Category: New Launch

• Mondi introduces ProVantage SmartKraft Brown and White, an innovative blend of fresh and recycled fibres, setting new standards in sustainability and performance.
• These two containerboard grades offer exceptional strength, enhanced runnability, and the necessary printability to cater to diverse packaging needs while championing environmental responsibility.

Amidst the daily whirlwind of business, achieving balance can be truly gratifying. Mondi’s Containerboard team is today launching a campaign to help customers achieve just that. Introducing ProVantage SmartKraft Brown and White — offering a harmonious packaging solution that brings peace of mind. No more compromises; these two containerboard paper grades strike the ideal balance between sustainability, strength, and printability, providing the tranquillity needed in packaging decisions.

The papers are made of 100% fresh fibre on the top and 100% recycled fibre underneath (two ply solution), making them the perfect blend of sustainability, strength, cost efficiency and printability. Like all Mondi Containerboard papers, they are 100% recyclable and made from 100% responsibly sourced raw materials.

ProVantage SmartKraft grades combine fresh and recycled fibres and are available in both brown and white variations, aiming to minimise environmental impact while maintaining high standards of quality and strength. These containerboard paper grades are ideally suited to the needs of e-commerce, retail and fast-moving consumer goods packaging, by using responsibly sourced raw materials.

The timing of the campaign could not be better as we are currently executing a €95 million upgrade of Mondi Świecie’s containerboard mill in Poland, to serve customers even more efficiently with shortened lead times and further grammage options. Our customers need high performance, sustainable paper and packaging solutions and we can offer this with our extended  range of ProVantage containerboard papers – Gijs Huisman, Mondi Sales Director Containerboard.

Portuguese tissue manufacturer Fortissue is partnering with Toscotec for a groundbreaking project on PM1 at its facility in Viana do Castelo, Northern Portugal.

The Toscotec-supplied AHEAD line started up in 2015 (PM1) will be upgraded by Toscotec to become the first tissue machine in the world to operate at 2,000 m/min entirely on electricity. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.

Groundbreaking zero-carbon design 

Equipped with Toscotec’s TT NextPress shoe press, this high-performance machine will be fully upgraded after nine years of efficient operations to meet the goal of making tissue production more sustainable. Toscotec will install a fully electrical air system including e-powered TT Hood with multiple stages of heat recovery. TT Swing will ensure maximum flexibility by giving the choice of the operation modes from full cascading to hybrid depending on the specific production needs. TT Turbodryer will harness the heat recovered from the air system to improve the shoe press de-watering effect and increase post-press dryness. Finally, the new e-powered TT SteamBooster will generate 100% of the steam necessary for the TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer by recovering the heat present in the hoods exhaust air together with high-efficiency electric steam generation.

Carbon emission reductions and high flexibility

The energy needed for PM1’s operation will be generated 100% from electricity. The mill will have the flexibility of choosing to get power from the Portuguese grid or by using 100% renewable energy coming from its solar and wind plants. The corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions will amount to minus 20% in case the tissue line operates from the grid, and net zero GHG emissions if it runs on renewable energy both for its electric and thermal requirements.

Nuno Ribeiro, Owner of Fortissue, says: “At Fortissue we are proud to be spearheading the energy transition of the tissue industry. This groundbreaking project will pave the way for a new generation of production lines with top performances that also meet the sustainability requirements put forth by tissue consumers in the European market and beyond”.

Gabriele Romanini, Toscotec’s Sales Manager, says: “Toscotec’s partnership with Fortissue has come a long way in the past 10 years and we are delighted that they selected us for this pioneering project. PM1 was state-of-art when it came online, and we are now working to take it to a whole new level to become the first high-performance tissue line in the world to run on green electricity”.

About Fortissue

Established in 2015 in Alvarães, Northern Portugal, Fortissue is a tissue producer with an annual production capacity of approximately 35,000 tons of paper. It is part of the Ghost Group, which includes three companies: Suavecel, Nunex Worldwide and Fortissue. With over 20 years of experience in the personal hygiene market, the Ghost Group employs more than 300 staff and focuses its investments on the best available technology worldwide, in order to deliver high quality products, while optimizing energy and water consumption and guaranteeing zero waste of raw materials. 

