International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Sappi Austria Produktions GmbH & Co KG to supply key components for a new broke handling system for its mill in Gratkorn, Austria.

Start-up is scheduled for the third quarter of 2023.

The new broke handling will be part of the production line PM9 producing high-quality wet strength paper, such as label paper in the future. ANDRITZ will deliver high-consistency (HC) pulping, high-density (HD) cleaning and deflaking for processing the special type of broke.

Specific trials on pulping and deflaking of wet-strength paper were conducted at the ANDRITZ stock preparation pilot plant in Graz, Austria in advance. The trials were carried out with comparable raw material from Sappi and confirmed the pulp properties and operating characteristics required by Sappi for the future.

hown on the right: ANDRITZ DeFlaker for optimal defibering © ANDRITZ

Flavio Froehli, VP Marketing & Sales at Sappi Europe: “We are very pleased that we will also be able to produce wet-strength label paper at our Gratkorn mill in the future. This investment underscores our strategy to establish Sappi as the leader within the label sector, adding to the supply of value adding products across our entire business.”

Sappi Austria is part of the Sappi group, a leading global provider of sustainable wood fiber products and solutions, in the fields of dissolving pulp, printing papers, packaging and specialty papers, casting and release papers, biomaterials and bioenergy. Its mill in Gratkorn produces 950,000 tons per annum of high-quality, double- and triple-coated papers, used for premium quality publications all over the world, as well as one-side coated label papers. The mill also produces 250,000 tons per annum of totally chlorine-free (TCF) bleached chemical pulp for its own consumption and it has an annual sheet finishing capacity of 875,000 tons.

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydro, and Separation. Technological leadership, global presence and sustainability are the cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 27,900 employees and over 280 locations in more than 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on maximum utilization of raw materials, increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation. Boilers for power generation, flue gas cleaning systems, various nonwoven technologies, panelboard (MDF) production systems, as well as recycling and shredding solutions for numerous waste materials also form a part of this business area. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.

Valmet and Metsä Group's innovation company Metsä Spring have received national Quality Innovation Award 2022 in Finland with their demo plant that manufactures new kind of fiber products called Muoto®. The joint development project won the category of potential innovations. The criteria of the competition were novelty value, usability, learning, customer orientation and profitability. Excellence Finland announced the winners in Helsinki, Finland on November 10^th, 2022.

The demo plant was inaugurated in August 2022. The goal of the plant is to develop a competitive and recyclable fiber-based package to replace plastics. The products are manufactured ready-to-use for different end uses. Thanks to the multi-layer structure, the product's properties, such as strength and surface smoothness, stand out from products made with other, competing methods.

The 3D technology combines the production process of both the packaging material and the packaging into the same production line and guarantees a resource-efficient production process for example in terms of water use. The production line has a high degree of automation and a large production capacity. No waste is generated in the production process since the side streams can be reused in the process. After the currently ongoing demo phase is completed, market testing of the products with pilot customers will follow.

“3D fiber product technology is a very interesting future area for Valmet – molded fiber packaging is predicted to be the fastest growing segment in the packaging industry in terms of volume. Its growth is supported by restrictions on the use of plastic, the decreasing average size of a package and the growth in the takeaway food market. The 3D fiber product technology is completely new to Valmet, but we have been able to utilize our long experience and know-how in board machine technology and processes. The goal is to bring to the market a technology that is competitive not only in terms of production capacity, but also in terms of production costs and the quality of the final product,” says Petri Rasinmäki, Vice President, Board and Paper Mills Business Unit, Paper business line, Valmet.

“The growing packaging industry requires a variety of new sustainable alternatives; Muoto is our answer to these needs. We’ve moved quickly from an idea that emerged in our internal training programme to a demo plant thanks to our competence and – of course – our excellent partner network. There is every reason to be proud of the Finnish forest industry’s capacity for renewal,” says Jarkko Tuominen, Metsä Group’s Project Director.

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. Our 17,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – 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 were 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

The international PulPaper organised in Helsinki is one of the leading professional events in the forest industry. After the PulPaper event organised in the summer of 2022, the organisers of the event have held discussions with companies in the field and settled on a completely new concept that serves both companies and professionals in the field even better. The modern PulPaper 2024 event will be organised completely renewed on 10-11 April 2024 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.

