The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) has announced that its bursary and research programme is now open for applications for the 2023/2024 intake. The programme, which offers R320 000 per student over two years, provides a limited number of eligible Bachelor of Science (Chemical Engineering) final year students and graduates with the opportunity to study towards a Master of Chemical Engineering degree.

The development of industry-focused research and innovation is core to PAMSA’s mandate, to help improve pulp and paper mill efficiency, reduce the sector’s water and carbon footprint, and maximise the use of raw material and process waste, while also providing education and employment opportunities for bright, young graduates.

“Trees are sustainably planted, grown and harvested in South Africa and they provide us with countless products that we use every day, from notebooks and newspaper to toilet paper and paper bags,” says Samantha Choles, communications manager for PAMSA. “The goal of a circular economy is pushing our industry to use as much as of its raw material as possible. This includes wood fibre, water, chemicals, recycled paper and making process waste into biochemicals or biofuels.”

Visit www.thepaperstory.co.za/apply for more information on the programme and the link to the application form.

Terms, conditions and qualifying criteria apply. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2021.

PAMSA oversees the education, environmental and research interests of the South African pulp and paper sector. For the past decade, PAMSA has presented a Masters in Chemical Engineering bursary programme to eligible BSc chemical engineering final-year students or graduates with a good academic record and an interest in the bioeconomy, biotechnology, water efficiency, process engineering, waste valorisation and novel material development using wood or paper fibre. After their studies are complete, the students could find gainful employment within the industry.

www.thepaperstory.co.za/apply

The demand for fibre-based packaging is growing rapidly. To answer to this demand Walki has invested in a state-of-the-art printing machine in Pietarsaari, that provides high-quality prints for fibre-based packaging solutions.

Walki has made a significant investment in its Pietarsaari plant by purchasing a 10-colour flexographic printing press. The new 10-colour flexographic printing press enables better and more accurate printing, which is important particularly in the highly competitive food industry.

“The need for sustainable packaging is growing in the food industry. In addition to sustainability criteria, customers are also expecting high-quality, photographic printing and reproducibility,” says Petteri Pihajoki, Production Manager at the Pietarsaari plant.

Consumer brands are increasingly reducing the use of plastic and are hence looking for solutions that do not compromise food safety while still being fit for recycling in fibre streams. Walki's fibre-based packages with high-quality printing are also suitable for the demanding frozen food segment, where the package needs to be puncture resistant and be able to withstand large varieties in temperature.

The printing machine is also suitable for heat-sealable solutions for non-food items and e-commerce packages. The printing width of the Allstein press is 1600 millimetres, which is sufficient for large packages, like corrugated cardboard packaging.

“We want to offer environmentally friendly alternatives that minimize waste in line with our mission to accelerate the world towards a zero-waste future,” Pihajoki says.

The printing technology is efficient in energy as well as in the use of colours and water.

At Walki, we believe in a sustainable and circular tomorrow. Our mission is to accelerate the world’s transition into a zero waste future in packaging and promote the use of energy efficient materials across industries. Walki’s product solutions are designed to bring value to customers in many different markets; from sustainable materials for packaging applications to energy saving performance materials. Walki is a growing international group organized in three business areas: Consumer Packaging, Industrial Packaging and Engineered Materials, with operations in twelve different countries, both in Europe and Asia. In 2021, the Group’s annual turnover was approx. 500 million euros employing around 1400 people.

walki.com

Sulzer has to temporarily suspend the activities of its two legal entities in Poland due to sanctions levied by the Polish government. The Polish sanctions apply to Sulzer’s minority shareholder, Viktor Vekselberg, and have been expanded over Sulzer’s two Polish entities, even though Mr. Vekselberg has no control or ownership of any Sulzer entity and is deprived of all his economic rights at Sulzer. The company is not sanctioned in any other country or legal entity and is consequently able to continue to develop its business globally. The potential impact on sales, if the suspension were to last, is limited to CHF 21m, representing 0.6% of Sulzer's total sales in 2021.

It is Sulzer’s firm belief that the sanctions against its two entities in Poland are erroneous. Sulzer therefore continues to petition for urgent removal of its entities Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Poland and Sulzer Turbo Services Poland from the Polish sanctions list. Interactions with the Polish government are ongoing, with the support of representatives of the Swiss government administration.

Based on an OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) license granted in 2018, Sulzer is free to operate globally, independent of its sanctioned minority shareholder.

