PAPER MARKET

Author: Paper Market

  • PG Paper Launches Opal Containerboard Range in the UK Market

    PG Paper Launches Opal Containerboard Range in the UK Market

    PG Paper is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Opal, focussing on their containerboard portfolio. This includes a unique, lighter shade of virgin Kraft Liner Board (KLB) with a bright, smooth surface ideal for high-quality, professional printing, along with 100% recycled Fluting and Testliner grades.

    Opal is an innovative, solutions-led paper and packaging company and one of Australasia’s leading packaging and paper enterprises. Part of Opal’s Paper Division, the KLB is manufactured at the Maryvale Mill in Australia, while the recycled Testliner and Fluting are produced at the Botany Mill.

    Kelly Drew, Opal’s International Sales Operations Manager, commented on the partnership:

    “We’re delighted to appoint PG Paper as our UK distribution partner for our KLB, Testliner and Fluting grades. PG Paper’s UK presence and local service, combined with their impressive export knowledge, provide a fantastic opportunity for market growth.”

    To lead this distribution partnership with Opal, PG Paper has appointed Martin Ferrari as their new Regional Sales Director.

    Lyndsey James-Williams, PG Paper Commercial Director, commented:

    “The UK containerboard market is being driven by e-commerce and the increasing demand for sustainable and new packaging solutions from both consumers and retailers.

    At PG Paper, we are committed to offering our customers innovative deep-sea alternatives that enhance supply chain resilience. Opal’s advancements in quality, particularly in producing a unique KLB shade, allow us to provide packaging options that meet market demands and help our customers mitigate supply chain risks.

    We are delighted to announce the appointment of Martin as the Regional Sales Director. His market expertise will be instrumental in leading this initiative.”

    With over 20 years of experience in the UK containerboard industry, Martin expressed his enthusiasm:

    “This partnership introduces a unique KLB solution to the market, offering UK customers exceptional print quality with Opal’s distinctive shade, perfect for high-quality, professional printing needs. I am delighted to join the PG Paper team and start my role by playing a pivotal part in this collaboration.”

    PG Paper, a UK-based pulp, paper and board merchandising company, specialises in providing unique deep sea supply solutions to mitigate supply chain risks, delivered with local service through their dedicated support team across the country.

  • DS Smith has greatest positive impact by helping to create a low carbon, circular economy.

    DS Smith has greatest positive impact by helping to create a low carbon, circular economy.

    In partnership with ENGIE, the coal-fired boiler at Rouen mill is being replaced with a new biomass boiler, which will supply around 80% of the heat demand and is anticipated to be operational by 2025/26.

    It is expected that the boiler will be fuelled by around 30% plant by-products (pulper waste) and 70% waste wood from sources such as furniture and demolition waste.

    The project was granted approval by the Regional Biomass Scheme in 2022 and is supported by local authorities including a €15 million subsidy from the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME). It is anticipated that by 2025/26, this will save around 99,000 tonnes CO2e per year.

  • Ecosure Pulpmolding Technologies Ltd Acquires Thermo9, Launches Industry-First Fiber Pulp Molding Machine “FiberFormer,” and Introduces T9 Tableware Product Brand

    Ecosure Pulpmolding Technologies Ltd Acquires Thermo9, Launches Industry-First Fiber Pulp Molding Machine “FiberFormer,” and Introduces T9 Tableware Product Brand

    Ecosure Pulpmolding Technologies Ltd, a pioneer and market leader in fiber pulp molded machine manufacturing, is thrilled to announce its strategic acquisition of Thermo9, including its assets and technologies. This acquisition has enabled Ecosure to launch the industry’s first next-generation fully automatic fiber pulp molding machine called “FiberFormer.” The FiberFormer machine boasts cutting-edge features such as full servo-driven operation, water jet cutting technology, trimming-free production, auto counting, and auto stacking.

    Ecosure Pulpmolding Technologies Ltd remains dedicated to providing environmentally friendly packaging solutions that reduce waste and carbon footprint. The acquisition of Thermo9, based in Indore, has significantly strengthened Ecosure’s position in the market. The integration of Thermo9’s assets and technologies has empowered Ecosure to develop and manufacture the FiberFormer, a revolutionary machine that sets new standards in the pulp molding industry. Ecosure has successfully supplied FiberFormer machines to renowned clients such as Satia Industries and Copar Pty Ltd in Australia. With this acquisition, Ecosure reinforces its commitment to innovation and expands its product offerings for the B2B market.