”It is great that PulPaper is at the forefront in the development of professional events. For this, we can thank our main partner the Finnish Forest Products Engineers’ Association and especially the companies in the industry and their contribution to this development. Together we have developed an event where encounters are at the centre. The new concept is cost-effective, easy and sustainable development and responsibility have also been taken into account. The development of the event is now proceeding at a fast pace and we will be able to tell more about the new event in the spring, when companies can start making stand reservations”, says Business Manager Marcus Bergström from the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.

A more efficient, sustainable, democratic and agile event concept

The stands will be standardised and ready-made stand solutions for various needs will be produced for companies. The stands are built from completely recyclable structures and special attention is paid to both lighting and the overall appearance. The new way of placing stands in the event area offers equal places for large and small companies. The companies are offered opportunities to be seen even elsewhere in the event area. Participation is cost-effective, sustainable and easy for companies.

Renewed programme and social events

The exhibition part will be shortened to two days, and the scientific conferences will have their own day entirely. The programme stage forms the core of the exhibition and everything takes place in the same space during the exhibition. Outside the company stands, there are various networking places where companies can meet their customers around different themes. The event will be a modern, comfortable and relaxed meeting place where it is easy to network and do business. The evening events will be renewed, and they will focus on a high-quality programme and a first-class level of service.

Revamping the PulPaper brand and marketing

The marketing strategy, brand and visualization of the event will be renewed to be modern without forgetting PulPaper’s current strong brand position. In addition to the traditional products of the forest-based bioeconomy, the event will also showcase new innovative bioproducts, such as wood-based textiles and biochemicals. Start-up companies are also more visible than ever, and the event aims at establishing new kinds of media partnerships.

Visit PulPaper 2024 website >>

On 11 November 2022, Toscotec has started up two tissue machine rebuilds at the production facilities of two major producers in North and South America. On both projects, the scope of the modifications was extensive, covering the wet and the dry section of the two lines. The tight periods of machine stop have been executed according to schedule. 

Andrea Paganucci, Toscotec Project Manager, says, “One of the most challenging aspects on this large rebuild was the integration of Toscotec’s key components with the existing equipment. Creating an effective interface between different systems requires strong multi-stakeholder coordination. We are happy that the machine is now running efficiently as expected.” 

Flavio D’Orlando, Toscotec Site Manager, says, “After the rebuild, the machine started producing sellable paper right away. We are now fine-tuning the new equipment, which is already meeting the mill’s product quality requirements. The on-site operations, including dismantling, erection, commissioning, and start-up, all went very smoothly.”

For further information, please contact:
Valter Di Nardo, Group Chief Customer Service Officer, Toscotec, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

The Chinese company relies on A.Celli Paper’s technology for the sixth time by ordering a new rewinder for special papers.

The business partnership between A.Celli Paper and Qifeng Group, which began more than 10 years ago, will be strengthened even more thanks to the order placed in October for a new E-WIND® P100 paper rewinder, the sixth purchased over the years.

Qifeng Group, a leading company in the production and sales of decorative paper, will install the rewinder in its No 27 special paper production line located at the Guigang plant in the Guangxi Autonomous Region.

The A.Celli solution, equipped with spool parking, automatic core gluing and dust removal system, has been designed and manufactured to process jumbo rolls of decorative paper with a diameter of 2800 mm and a width of 3860 mm at a design speed of 2000 mpm.

“The collaboration between Qifeng Group and A.Celli began in 2009 with the supply of an AC842 rewinder. We are very honored to have received the support of this important partner for more than ten years. The establishment of a new production line in Guangxi is an important regional strategy of Qifeng Group and, thanks to it, we will achieve even higher achievements”, these are the words of Li Andong, General Manager of Qifeng group.

QIFENG GROUP – COMPANY PROFILE

Qifeng Group is a company founded in 1976 with 46 years of papermaking history and 22 years of experience in the production of special papers. Its main products are decorative base paper, wear-resistant paper and nonwoven wallpaper base paper. A special mention goes to the production of latex impregnated paper, for which Zibo Oumu is the leading producer in China. The company currently employs 1,500 people and was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in December 2010.

Jari Suominen, Executive Vice President (EVP), of the Forest division and a member of the Group Leadership Team, has decided to leave Stora Enso. After more than 25 years with the Company, Jari will now pursue career opportunities outside of Stora Enso. Per Lyrvall, currently, EVP Legal has been appointed as the new EVP Forest division. Per will assume the role beginning of December and continue as a member of the Group Leadership Team (GLT).

