologies and materials. As part of his commitment to promoting sustainable practices, Dr. Gonzalez recently founded the Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI), a university-industry research consortium supported by over 20 companies (go.ncsu.edu/SAFI). SAFI aims to advance responsible sourcing, development, and use of sustainable fibers to combat climate change. Dr. Gonzalez’s research portfolio is impressive, with a total value of over 10 million dollars.

Industrial Experience

With over 15 years of industry experience, Dr. Gonzalez brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at NC State University. Prior to joining the NC State University, he held leadership positions such as Corporate Controller of Manufacturing and Logistics for North, Central, and South America at SCA (Essity, the largest global hygiene tissue producer), and Controller of Fiber and Pulp Divisions at Smurfit Kappa Carton de Venezuela. In addition to his industry expertise, Dr. Gonzalez has also provided consultation services for various entities around the world, including the United States International Trade Commission, International Paper, Domtar, Greenwood Resources, Proteak, Essity, Simply Human, and Evolution Resources, among others.

Education

Business Administration, Accounting. Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela

Engineering. Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela

Master, Marketing Forest Products, NC State University, USA

Ph.D., Supply Chain & Conversion Economics, NC State University, USA

MBA, Corporate Finance, Jenkins Business School, USA

Certification, 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

View all publications 

Grants

Date: 02/06/19 - 2/05/29
Amount: $15,960.00
Funding Agencies: International Corrugated Packing Foundation (ICPF)

Our proposal will address all three ICPF priority areas. We will ensure that students learn and perform structural design, prototyping, and techno-economic analysis to understand how design, material types/additives, and processes (analog vs. digital) affects product performances, economics, and sustainability aspect. We will also encourage students to take elective courses in sales and marketing.

Date: 07/01/23 - 6/30/25
Amount: $66,000.00
Funding Agencies: International Paper Co.

The purpose of the Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) is to develop fundamental and applied research on the use of alternative and sustainable fibers for the manufacturing of market pulp, hygiene products and nonwovens. The idea for SAFI has grown out of societal needs for alternative yet sustainable materials. SAFI will study the potential of alternative fibers based on technical (performance), sustainable and economic principles.

Date: 07/01/23 - 6/30/25
Amount: $66,000.00
Funding Agencies: Essity

The purpose of the Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) is to develop fundamental and applied research on the use of alternative and sustainable fibers for the manufacturing of market pulp, hygiene products and nonwovens. The idea for SAFI has grown out of societal needs for alternative yet sustainable materials. SAFI will study the potential of alternative fibers based on technical (performance), sustainable and economic principles.

Date: 07/01/21 - 6/30/25
Amount: $126,000.00
Funding Agencies: Cascades Inc.

The purpose of the Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) is to develop fundamental and applied research on the use of alternative and sustainable fibers for the manufacturing of market pulp, hygiene products and nonwovens. The idea for SAFI has grown out of societal needs for alternative yet sustainable materials. SAFI will study the potential of alternative fibers based on technical (performance), sustainable and economic principles.

Date: 07/01/21 - 6/30/25
Amount: $126,000.00
Funding Agencies: Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.

The purpose of the Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) is to develop fundamental and applied research on the use of alternative and sustainable fibers for the manufacturing of market pulp, hygiene products and nonwovens. The idea for SAFI has grown out of societal needs for alternative yet sustainable materials. SAFI will study the potential of alternative fibers based on technical (performance), sustainable and economic principles.

Date: 07/01/21 - 6/30/25
Amount: $126,000.00
Funding Agencies: TreeCo

The purpose of the Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) is to develop fundamental and applied research on the use of alternative and sustainable fibers for the manufacturing of market pulp, hygiene products and nonwovens. The idea for SAFI has grown out of societal needs for alternative yet sustainable materials. SAFI will study the potential of alternative fibers based on technical (performance), sustainable and economic principles.

Date: 07/01/21 - 6/30/25
Amount: $42,000.00
Funding Agencies: Valmet North America

The purpose of the Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) is to develop fundamental and applied research on the use of alternative and sustainable fibers for the manufacturing of market pulp, hygiene products and nonwovens. The idea for SAFI has grown out of societal needs for alternative yet sustainable materials. SAFI will study the potential of alternative fibers based on technical (performance), sustainable and economic principles.

Date: 07/01/21 - 6/30/25
Amount: $126,000.00
Funding Agencies: Eastman Chemical Company

The purpose of the Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) is to develop fundamental and applied research on the use of alternative and sustainable fibers for the manufacturing of market pulp, hygiene products and nonwovens. The idea for SAFI has grown out of societal needs for alternative yet sustainable materials. SAFI will study the potential of alternative fibers based on technical (performance), sustainable and economic principles.

Date: 07/01/21 - 6/30/25
Amount: $10,000.00
Funding Agencies: National Bamboo

The purpose of the Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) is to develop fundamental and applied research on the use of alternative and sustainable fibers for the manufacturing of market pulp, hygiene products and nonwovens. The idea for SAFI has grown out of societal needs for alternative yet sustainable materials. SAFI will study the potential of alternative fibers based on technical (performance), sustainable and economic principles.

Date: 07/01/21 - 6/30/25
Amount: $0.00
Funding Agencies: University of British Columbia

The purpose of the Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) is to develop fundamental and applied research on the use of alternative and sustainable fibers for the manufacturing of market pulp, hygiene products and nonwovens. The idea for SAFI has grown out of societal needs for alternative yet sustainable materials. SAFI will study the potential of alternative fibers based on technical (performance), sustainable and economic principles.


View all grants