    In line with Ecosure’s mission to create a plastic-free planet, the company is proud to introduce its own tableware product brand named T9 for B2B. Operating as a separate entity, T9 will be headed by Mr. Gunjan Saxena, Director & Head of Strategy and New Business Innovation at Ecosure. T9 will offer a wide range of innovative and eco-friendly tableware products, leveraging Ecosure’s continuous research on fiber blending. The soft launch of the T9 brand is scheduled for August 15th, 2024.

    “Ecosure is committed to promoting green product manufacturing and sustainability through our ever-evolving technology in the domain of fiber pulp molding,” said Gunjan Saxena, Head Strategy & New Business Innovation of Ecosure Pulpmolding Technologies Ltd. “The acquisition of Thermo9 and the launch of our FiberFormer machine and T9 brand represent significant milestones in our journey towards a plastic-free planet. We are excited to offer our customers cutting-edge solutions that are both environmentally friendly and of the highest quality.”

    Ecosure Pulpmolding Technologies Ltd has a proven track record of success, having installed over 350 machines across more than 36 turnkey projects in India. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has positioned it as a leader in the industry.

    About Ecosure Pulpmolding Technologies Ltd:

    Ecosure Pulpmolding Technologies Ltd is a pioneer and market leader in fiber pulp molded machine manufacturing. With a strong commitment to promoting green product manufacturing and sustainability, Ecosure aims to revolutionize the packaging industry by offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials.

  • Sappi awarded highest sustainability level by EcoVadis for six consecutive years

    Sappi awarded highest sustainability level by EcoVadis for six consecutive years

    Sappi has again achieved the highest platinum level in EcoVadis’ sustainability rating across all three of its manufacturing regions – Europe, North America, and South Africa.

    In line with Sappi’s business strategy, the organisation has consistently focused on its priority SDGs and collaborated with all its stakeholders to deliver measurable and tangible progress.

    Sappi, a leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources, has again achieved Platinum, the highest rating in EcoVadis’ sustainability assessment across all three of its manufacturing regions – Europe, North America, and South Africa. Sappi continues to be among the top 1% of the companies worldwide rated by EcoVadis in the manufacture of pulp, paper and paperboard category. In 2018-2019, Sappi received EcoVadis gold medal, which was the highest level until the Platinum category was introduced in 2020.

    Sappi’s global business strategy focuses on growing its business, enhancing trust, and driving collaboration and innovation as a sustainable, diversified global woodfibre group.

    “At Sappi, we recognise that sustainability is about investing in people-centric, positive change. We are immensely grateful for the ongoing collaboration with EcoVadis, and we look forward to continuing this strategic approach, regionally and globally, thereby innovating our sustainability efforts in areas where we can have the greatest impact.” says Tracy Wessels, Group Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability, Sappi.

    Understanding that EcoVadis can help Sappi’s suppliers on their own sustainability journey, Sappi partnered with EcoVadis since 2021 to benchmark and assess the sustainability practices of its suppliers. This strengthened Sappi’s ability to identify risks, assess social and environmental performance, and encourage commitment to sustainable choices across the value chain. It also aligns with Sappi’s commitment to create shared value, especially in the communities where it operates.  

  • Optimized LC pulping system for recycled paper: Voith’s BluePulp LC enables significant resource savings

    Optimized LC pulping system for recycled paper: Voith’s BluePulp LC enables significant resource savings

    Voith, a leading full-line supplier in the paper industry, presents its optimized LC (low-consistency) pulping system for recycled paper. The previous TwinPulp system has undergone extensive further development, with the focus on improving efficiency and reducing costs. Following the optimization of the IntensaPump after the IntensaPulper IP-R, the IntensaMaXX and the IntensaScreenDrum, the revisions of all main components have been successfully completed. The high-performance OCC dissolution system, which meets the latest technological standards, is now available under the name BluePulp LC.

    “We are proud that we have been able to further develop our TwinPulp pulping system into the BluePulp LC, a product of the proven BlueLine product family,” says Wolfgang Müller, Global Product Manager Pulping. “It now combines all the key economic and technological advantages that our BlueLine portfolio stands for: reduced fiber loss; low energy consumption; simple, safe operation; increased runability; and a robust, low-maintenance machine design.”