Jari Suominen joined Stora Enso in 1995 and has led the Company’s Forest division since its inception in 2020. Previous to that, Jari was EVP and head of Stora Enso’s Wood Products division since 2014.

“I would like to thank Jari for all his contributions to Stora Enso throughout the years, it has been a true pleasure working together. Jari has driven transformation in the Wood Products division setting up our Building Solutions business, and now lately established the new Forest Division. On behalf of all colleagues, I would like to wish him success and good luck in his future endeavours,” says Stora Enso’s President and CEO Annica Bresky.

"After a long and rewarding career at Stora Enso, it’s now time for me to take the next step. I am very grateful for the opportunities that I have had in the company and of course all the fantastic colleagues that I have been fortunate enough to work with over the years,” says Jari Suominen.

Per Lyrvall joined the company in 1994 and has been a member of the GLT since 2012 and General Counsel since 2008. Per will continue his current responsibilities as Stora Enso country head in Sweden in addition to the new role as head of the Forest division.

"I am excited to take on the opportunity to lead the Forest division. Our forest assets and operations are at the very foundation of our growth platform. I look forward to continuing Jari Suominen’s work to advance our forestry operations with a focus on sustainability, biodiversity and wood supply services that support Stora Enso’s strategic ambitions,” says Per Lyrvall.

The search for a new General Counsel has been initiated. In the interim period Christian Swartling, currently, Senior Vice President of Group Legal will assume the acting role in the position.

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/investors

For the 16th time, the jury of the German Sustainability Award (DNP) has nominated outstanding innovations in the field of sustainability. Out of more than 1,000 applicants, Voith's XcelLine paper machine is a finalist in the "Design" competition in the "Vision" category. With eight competitions, the high number of applicants and more than 2,000 guests at the award’s closing events, the DNP is the most comprehensive award of its kind in Europe. The award is based on the goals of the 2030 Agenda and thus on the key transformation fields such as climate, biodiversity, resources, supply chain and society.

• The XcelLine paper machine has been nominated for the German Sustainability Award (DNP) in the Design competition, Vision category
• Decisive for the jury was the optimized design, measurable resource efficiency and innovative strength of the XcelLine
• The DNP is one of the most important sustainability awards in Europe

"Making it to the finals makes us very proud and confirms our ambition as a leading full-line supplier to provide our customers with the most sustainable and efficient paper production," says Dr. Michael Trefz, President Projects Voith Paper. "In addition to technical performance, the development of the XcelLine paper machine also focused on resource efficiency, which is made possible by an optimized design. Compared to conventional systems, the XcelLine paper machine features reduced energy consumption, optimal fiber utilization and lower water consumption."

Thanks to the modular design of the XcelLine, highly individualized production lines can be put together for almost any application. All individual components are perfectly coordinated to achieve outstanding results over the decades-long life cycle of the paper machine. The XcelLine portfolio today covers machine widths of up to 11 meters. Depending on the grade, speeds of up to 2,000 m/min can be achieved. The increasing production width and speed of the lines optimize productivity and thus reduce specific consumption data.

Award-winning excellence of the XcelLine in design, performance and sustainability
Voith's future and design study "Papermaking Vision" contributed significantly to the DNP nomination in the Design competition, Vision category. Dr. Christoph Lapp, Senior Vice President Product Management at Voith Paper, comments: "The jury evaluated both the current status and our innovative strength and research and development work. With our Papermaking Vision last year, we presented a long-term, visionary concept that goes far beyond the current state of the art."

In the overall concept, Voith takes into account all aspects of paper production. Maintenance and operation of the system are simplified, efficiency and safety are increased, interfaces are reduced through a higher degree of networking, and an attractive design ensures a uniform appearance. Another focus of the Papermaking Vision is the implementation of the "Clean Design" concept throughout the line. By increasing cleanliness, the risk of unplanned downtime is reduced. This improves operational reliability and machine efficiency and ensures a trouble-free production process. Aspects of this vision are being successively integrated into equipment that is already being delivered to customers today.

The optimized design of XcelLine paper machines also leads significantly to improved resource efficiency. "Our ‘Papermaking for Life’ sustainability program goes hand in hand with our Papermaking Vision design study," confirms Dr. Michael Weiß, CTO at Voith Paper. "For this, we invest around 100 million euros per year in the development of sustainable and efficient solutions." As part of its sustainability program, Voith aims to achieve completely CO₂-neutral paper production by 2030 through the use of energy-optimized products, digital solutions and renewable energies. In recent years, the implementation of various individual measures has already helped to reduce thermal and electrical energy requirements by 5 to 15 percent, depending on the paper grade. In addition to energy, water is another precious resource. As part of the XcelLine product family, Voith has developed the first completely closed water cycle in paper production together with Meri.