Valmet is introducing new low-friction doctor blades to respond to customers’ energy savings and decreased doctor blade usage sustainability requirements. The new low-friction doctor blades are suitable for dryer sections in all paper and board machines regardless of the original equipment manufacturer. 

“We are always striving to help our customers diminish their environmental impact with our products. As their name suggests, the new low-friction doctor blades have a low coefficient of friction, leading to significant energy savings at the dryer section. The new blades also contribute to cleaner dryer cylinders and, thanks to increased blade lifetime, to less doctor blade usage,” says Pasi Viitasalo, Global Technology Manager for paper process parts at Valmet. 

The new doctor blades are made of epoxy resin with glass and/or carbon glass fiber reinforcements. Special attention in research and development was paid to functional fillers for low friction. 

Valmet has conducted a series of successful customer trials with the new blades. “Based on the data given to us by a European customer, the new doctor blades decreased the absolute electric consumption of dryer section electric motors by more than 26%. This results in annual energy savings that are as much as 950 MWh at that mill. When it comes to CO₂ emissions, the reduction is 190 ton per year,” says Viitasalo.

Valmet’s doctoring offering includes a complete portfolio of doctor blades, holders and other accessories.  

Valmet is taking process automation further by introducing the next-generation distributed control system (DCS), the Valmet DNAe.

The fully web-based process control system comes with a new cybersecure system architecture, control software and hardware, engineering and analytics tools, helping customers improve efficiency, productivity, sustainability and safety of their operations.

“The new Valmet DNAe represents a major milestone in process automation. It provides a solid platform for moving towards more digitalized, autonomous operations, helping our customers thrive in the changing business environment. In the development of this new system, we have focused on usability and performance, with a modular approach that enables upgrade paths also from our previous system generations,” says Emilia Torttila-Miettinen, President, Automation Systems business line at Valmet.

The launch is a major step in the company’s roadmap for growing its automation business further and in bringing unrivalled future-proof automation solutions to a wide base of process industries globally. With this new system, the company will have an excellent opportunity to continue expanding the footprint of its automation systems business worldwide.

Designed to support the work of all process automation user groups

Valmet DNAe is developed with a design philosophy to empower people to perform and collaborate better across the organization. The system provides a common user interface for controls, analytics, configuration, and maintenance. Intuitive workflows simplify operations and enable users to manage larger process areas with less effort. Advanced analytics tools enable turning real-time and historical data into actionable insights. Additionally, the new web-based configuration environment provides a unified environment for all engineering needs from office to field, enhancing flexibility in configuration and maintenance tasks. These features are designed to increase the operational efficiency of our customers.

A high-performing DCS advancing digitalization and autonomous operations

Valmet DNAe has been engineered for demanding process control, emphasizing performance and availability. The system empowers users to seamlessly run industrial applications on-premise, at the edge server, or in the cloud. It features a scalable redundant data platform, granting easy and controlled access to all data. The system architecture is cybersecure by design, with role-based access control, authentication, audit trail and encryption mechanisms for proactive prevention of cyber threats. With smooth OT/IT (Operational technology / Information technology) connectivity through secure communication interfaces with external systems, Valmet DNAe establishes a robust base for advancing digitalization and autonomous operations.

Step-by-step upgrade paths for cost-efficient system evolution

In alignment with Valmet’s lifetime systems compatibility promise, a leading principle in Valmet DNAe’s development has been to make it easy for Valmet’s existing process automation customers to benefit from the latest technology.

The new Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System shares its web-based user interface, analytics tools, and common hardware with the previous generation of Valmet DNA. Additionally, Valmet also introduces a new modular controller and a single-channel I/O as new hardware options for Valmet DNAe.

“The lifecycle approach enables flexible step-by-step upgrade paths for a sustainable and cost-efficient system evolution. We have already delivered over 200 new generation user interface upgrade projects to various industries. The first full Valmet DNAe systems have also been successfully delivered to customers. An important part of Valmet’s strategy is to cover a wide base of global process industries in the automation business, and with this new system, we will have an excellent opportunity to continue expanding the footprint of our DCS business globally,” says Torttila-Miettinen.

About Valmet’s Automation Systems

Valmet has been at the forefront of developing digital solutions for its customers since the 1960s and was one of the pioneers launching its first distributed control system (DCS) already in 1978. Today, Valmet’s advanced automation systems operate e.g., pulp, tissue, board and paper production mills, power plants, process industry facilities as well as cruise and cargo ships around the world.   