Sulzer has a total of 192 employees in Poland, all of whom are unfortunately affected by the Polish sanctions. We deeply regret this devastating situation, and the wide-ranging effects that the suspension is having on our employees and their families, as well as on the network of trusted customers, suppliers and partners that we have built up over many years of business in Poland.

Sulzer will continue to do everything in its power to petition for a removal from the sanctions list, while fully complying with the sanctions currently levied against the two entities. Sulzer Group continues to provide support to the families impacted by the local Polish sanctions.

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering. We specialize in pumping, agitation, mixing, separation and purification technologies for fluids of all types. Our customers benefit from our commitment to innovation, performance and quality and from our responsive network of 180 world-class manufacturing facilities and service centers across the globe. Sulzer has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since 1834. In 2021, our 13’800 employees delivered revenues of CHF 3.2 billion. Our shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SUN). www.sulzer.com

Stora Enso has divested its three corrugated packaging plants in Russia. The Company’s Lukhovitsy, Arzamas and Balabanovo packaging plants have been divested to local management.

Stora Enso’s assessment is that due to the uncertainties in the Russian market, local ownership and operation will provide a more sustainable long-term solution for these businesses and their respective employees.

The transaction will have no material impact on Stora Enso’s annual sales and Operational EBIT. Due to reduced business prospects for these businesses, an impairment loss of EUR 35 million was recorded in the first quarter result. The additional loss on the transaction under IFRS will be approximately EUR 55 million, consisting mainly of currency translation adjustments to be recorded at the closing date. The expenses are considered as items affecting comparability.

The divested sites are located in Lukhovitsy, Arzamas and Balabanovo employing approximately 620 people and have a total annual capacity of 395 million m² of corrugated packaging. The sites primarily produce corrugated packaging for grocery, home improvement, confectionery and pet food segments in the domestic Russian market.

Stora Enso announced on 2 March 2022 that it would stop all production and sales in Russia until further notice. On 25 April, Stora Enso announced the divestment of its two sawmills and forest operations in Russia to local management.

Part of the global bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, wooden construction and paper, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. Stora Enso has approximately 22,000 employees and our sales in 2021 were EUR 10.2 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm AB (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA as ADRs (SEOAY). storaenso.com

Unique cartridge design provides high reliability, small footprint, and easy serviceability

NETZSCH Pumps North America, LLC, experts in solutions designed specifically for complex fluid handling pumping applications, announces the new NETZSCH NOTOS® 3NS multiple screw pump, the next generation in Lease Automatic Custody Transfer (LACT) pipeline booster pump technology. The efficient operation, low noise, small footprint, high reliability, and easy serviceability of this technology makes it ideal for pipeline booster pump service, whether in a LACT building for cold weather duty or sustaining the summer heat of the hot climate areas.

The NOTOS® 3NS stretches the boundaries with increased flow and pressure capability with greater reliability. The cartridge design makes servicing in the field an efficient, time saving operation. With the compact design and ability to cover 6,000 bpd and 750 psi, the NOTOS® 3NS provides flexibility unrivaled by other manufacturers.

Due to the optimization by means of the High Efficiency Unique Design (HEUD) concept, three screw pumps provides constant flow at any pressure in the pipeline. The state-of-the-art technology, precise tolerances and optimized screw profile guarantees that the noise level of the pump is lower than the motor.

In addition to a drive screw that transmits torque via a thin hydrodynamic film, 3NS three screw pumps have two rotating, intermeshing driven screws. The design of the 3NS meets the oil standards including the American Petroleum Institute (API) standards with minimal changes.

These pumps are versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications because they can be made from a wide range of materials and support different viscosities and temperatures. They are available in carbon steel and other alloys. The HEUD design, state-of-the-art manufacturing, an exclusive patented design and cartridge assembly ensure low maintenance and low life cycle costs.

About NETZSCH Pumps & Systems

NETZSCH Pumps & Systems has served markets worldwide for more than 60 years, providing customized, sophisticated solutions for applications in every industry type. Experts in solutions designed specifically for difficult pumping applications, NETZSCH supplies NEMO® progressing cavity pumps, TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps, and NOTOS® multi screw pumps, new PERIPRO™ peristaltic pumps as well as N.Mac® twin shaft grinders, macerators, barrel emptying units, metering technology and accessories. With a workforce of more than 2,200, NETZSCH Pumps & Systems is the largest business unit in the NETZSCH Group, with annual sales of more than 300 million Euros.