Another important lever for increasing sustainability is the optimization of paper quality. Reducing process fluctuations enables more efficient use of the fiber material. In this way, fibers can be saved and resources conserved. At the same time, the integration of automation and digitalization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio enables further increases in the efficiency of the XcelLine. The applications, such as intelligent process controls, are often implemented quickly and pay for themselves in less than a year. The digital solutions are expected to be able to save up to 15 percent of production costs in the future.

Sustainability also plays a key role for Voith in its own activities. For example, Voith pays attention to the durability of components, avoids critical substances when selecting materials, and promotes the recyclability of its own products as part of its circular economy concept. In addition, active supplier management ensures efficient sourcing strategies. As a measure, for example, transport routes for components have been significantly reduced and supplier chains improved.

Further information on the XcelLine can be found here: https://voith.com/corp-en/components-papermaking/xcelline.html and on the Papermaking Vision design concept here: https://voith.com/corp-en/industry-solutions/papermaking/papermaking-vision.html.

German Sustainability Award (DNP)
Since 2008, the German Sustainability Award Foundation has been awarding the DNP in cooperation with, among others, the German government, civil society organizations and research institutions, thus honoring companies that promote sustainability as part of their business model. The winners of the DNP will be announced on December 2 at the awards ceremony in Düsseldorf, which will also be attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. More information about the DNP can be found here: https://www.nachhaltigkeitspreis.de/en/.

Papermaking for Life sustainability program
As part of the "Papermaking for Life" innovation and development offensive, Voith Paper is presenting versatile technologies and initiatives that lead to more efficient and sustainable processes in papermaking. The focus is on water, energy and fiber savings as well as digitalization, innovations and partnerships as levers for more sustainable production. Another focus is on Voith's own activities at its locations worldwide. Learn more about Voith Paper's innovations in the area of sustainability: www.voith.com/papermaking-for-life/innovation.

About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 20,000 employees, sales of € 4.3 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services and products on the market and offers paper manufacturers holistic solutions from one source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and helps customers minimize their carbon footprint. With its leading automation products and digitalization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve plant availability and efficiency for all sections of the production process.

Saudi Paper Group selected Toscotec for a second tissue line to be installed at its Dammam facility in Saudi Arabia. The new AHEAD 2.2L machine (PM5) will be a full-on turnkey project and it follows Toscotec’s supply of a complete AHEAD 2.2S line that is currently undergoing erection at the same tissue mill. The start-up of PM5 is scheduled for 2024. 

The new AHEAD 2.2L line has a sheet trim width of 5,600 mm, a maximum design speed of 2,200 m/min, and an annual production capacity of over 60,000 tons. Designed for superior performance and energy efficiency, the tissue machine is equipped with TT NextPress upgraded design shoe press, a third-generation design TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer, and high efficiency TT Hood. The scope also includes two OPTIMA2600L slitter rewinders devised to preserve bulk and softness while ensuring optimal winding performance.

In order to guarantee superior energy efficiency, Toscotec will design the new line to operate with a gas turbine that produces the electricity and the steam required to meet the mill’s needs. A full service package with detailed mill engineering, erection, training, commissioning, and start-up assistance completes Toscotec’s turnkey supply.

The signing ceremony of SPG’s new PM5 (from left to right): Mr. Alessandro Mennucci, CEO of Toscotec, and Mr. Yousseri El Bishry, CEO of Saudi Paper Group.

Yousseri Abdel Hamid Abdel Aziz El Bishry, CEO of Saudi Paper Group (SPG), says, “Progressing on the path of strong expansion we have set for SPG, we selected Toscotec for this second tissue line, because we value both their ability to deliver first-in-class technology and their proven history of successfully managing complex turnkey operations.”

Alessandro Mennucci, CEO of Toscotec, says, “At Toscotec, we strongly believe in partnerships as the basis for success. Therefore, we look forward to continuing our close partnership with Saudi Paper Group. As Toscotec’s fourth tissue order in the fast growing Middle Eastern region, this major project represents the perfect opportunity to strengthen our market leadership as supplier of turnkey tissue projects.”  