Valmet is also driving development towards more autonomous mills and plants and has recently launched e.g. a mill-wide optimization solution for pulp and paper, an important step towards more autonomous operations in demanding process industries.

Kemira and PA Consulting collaborate to develop new renewable barrier coatings for sustainable food packaging

Kemira and PA Consulting have formed a strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating the development of a new renewable coating technology, supporting transformation into more sustainable food packaging. This builds upon the recent announcement of a new contract manufacturing facility by Kemira and IFF under their exclusive partnership, which will be able to supply entry-level industrial scale volumes for Kemira’s strategic markets.

The collaboration with PA focuses on bringing an innovative polysaccharide-based renewable barrier coating material to market by leveraging its inherently strong sustainability profile, including recyclability and compostability, combined with excellent barrier properties for sustainable flexible food packaging applications. The new technology is based on IFF’s Designed Enzymatic Biomaterial™ (“DEB”) production platform, a cutting-edge biotechnology process that enables the production of new renewable polymers with enzymatic polymerization.

Consumers and regulators are demanding a step change in sustainable packaging and the reduction of plastic waste. With the help of chemistry, fiber-based flexible packaging can offer renewable and recyclable packaging solutions in demanding end-use applications. This innovative new coating material will offer a major step forward in pursuit of this goal and will have the flexibility to adapt to existing value chain infrastructure.

“We are excited to partner with PA Consulting to further leverage the potential of this new, renewable polymer technology. Collaborating on this strategic initiative underscores our shared vision to lead the industry towards a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future.” said Sampo Lahtinen,Senior Vice President Growth Accelerator, Kemira Oyj

David Russell, technology and innovation expert at PA Consulting, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Kemira to help unlock this new business growth area. PA brings expert capabilities in commercialising material science technology and market strategy, and we look forward to working with Kemira on the development of innovative barrier coating technology for sustainable packaging.”

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, announces the launch of the latest innovation in their Cartaseal^® portfolio, Cartaseal^® OGB F10.

Cartaseal^® OGB F10 is a superior water-based oil and grease resistant barrier coating that enables papermakers to provide high-quality and sustainable packaging by replacing fluoro based substances and polyethylene with a recyclable and repulpable coating. It is FDA and BfR compliant, making it suitable for the manufacturing of paper and board for food and non-food contact.

Key features and benefits of Cartaseal^® OGB F10 include:

• Superior oil and grease barrier: Offers unparalleled protection against oil and grease, ensuring the integrity and freshness of packaged goods. Its advanced formulation guarantees maximum resistance, providing peace of mind for both manufacturers and consumers.
• Exceptional resistance even when folding: Provides superior oil and grease resistance (OGR) for folding box board and flexible paper packaging application, without compromising on performance.
• Recyclable and repulpable: Facilitates easy recycling and repulping processes, contributing to a more sustainable packaging lifecycle. In addition, as it contains bio-based raw materials, Cartaseal^® OGB F10 supports brands and papermakers in their journey towards sustainability by minimizing reliance on oil-based substances.

“We are excited to introduce Cartaseal^® OGB F10 to the market, our latest barrier solution that addresses key challenges in the packaging industry while upholding our commitment to sustainability,” said Sameer Singla, CEO PP&C at Archroma. “With its unmatched oil and grease resistance, exceptional foldability, and sustainability features, Cartaseal^® OGB F10 represents a significant advancement in packaging technology, empowering businesses to meet evolving consumer demands while reducing their environmental footprint.”

Cartaseal^® OGB F10 sets a new standard for packaging excellence, offering a comprehensive solution that prioritizes functionality, sustainability, and performance.

Archroma remains committed to driving innovation and sustainability across the value chain, empowering businesses to embrace greener practices and meet evolving consumer demands.

For carrying the trend with style and responsibility. 

In their commitment to providing innovative, more sustainable solutions for the flexible packaging market, Lecta has developed a comprehensive, versatile range for carrier bag applications.

KraFit Bag: ​is the new, brown option for the bags. It is a kraft paper made of 100% unbleached eucalyptus fiber with good resistance properties, designed for shopping and supermarket bags, e-commerce and other flexible packaging applications.

Coral Bag: uncoated white paper, with high printability and mechanical resistance properties, aimed to be used in carrier bags and flexible packaging applications that demand higher printing quality such as sepiolite sacks, etc.