ABB has updated its KPM KC7 Microwave Consistency Transmitter portfolio with a larger flow-through sensor to fit process pipes with a diameter of up to 16”, giving more customers the choice to measure the total consistency of mixed pulps with a flow-through sensor. The technology leader has also launched a redesigned insertion type with a new dual-plate sensor.

• ABB adds redesigned dual-plate insertion model to its KPM KC7 Microwave Consistency Transmitter offering
• New larger flow-through microwave sensor options cater to mill installations that previously could only use insertion types 
• Update to portfolio provides most representative process pipe consistency measurement on the market

Both of the device options will be used in the stock preparation area of mills, which feeds the wet end of the paper machine. The enlarged flow-through model, extending from a previous maximum of 12”, expands ABB’s market reach to those with wider diameter pipes that previously could only use insertion types, but that can now consider both. The larger size, capturing the whole pipe diameter, means the most representative measurement on the market and provides precise, reliable measurements of total consistency regardless of flow rate for superior process control. 

For mills opting for the insertion style, the dual-plate design is the only one on the market with an optional temperature sensor that can be retracted for abrasive and unscreened processes, a feature also available with the flow-through model. The parallel antennas avoid microwave reflections in the pipe and generate a self-cleaning effect, removing the risk of obstructions and therefore increasing uptime and reducing maintenance costs compared to other devices.

Microwave measurement is becoming more popular due to its low calibration requirements, high accuracy, and ability to measure total consistency independent of process variables and fiber properties. Unlike optical and sheer force technologies, KPM KC7 is unaffected by both process changes, such as flow speed, pressure and turbulence, and variations in pulp species, fiber length and freeness.

“ABB individually verifies each sensor before implementation to ensure high accuracy, said Karin Hermansson, Product Line Manager at ABB. “With this update to fit larger pipes, reduce obstructions and ensure smooth temperature readings for even the most difficult processes, we can now meet the most diverse requirements in the complex world of papermaking.”

The expansion means that ABB’s KPM KC7 sensor portfolio is now equipped with an added pressure sensor – available as a spare part – to further improve diagnostics. With no moving parts or preventive maintenance requirements, the updated sensors - compatible with third-party couplings for simple upgrades and replacements - make for easy operation and maintenance to ensure a low total cost of ownership.

The application usage extends across paper, tissue, board and pulp producers, from recycled pulping to end of machine stock preparation, and can even be used for municipal and industrial wastewater. KPM KC7 is particularly good for users of recycled raw material and pulp and paper mill teams that prefer to measure and control total consistency with microwave technology.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our # 1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations. go.abb/processautomation

PulPaper 7-9 June consists of an exhibition, a conference, company visits and networking events. The week starts with excursions on Monday 6 June.

The program consists of the PulPaper Conference, the new Green Economy Business Summit and a wide range of presentations at the Future Square Stage. The startup competition presents the most interesting innovations during the event. The leading companies in the field will be presented at the event. See all PulPaper exhibitors here. 

This is a whole week full of programme not forgetting PulPaper Party on Wednesday evening 8 June.

The exhibition and the Future Square Stege program is free of charge. Registrate now! >>

Toscotec has successfully renewed its ISO 14001 certification and Eco-Management and Audit Scheme registration for environmental protection and is on track to obtain the ISO 45001 certification validating a significant improvement in occupational safety. Toscotec has been complying with these stringent environmental standards for 16 years, attesting to its consistent commitment to sustainability.

Besides pursuing sustainable operations, Toscotec is proud to advance the decarbonization of the paper industry by designing and manufacturing energy efficient technology and services that significantly reduce the energy demand of the paper making process and preserve natural resources such as water and fibres.   

Validated improvements in sustainability 
Toscotec is the only tissue machinery manufacturer in Italy to participate in the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) devised by the European Commission. EMAS constitutes a premium benchmark for environmental management, as it sets forth demanding guidelines that voluntarily registered organisations comply with to improve their green performance, credibility, and transparency. Toscotec’s environmental management system is also certified to ISO 14001 since 2005. 
In addition, Toscotec is strictly implementing an occupational safety management system, which includes key policies and objectives driving the improvement of health and safety at work in compliance with the ISO 45001 international standard. This set of actions demonstrates a complete, effective, and fully integrated HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) management system.