About Saudi Paper Group 
Founded in 1989 as a private enterprise in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Paper Group includes three subsidiaries specializing in tissue jumbo rolls manufacturing - named Saudi Paper Manufacturing Company (SPMC) - tissue converting, and paper recycling. SPMC is one of the leading tissue manufacturers in the Arab World, offering a wide range of tissue products from facial and pocket tissues, toilet rolls, kitchen towels, table napkins, maxi rolls, and various other tissue-related products, which it distributes to the domestic and international markets.

For further information, please contact:
Fabio Bargiacchi, Sales Manager, Tissue division, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Klabin has successfully started up a biomass gasification plant at the Puma Unit, located in Ortigueira/PR, Brazil, with a new biomass treatment line supplied by ANDRITZ.

• The ANDRITZ gasification plant enables entirely fossil-free operation of the lime kiln by replacing 100% of the heavy fuel oil with a biomass-derived gas.
• Biomass gasification is part of ANDRITZ’s CircleToZero product portfolio, which focuses on optimizing side streams, creating new added-value products, and laying the foundation for zero emissions and zero waste production.

The gasification plant enables 100% fossil-free operation of the lime kiln by replacing all heavy fuel oil currently burned in one of the mill’s lime kilns, significantly reducing the Klabin pulp mill’s carbon footprint.

ANDRITZ gasifiers enable entirely fossil-free operation of lime kilns © Klabin

The main ANDRITZ scope of supply included:

• 51 MW gasification plant
• Belt dryer
• Multi-fuel lime kiln burner
• Biomass handling equipment
• Electrical building

ANDRITZ was chosen as the gasification supplier because of successful previous references and was also the main supplier of Klabin’s Puma I and II projects, which were started up successfully in 2016 and 2021, respectively. 

ANDRITZ gasification plants are part of the company’s CircleToZero initiative, which includes new technologies aimed at optimizing pulp mill side streams. This global initiative for our pulp and paper customers brings together the continuous development and improvement of existing ANDRITZ technology solutions with an ambitious innovation goal for the future: To eliminate unused side streams, create new added-value products, and lay the foundation for zero emissions and zero waste production.

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydro, and Separation. Technological leadership, global presence and sustainability are the cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 27,900 employees and over 280 locations in more than 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on maximum utilization of raw materials, increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation. Boilers for power generation, flue gas cleaning systems, various nonwoven technologies, panelboard (MDF) production systems, as well as recycling and shredding solutions for numerous waste materials also form a part of this business area. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.

In 2022 Toscotec has managed more than 25 tissue machine rebuilds for leading manufacturers that remain confidential. The projects are located at different mills across 6 continents: Africa, North and South America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

Rebuilds and process optimization equal increased profitability
The main targets of Toscotec’s tissue rebuilds are threefold. The first is increasing the productivity of an existing machine both by boosting its drying capacity and by reducing its energy consumptions. The second is improving paper quality, which allows the mill to achieve premium quality or to produce lower basis weight, high-quality tissue paper, thereby reducing raw material costs. The third is ensuring equipment safety: by upgrading outdated machinery, Toscotec guarantees maximum operation safety on the production line.

The highest value for a limited scope
The scope of supply of Toscotec’s rebuilds ranges from single components such as Steel Yankee Dryers to entire systems such as the approach flow system and the tissue machine’s wet end, the air system, as well as the pope reel and the rewinder, which ensure the optimization of an entire section of the tissue line and associated processes.
Customization is key. Therefore, site surveys and rebuilding analysis are an integral part of rebuilds because they allow Toscotec to pinpoint the most effective targets for upgrades and process optimizing solutions. They can also serve as guidelines for tissue manufacturers to identify the technological investments that yield the highest returns.

Nicole Foley, Toscotec Project Manager, says, “Technological rebuilds call for specific project management skills, including the ability to effectively manage numerous projects simultaneously, and to rigorously respect the project timetable as we intervene on operating tissue lines.”

Riccardo Gennai, Toscotec Sales Manager, says, “The key added value that Toscotec offers as leading supplier of tissue rebuilds is the ability to build trust with customers and provide technological and customized solutions for all their needs. We often receive repeated orders encompassing all the production lines of a tissue mill, including equipment upgrades and process optimizations aimed at carbon reduction and energy savings.”

For further information, please contact:
Riccardo Gennai, Sales Manager, Toscotec Tissue division, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.