    Every component of BluePulp LC contributes to more efficient and reliable resolution. Compared to conventional LC pulpers, energy consumption can be reduced by up to 25 percent with the eccentric IntensaPulper IP-R. The improved IntensaPump conveys the highly contaminated stock flow from the IntensaPulper IP-R to the IntensaMaXX disposal machine largely free of blockages, enabling energy savings of up to 30 percent and reducing wear at the same time. IntensaMaXX allows for maximum contaminant contents, while the special shape of the housing suppresses the formation of spinnings. The IntensaScreenDrum screening drum washes out rejects very efficiently, thanks to sophisticated spray pipes, and minimizes fiber losses.

    BluePulp LC can be integrated into existing stock preparation systems as well as newly configured systems. The response is impressive. For Bulleh Shah Packaging, the installation of BluePulp LC has been a valuable step.

    “The Voith pulper is outclass. We get very convincing results. It delivers uniform mixing and separates reliably,” reports Mohammad Asghar, Manager OCC Stock prep area PM 6 and PM 7 at Bulleh Shah Packaging. “After installing the IntensaPump and its back flushing sequence, we are running free of blockage issues and are 100 percent satisfied with the performance.” The IntensaScreenDrum also receives special recognition: “I have never seen such a high-performance screen in my career. It completely removes plastics and supports us in reaching maximum yield after pulper slushing.”

  • New IntensaPump from Voith reduces maintenance costs and energy demand in stock preparation

    New IntensaPump from Voith reduces maintenance costs and energy demand in stock preparation

    Contaminant-loaden stock flows in pulping systems for recovered paper can only be conveyed reliably and largely blockage-free with a special pump. Whether in the LC or HC system, the new IntensaPump reliably pumps critical contaminants to the next machine in both systems.

    “Compared to its predecessor, the Contaminex CM, the IntensaPump combines a wide range of benefits for our customers, such as higher throughput with reduced energy requirements, lower maintenance requirements and improved runability. These advantages make the IntensaPump a new addition to our comprehensive BlueLine portfolio and the Intensa family,” says Wolfgang Müller, Global Product Manager Pulping.

    Voith’s BlueLine portfolio includes modern machines and products for stock preparation that are characterized by efficient energy and other raw material consumption as well as gentle fiber treatment.

    Technical advancements enable customer benefits Large debris can easily pass through the pump housing, as the large nozzle and housing space, as well as the recessed vortex impeller, prevent the IntensaPump from clogging. A frequency converter enables optimized pump speed with reduced energy consumption for discontinuous pump operation. During pumping pauses, when no medium is being pumped,sediment and wear-promoting parts are deposited in the horizontal nozzle and prevent further circulation in the pump housing.

    High satisfaction with the IntensaPump

    “By installing the IntensaPump on our OCC 3, we had far fewer blockages in the pump and were able to save a lot of time and maintenance work. At the same time, we need less energy during operation, which has a positive impact on our CO2 emissions and costs,” says Osman Özkeser, Project Manager of the OCC 3 rebuild at Modern Karton.

    In combination with the IntensaPulper, IntensaMaXX and IntensaScreenDrum, the IntensaPump is part of Voith’s BluePulp LC system, which is likewise designed for the lowest fiber consumption, lowest maintenance costs, reduced energy consumption and best runability.

  • Toscotec awarded ISO 50001 certification for efficient energy management

    Toscotec awarded ISO 50001 certification for efficient energy management

    Toscotec has been certified to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 50001:2018 energy management system. The certification was issued by Certiquality, an independent third-party assurance body validated by Italy’s national accreditation body Accredia. 

    With a view to upgrading its energy performance, Toscotec has adopted a systematic approach by developing and implementing a standardised, process-based energy management structure, which is based on a model of constant improvement that the company also uses for other standards such as ISO 14001:2015. This facilitates the integration of this newly-established energy management system into Toscotec’s efforts to improve its overall environmental management. In fact, the ISO 50001 certification has been harmonized with Toscotec’s long-standing ISO 14001 and EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) environmental certifications.

    Andrea Marzaro, Operations Director (COO) at Toscotec, says, “Toscotec’s corporate sustainability strategy encompasses the achievement and long-term maintenance of key ISO certifications. Together with our Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) and Sustainability teams, we progressively increase our efforts towards more sustainable operations, as well as the continuous improvement of the company’s occupational health and safety system put in place with our ISO 45001 certification.”

    Along with the development of more sustainable operations, Toscotec has also focused on leading the industry in the decarbonization of the paper industry by designing and manufacturing both carbon-free and energy-efficient technological solutions such as 100% hydrogen or electric hood air heating systems, and induction steel Yankee dryer.