Creaset Bag: one-side coated white paper, with high physical resistance to breakage and tearing, aimed to be used in bags and flexible packaging applications. It is a paper solution that allows the printed design on the surface to stand out due to its gloss effect.

Lecta’s functional, resistant papers for bags are designed to adapt to any style and printing need, showcasing your brand’s boundless and authentic creativity.

The entire KraFit, Coral and Creaset ranges are manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, in compliance with ISO 14001 and EMAS environmental management, ISO 50001 energy efficiency, ISO 9001 quality and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety standards. They are also available upon request with PEFC or FSC® C011032 Chain of Custody forestry certifications.

By choosing Lecta’s biodegradable, natural and fully committed to sustainability materials for carrier bags, brands not only stay on top of the latest trends, but make a positive contribution to a cleaner, more conscious future. Carry the trend with style and responsibility!

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging, has built the world’s first skateboard half pipe from containerboard, showcasing the strength and durability of their materials while engaging the younger generation in eco-friendly values.

This innovative project highlights the vast potential for creative and sustainable packaging solutions, inspiring a new generation of talent in the packaging and paper industry.

In a remarkable feat of engineering and design, Mondi, the renowned packaging and paper company, has unveiled an innovative project that pushes the boundaries of sustainable packaging. On February 13, 2024, Mondi introduced the world’s first skateboard half pipe, constructed entirely from containerboard, a material commonly used in corrugated packaging.

This pioneering initiative, developed in partnership with Olympian skateboarder Julia Brückler, aims to showcase the remarkable strength and durability of Mondi’s containerboard materials. By constructing a functional skateboard half pipe, Mondi demonstrates the vast potential for creative and eco-friendly packaging solutions that minimize environmental impact.

A Collaborative Effort to Drive Sustainability

The collaboration between Mondi and Julia Brückler serves a dual purpose. Not only does it highlight the capabilities of Mondi’s containerboard materials, but it also seeks to engage the younger generation in the values of paper packaging and the meticulous processes involved in perfecting paper grades.

Strength and Durability: The Hallmarks of Mondi’s Containerboard

The skateboard half pipe, standing at an impressive height, is a testament to the strength and durability of Mondi’s containerboard materials. These properties are crucial in the world of packaging, where protecting goods during transport is paramount.

Constructing the half pipe from containerboard required extensive research and development, as the material needed to withstand the weight and stress of skateboarding. Mondi’s team of engineers and designers worked tirelessly to develop a paper grade that could meet these demands.

“The half pipe project presented a unique challenge, as it required us to rethink the traditional uses of our containerboard materials,” said Kurt self, Mondi’s Head of Innovation and Development. “We’re incredibly proud of the final result and believe it serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved with sustainable packaging.”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Talent

Mondi’s skateboard half pipe project is more than just a demonstration of its containerboard materials’ capabilities. It’s also an opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation of talent in the packaging and paper industry.

“By showcasing the potential of sustainable packaging, we hope to attract young, innovative minds to our industry,” said self. “We believe that the future of packaging lies in eco-friendly solutions, and we’re committed to investing in the talent that will make this vision a reality.”

As the world continues to grapple with the environmental challenges posed by traditional packaging materials, Mondi’s skateboard half pipe project serves as a beacon of hope. By demonstrating the strength, durability, and versatility of its containerboard materials, Mondi is not only redefining the possibilities of sustainable packaging but also inspiring a new generation of talent to join the movement towards a greener future.

In a world where the need for eco-friendly solutions has never been more pressing, Mondi’s skateboard half pipe stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when innovation and sustainability come together.

Key Takeaways:

• Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has built the world’s first skateboard half pipe from containerboard.
• The project aims to showcase the strength and durability of Mondi’s containerboard materials and engage the younger generation in the values of paper packaging.
• The skateboard half pipe demonstrates the vast potential for creative and eco-friendly packaging solutions that minimize environmental impact.

• Mondi’s initiative serves as an inspiration for the next generation of talent in the packaging and paper industry, highlighting the importance of sustainable solutions in addressing environmental challenges.

New paper-based solution replaces previous plastic box

Smurfit Kappa has created a sustainable packaging solution to transport bees for Biobest, a world leader in biological crop protection and pollination.