SMART-DOLA™ feature enables production of unlimited number of fixtures

Brown Machine Group (BMG) is pleased to announce the aXatronics C-RUSH System, designed for use in paper cup manufacturing applications. The first of its kind to automatically remove sidewalls, or Blanks, from high-speed, vertical die-cutters and robotically place them into work-in-progress containers, the C-RUSH System significantly reduces manual labor and improves die-cutter productivity. C-RUSH is equipped with SMART-DOLA™ – a new patent pending die-cutter output lane assembly (DOLA) fixture that dramatically improves overall system throughput.

Designed by aXatronics and manufactured in the Nalle Automation Systems (NAS) facility in Knoxville TN, C-RUSH allows the operator to interface with the die-cutter by pausing and resuming the robotic pick and place automation. No robotic experience or a high level of training is required to operate the system, which can handle up to two million 21-ounce sidewalls per day – the equivalent of more than 20 tons of paper. Designed for 24/7 operation, C-RUSH makes die-cutters more productive by reducing die-cutter downtime or production slowdown due to personnel fatigue.

A single uniquely designed robotic end-of-arm-tool (EOAT) handles cup sizes from 12 to 30 ounces, automatically unloading a multilane DOLA before placing each stack of sidewalls into a tote. Lane handling and stacking configuration includes interleaving tier sheets and stacking patterns engineered to each cup’s specifications. The C-RUSH System automatically changes its configuration with no operator intervention when changing dies.

The new SMART-DOLA™ fixture enables production of an unlimited number of different cup sizes with no pre-programming of the individual robot controller required. The SMART-DOLA™ contains all pertinent ‘recipe’ data for the specific size and shape of the sidewall it is designed to handle. This recipe data is automatically uploaded into the robot controller whenever the fixture is mounted onto the die-cutter, eliminating the need for specialized personnel to load the recipe data into each robot individually. Using laser distance measuring sensors, the SMART-DOLA™ can slow down the die-cutter before it becomes full – without requiring an operator to return the die-cutter back to high speed functioning. This dramatically improves the overall system throughput.

Operator safeguards provide CAT 3 safety with fencing and personnel laser-based area sensors. Other features include automatic recovery after error conditions and acknowledge of an E-STOP. In addition, the conveyor system is designed with automated guided vehicle (AGV) capabilities.

The C-RUSH is installed and supported by Nalle Automation Systems, known for outstanding customer support.

For more information about how the C-RUSH system can meet application-specific requirements and to learn how the robot components can be sized to meet higher volumes or heavier materials, visit https://brownmachinegroup.com/machine/axatronics-c-rush-system/.

About Brown Machine Group

Brown Machine Group in Beaverton, MI, is a global leader in thermoforming technology and innovation with high-quality product lines manufactured by Brown Machine, Lyle Industries, Nalle Automation Systems, Freeman Company and aXatronics. It designs and manufactures a complete line of continuous and cut-sheet thermoforming equipment, tooling, automation, robotic systems and provides related services including retrofit upgrades, prototyping, process optimization and technical support. Its equipment has been “Made in the USA” since 1952 and it has thermoforming systems operating in over 65 countries worldwide in virtually every industry. Visit www.brownmachinegroup.com for more information.

James Cropper’s Richard Burnett explains why expert blending of upcycled and virgin fibre is the key to connecting the three cornerstones of modern papermaking.

The feverish focus on sustainability in the paper and packaging world is no secret. Neither is it exclusive to this industry. But as we all work on ways to leave little to no trace on the planet, over our shoulder, the need for performance and beautiful design is still very much present. There is no compromising on aesthetics and functionality while we work on circularity. If anything, demand for premium papers which deliver functionality for the converter or printer, and brand experience to the end user is only growing.

How do we deliver on the three cornerstones of modern papermaking…performance, appeal and circularity? It begins and ends with fibre.

With increasing legislative and consumer pressure on brands to do more for the environment when it comes to paper and packaging; giving waste fibre a second life is a great story to tell. However, we know through our own research and leading industry data that if you consider the carbon footprint, energy usage and water usage environmental indicators, there is no clear advantage or disadvantage to using wastepaper fibre feedstock over virgin wood.[1]

In fact, the majority of the impact for both recycled and virgin paper is attributable to the combustion of fuels for pulp and paper production. However, assuming best in class technology is used, the impacts from virgin and recycled paper are broadly similar.