    About Toscotec

    Founded in 1948, Toscotec specializes in the design and manufacture of turnkey projects, complete machines, rebuilds and stand-alone systems for the tissue and paper and board industries. Headquartered in Lucca, Italy, with subsidiaries and service centers in China and North America, Toscotec offers cutting-edge technology and customized solutions to paper producers around the world. Decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and quality are the basis for all its research and development, design, and manufacturing. From 30th April 2020, Toscotec is part of the Voith Group.

  • ANDRITZ to supply two tissue machines to C&S Paper, China

    ANDRITZ to supply two tissue machines to C&S Paper, China

    International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from C&S Paper to supply two PrimeLineCOMPACT tissue machines for its mill in Suqian City, Jiangsu Province, China.

    The machines will produce tissue for household paper, napkins, handkerchiefs, facial tissues, and toilet paper at a maximum capacity of 94 t/d each. They have a design speed of 1,650 m/min and a width of 3.5m.

    Mr. Lin Tiande, Vice President, C&S Paper, says: “Increasing consumer health awareness and improved living standards are driving the demand for superior tissue qualities. We have been looking for the best available technologies that enable high-quality and sustainable tissue production, and we are convinced that ANDRITZ is the right partner for us.”

    Both machines will be equipped with suction pressure rolls with innovative roll covers and PrimeDry Steel Yankees for energy-efficient, high-quality production. The scope of supply also includes under-machine pulpers and flow and consistency transmitters for both lines, as well as PrimeControl automation systems for efficient control and monitoring of the entire production process.

    Mr. Shi Wei, Vice President Paper & Textile APAC at ANDRITZ adds: “Innovative and sustainable solutions have become the driving force in the tissue industry. With our PrimeLine technologies, we are able to help our customers achieve their goals of efficient, sustainable, and high-quality tissue production. We are proud that Asia’s leading paper producers like C&S trust in us.”

    C&S Paper Co., Ltd., is one of China’s largest household paper producers, with C&S and Sun as its two main brands.

    This order once again confirms ANDRITZ’s strong market position as one of the leading suppliers of machines and systems for the Chinese tissue industry, and ANDRITZ’s expertise specifically in high-quality and resource-saving components.

  • Discover Valmet MTC Wizard at Tissue Innovation Days 2024: the latest technology enhances Client benefits in Tissue Folding

    Discover Valmet MTC Wizard at Tissue Innovation Days 2024: the latest technology enhances Client benefits in Tissue Folding

    On the occasion of the 2024 Valmet Tissue Innovation Days, Valmet unveils Valmet MTC Wizard, its latest cutting-edge technological advancement for Multifold products.

    The webinar will take place on July 16th, 2024 in 2 sessions: the first one from 9:30 to 10:00 AM CEST and the second one from 3:30 to 4:00 PM CEST. The presentations will explore the features of this new technology, demonstrating how it redefines production performance and enhances clients’ competitive advantage.“The MTC Wizard elevates the production of multi-panel, Z and W fold, away-from-home products such as hand towels. It guarantees high-speed performance, through an innovative folding process, boosting production capacity and overall efficiency.” states Giovacchino Giurlani, the new Director of Technology for the Tissue Converting Business Unit, who will present the advanced features of this high-speed multifolder solution in the upcoming webinar.

    MTC Wizard: a game-changer for folded products in the away-from-home market

    Paper stress, and wrinkling are common challenges for tissue folding producers. Valmet responds, by presenting MTC Wizard, which effectively minimizes these issues through several technological advancements. Its innovative VAM fold (Vacuum Assisted Mechanical fold)system replaces traditional methods by gently pulling the paper into the clamp through vacuuming, eliminating the wear and tear usually caused by mechanical grippers and tuckers. This leads to reduced maintenance downtime, increased reliability, and performance for single-ply, low-bulk products.

    Additionally, the lack of contact between mechanical components minimizes wear, enabling for higher operating speeds of 600 meters per minute (mpm) for 3 and 4 panels and 16 cycles/min. This results in a daily production ofup to 55 tons, paving the way in the interfolded household towels market. High efficiency is also ensured by an innovative overlap system that provides several benefits: it eliminates speed differences between moving elements for precise overlap and allows controlled sheet positioning up to the folding rolls without stressing the paper.

    Additionally, the added value of this technology includes two of Valmet’s SAM (Self-Adjusting Machine) solutions, namely MTC Sam Vacuum and MTC Sam Cut. These solutions offer significant advantages to customers such as enhanced monitoring of the production process and waste reduction, ensuring seamless operation with minimal manual intervention.