“Toscotec has confirmed an ever-growing commitment to corporate sustainability with notable improvements in energy efficiency and waste management capacity. To name a few examples, since 2011 at our headquarters facility, we have been abandoning halogen and fluorescent lamps for LED lights, a move that has reduced our electrical consumption from illumination by 40%.” says Andrea Marzaro, Toscotec’s Operations Director (COO). “For heating, we replaced fuel oil boilers with natural gas boilers equipped with state-of-the-art burners that have both cleared the issue of fuel oil disposal and increased our energy efficiency. In the space of green energy, we have made significant progress in energy self-generation at our main production site and have progressively replaced diesel-fuelled forklifts with new electric ones.” adds Andrea Marzaro.  

Toscotec has been generating electric power from solar energy for more than 10 years. Through four implementation phases, it stepped up its photovoltaic system by over 360 kWh, of which 260 KW/h are used for the internal demand of Toscotec’s manufacturing operations and 100 KW/h are sent back to the grid. Since 2011, by generating more than 3,500 MW/h of renewable energy, Toscotec’s photovoltaic solar plant has saved more than 1,800 tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. 

Natron-Hayat Pulp and Paper Mill in Maglaj, Bosnia-Herzegovina, has ordered a press technology upgrade from Valmet. The delivery includes two refurbished Twin Roll Presses and additional equipment and services to secure the trouble-free operation of the presses.

The order was included in Valmet's orders received of the first quarter 2022. The delivery will be completed in September 2022. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

One of Valmet’s TwinRoll Presses will be installed in the pulp mill to increase the efficiency of the washing plant stage. The other will replace three old existing presses. It will improve the dewatering capacity of the press section’s high consistency refining stage before the sack paper machine. This type of upgrade service improves process reliability and performance and is a good example of Valmet’s sustainable solutions and circularity.

“We are currently planning to increase our production capacity, and the press technology update supplied by Valmet will have a significant positive effect on the operational conditions of the Maglaj mill”, says Mirko Stanic, Executive Technical Director, Natron-Hayat Maglaj.

“We are very proud of the possibility to start working closer with Natron-Hayat. I believe this delivery will help us establish a long-lasting partnership with the customer to maximize the reliability and optimize the performance of the Maglaj Pulp and Paper Mill. In addition, it increases Valmet installed base and references in the fast-growing and strategically important packaging paper market”, says Balazs Hornyak, Mill Sales Manager, Valmet.

Technical information about the delivery

Valmet’s delivery will include two refurbished Twin Roll Presses with an electrical roll drive upgrade and additional equipment, such as a medium consistency pump and electric drives. It will also include supervision, erection, and start-up.

About the customer Natron-Hayat d.o.o.

Natron-Hayat d.o.o. Maglaj is located in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The mill’s main products are kraft paper, shopping bags, corrugated board and other packaging products. Natron-Hayat d.o.o. is a member of the international Hayat Holding Group.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. 

We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers. Our 17,000 professionals work close to our customers and are committed to improving our customers’ performance – every day. 

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. The combined company’s net sales in 2021 was approximately EUR 4.5 billion based on the respective company figures.  

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.     

Follow us on valmet.com

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals used in water-intensive industries, is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2022 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies and the achievements of their management teams.  

The 2022 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people and fostering a dynamic, resilient culture, as well as strong financials. This year’s designees continued to propel their businesses forward by prioritizing purpose, investing in their workforces and demonstrating their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

“It is an honor to receive this award in consecutive years. Our key focus continues to be the growth and delivery of sustainable solutions to our customers around the world.  Throughout Solenis, our leaders are dedicated to enhancing employee experiences, supporting customers in their sustainability journeys and creating value across all stakeholder groups. I am proud of our team for achieving these ambitious goals while completing a major acquisition and adjusting to new ownership,” said Philip M. Patterson Jr., Solenis senior vice president and chief financial officer. 

Applicants are evaluated and selected by a panel of external judges focused on assessing hallmarks of excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance. They join a global ecosystem of honorees from more than 40 countries recognized by the Best Managed Companies program. 

About the Best Managed Companies Program 
The Best Managed Companies program is a mark of excellence for private companies. U.S. designees have revenues of at least $250 million. Hundreds of private companies around the world have competed for this designation in their respective countries through a rigorous and independent process that evaluates four key criteria in their management skills and practices — strategy, execution, culture and governance/financials. U.S. program sponsors are Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. For more information, visit www.usbestmanagedcompanies.com.   

About Solenis  
Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, packaging paper and board, tissue and towel, oil and gas, petroleum refining, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power, municipal, and pool and spa markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids and functional additives, as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact and maintain healthy water. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 47 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over 6,000 professionals in 120 countries across five continents. Solenis is a 2022 US Best Managed Company.