But what if the reclaimed fibre comes from difficult to recycle, high-volume waste streams which would otherwise end up in landfill or incineration. This was the fate of 2.5 billion single use coffee cups every year until 2013, when James Cropper pioneered the world’s first technology to extract the good quality paper fibre used in coffee cups, and upcycle it into beautiful, premium paper. This is a rich, UK based fibre source, and the responsible thing is it to give it a second, third and fourth life; something our CupCycling^TM facility can do.

The upside is not only environmental. This is a powerful story for brands to tell their consumers. The concept of circular design is ever present in the consumer mindset; but being able to say that your packaging was once a coffee cup takes it from the conceptual to the tangible. In turn, it garners brand loyalty.

Paper is sustainable by design. With the product cycle for paper encompassing renewable resources and recycling after use, paper truly embraces the principles of the circular economy.  However, it’s also worth noting that a paper cycle based on waste fibre alone is not a viable option, as the fibres degrade in the recycling process and become unusable in papermaking after multiple uses. Fresh fibre from responsible sources is a key element of a healthy eco system, and a balanced stream of fresh and waste fibre is always required to keep the paper cycle working. 

So while the right thing to do is to reclaim waste fibre, virgin fibre is also essential. Perhaps the solution is in variety and fibre blending? And the stats stack up.  A recent independent Life Cycle Analysis report on our Rydal Collection showed the environmental impact of each of the fibre options available in the range. These include 100% post-consumer waste recycled, 40% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled and 100% fresh fibre from responsible forestry sources (FSC).

What became apparent was that the 40% recycled quality demonstrated more of a balance across the key measures;   

• 100% PCW option showed least impact in terms of primary energy demand
• The 100% virgin option showed least impact on freshwater consumption
• There was no significant difference between the options on carbon footprint

The blended fresh and upcycled quality offers the best balance from an environmental perspective.

But what about appearance? What about the look and feel; the experience of paper which is also crucial to the consumer brand experience? Many believe that aesthetics and performance are best delivered through fresh fibre, since the paper fibres are cleaner and more consistent in quality; they have an affinity to colour and impart attributes such as stiffness and strength. Does the inclusion of reclaimed fibre sacrifice too much?

For us, there can be no compromise. With 175 years of premium papermaking knowledge behind us, we know that expertise in fibre selection and colour application, alongside a bespoke approach to each product, allow us to create paper products which give valuable waste streams a second life while maximising performance and aesthetics.

The fibre mix must be totally aligned to the end use, to ensure the paper quality performs well in subsequent print and conversion processes. For example, choosing only the very highest quality recycled fibre streams (such as CupCycling fibre) minimises issues with cleanliness to the point where we can confidently say that our reclaimed fibre is not just recycled, but upcycled. It is then blended to create something even more beautiful and premium than before.

It is true that some strength properties can be affected with the use of reclaimed fibre; however with 40% inclusion of some carefully selected pre and post-consumer, high strength fibre streams, we have seen excellent performance; further evidence that a blend is best. A great case study for this is our work with Burberry, which uses includes 40% CupCycling fibre for their packaging and retail shopping bags. Not only has this partnership seen 58 million coffee cups upcycled, but the end product is luxurious and robust.

Fibre selection, whether virgin or recycled is crucial in creating premium products which is why James Cropper develops and invests in world-leading technology to develop our own local source of very high quality pre and post-consumer upcycled fibre streams.

With all the evidence which we have to hand, it’s refreshing to conclude, that aesthetics and performance need not be sacrificed at the altar of circularity. It’s just in the blend.

[1] DEFRA - LCA of Paper Supply Systems

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Visy Pulp & Paper for a 243,000 m³ chip handling and storage system, including a Stacker Reclaimer RST360, for its Tumut mill in New South Wales, Australia.

The ANDRITZ 360° Stacker Reclaimer is a complete system that stores and reclaims wood chips in a continuous 360° radial configuration. It operates on a true first-in, first-out (FIFO) chip management basis, ensuring homogeneous chip supply to the digester while at the same time offering a large storage capacity. ANDRITZ has several references for RST360 Stacker Reclaimers worldwide.

3D model of the ANDRITZ 360° Stacker Reclaimer. “Photo: ANDRITZ”.