    In depth, the MTC Sam Vacuum solution offers precise control over vacuum levels to maintain consistent product quality. It automatically adjusts to save energy and prevent interruptions. Real-time alerts from the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) ensure timely adjustments and proactive maintenance, further enhancing operational smoothness.

    The second technology, MTC Sam Cut enhances cutting precision to a new level, by automatically replacing the blades or adjusting cut settings timely increasing performance and preventing downtime. It optimizes blade durability and consistently ensures high-quality sheet after sheet. Its ease-of-use is outstanding and enables operators to focus on other tasks while receiving instant alerts through the HMI or letting automatic adjustments occur seamlessly.

    “Our primary goal in this project is to optimise the price per ton of multifold away-from-home products. Furthermore, the MTC Wizard’s design enables easy access, speeds up maintenance operations, and facilitates cleaning, ultimately increasing operator safety.” addsGiovacchino Giurlani. He concludes “This technology undoubtedly enhances return on investment for Clients by reducing production costs and increasing line production capacity by 30%.”

  • ABB awarded landmark modernization project for key Smurfit Kappa board mill in Mexico

    ABB awarded landmark modernization project for key Smurfit Kappa board mill in Mexico

    • ABB secures major contract to modernize one of Smurfit Kappa’s largest board machines in Mexico
    • Modernization at Cerro Gordo Mill to the north of Mexico City ushers in a new era of enhanced performance and efficiency
    • ABB selected to provide control system technology, drives and motors in tandem with ongoing expert service

    ABB has secured a landmark contract to modernize Smurfit Kappa’s Paper Machine 5 (PM5) at its Cerro Gordo corrugated cardboard mill near Mexico City. ABB will provide Smurfit Kappa with its ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system (DCS), accompanied by a comprehensive paper machine drives system, encompassing some of the market’s most advanced drives and motors meticulously designed to optimize PM5’s performance.

    Smurfit Kappa is one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging globally, with operations spanning across 35 countries. It has operated in Mexico since 1957 and has been increasing production capacity in the country recently, investing over USD350 million since 2018.

    The project marks the first collaboration between the two parties in this region and signals a new era of operational efficiency for one of the packaging producer’s busiest machines in Mexico. The modernization is expected to transform PM5 into a highly efficient and productive machine, capable of meeting the demands placed on it. Upon completion of the project, Smurfit Kappa is expected to realize a significant increase in production efficiency and output.

    Smurfit Kappa sought a partner with unparalleled expertise to spearhead this critical modernization project. Smurfit Kappa required speed and tension controls to operate at optimum levels, while keeping downtime to a minimum. ABB, with its proven track record in the Latin American pulp and paper industry and deep understanding of paper machine processes, emerged as the ideal choice.

    The ABB technology embedded in the drives, complemented by the control system, will help secure optimum speed and torque control of the paper machine’s sectional drives for years to come. This is achieved through a combination of factors such as a Direct Torque Control algorithm, which ensures precise control and allows for consistent quality and minimized waste over a long period of time. ABB guarantees a system uptime of 98.5 percent during a three-month period following the machine’s startup in 2025. This translates to a maximum downtime of only 33 hours within that timeframe.

    “We are impressed by ABB’s deep understanding of the industry and their commitment to exceeding expectations,” said Mario Olvera, Engineering and Project Director, Smurfit Kappa Mexico. “We are confident that their expertise will be instrumental in maximizing the performance and efficiency of PM5. This project represents a significant step forward for Smurfit Kappa in Mexico, and we look forward to a successful collaboration with ABB.”

    “Partnering with Smurfit Kappa on this momentous project will help ensure optimal equipment design, control performance, and seamless commissioning,” said Diego Navas, Regional Sales Manager, ABB Pulp and Paper, North America. “A dedicated team of ABB specialists will work alongside our customer on the machine to deliver significant benefits, including increased production, improved efficiency, and reduced operational costs.”

    The project’s scope extends beyond simply supplying equipment. ABB will leverage its extensive experience to provide comprehensive engineering and commissioning services, ensuring a smooth transition to the upgraded PM5. Backed by its ABB Ability™ System 800xA® and Remote Access Platform, ABB can provide customer support from anywhere in the world at any time. The safety functions and process panels installed alongside the machine will allow collaborative, easy and safe operation of the machine.

    ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps customers in process, hybrid and maritime industries improve performance and safety of operations, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.