The discharge rate from the RST360 is automatically controlled, with the speed of the two metering screws in the hopper being adjusted to meet the capacity requirements of the pulping process. The equalizing hopper discharge is continuously monitored with a belt scale. Added to these features, the RST360 is delivered with a dedicated bypass to feed chips directly to the discharge hopper from the infeed conveyor.

Visy Pulp & Paper is a leading, privately owned packaging and resource recovery company, with more than 120 sites across Australia, New Zealand and Thailand and trading offices across Asia, Europe and the USA.

ANDRITZ GROUP

International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems and services for the pulp and paper industry, the hydropower sector, the metals processing and forming industry, pumps, solid/liquid separation in the municipal and industrial sectors, as well as animal feed and biomass pelleting. Plants for power generation, flue gas cleaning, recycling, and the production of nonwovens and panelboard complete the global product and service offering. Innovative products and services in the industrial digitalization sector are offered under the brand name Metris and help customers to make their plants more user-friendly, efficient and profitable. The publicly listed group has around 26,700 employees and more than 280 locations in over 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER

ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides equipment, systems, complete plants and services 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 and sustainability as well as lower overall operating costs. Boilers for power generation, flue gas cleaning systems, plants for the production of nonwovens and panelboard (MDF), as well as recycling and shredding solutions for various 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.

Strong results drive continued reduction in company's leverage

Suzano, the world's leading eucalyptus pulp producer and a global benchmark in the manufacture of bioproducts developed from eucalyptus, reported operating cash generation of R$4.9 billion for the three months to 30 June 2021 (2Q21). This represents a 47% increase compared to the same period last year (2Q20) and the best quarterly result since Suzano’s inception following the merger between Suzano Papel e Celulose and Fibria in January 2019.

• The results have been driven by strong pulp sales and higher prices in the market. Suzano has the world’s largest inventory levels, however this is still below optimum operational levels, as current supply cannot meet current demand.
• The weakening of US$ against BRL at the end of the quarter was largely responsible for the net gain of R$10 billion, due to the positive impact of exchange variation on debt and derivatives contracted in US$.
• Suzano’s multi-billion-dollar project at Mato Grosso do Sul, will be one of the largest private sector investments under development in Brazil once the project commences following Board approval.
• These results follow Suzano’s milestone leaps in the ESG agenda including the announcement a biodiversity scheme to connect half a million hectares of native forests by 2030 and its issuing of a new US$1 billion Sustainability-Linked Bond (SLB) linked to environmental and social targets. Suzano has now raised over US$2.25 billion through SLBs since 2020 and 37% of the total debt is now issued through SLBs or other green finance products.

The results continue to be driven by strong pulp sales and higher prices in the market. Suzano ended the quarter with current pulp inventories below the optimum operational level. The paper segment was marked by solid commercial and operational performance, given prices increases and sales volume in the domestic market. Pulp sales during 2Q21 were 2.5 million tons, while paper sales totaled 296,000 tons, contributing to net revenue of R$9.8 billion in 2Q21.

Adjusted EBITDA, another important indicator of Suzano’s financial performance, totaled R$5.9 billion, an increase of 42% on the same period last year.

Suzano’s cash generation capacity, combined with prudent financial discipline, has helped reduce leverage in US$, as measured by net debt/adjusted EBITDA, to 3.3x as of 30 June 2021, compared to 3.8x at the end of 1Q21.

“Our results once again demonstrate Suzano's financial strength. Our performance in recent quarters has laid the groundwork necessary to build a landmark new pulp mill in Brazil”, says Walter Schalka, CEO of Suzano.

The multi-billion-dollar project at Mato Grosso do Sul, announced in May 2021, will be one of the largest private sector investments under development in Brazil once the project commences following Board approval.

Addressing the bottom line, the weakening of US$ against BRL at the end of the quarter was largely responsible for the net gain of R$10 billion. This is predominantly due to the positive impact of exchange variation on debt and derivatives contracted in US$.

The second quarter saw two milestones in Suzano’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda. Suzano announced a biodiversity scheme to connect half a million hectares of native forests by 2030 and increased the use of green finance within its capital structure in June by issuing a US$1 billion Sustainability-Linked Bond (SLB) linked to targets including the representation of women in leadership positions and the reduction of water use in industrial operations.

About Suzano

Suzano is the world's leading eucalyptus pulp producer and Latin America's largest paper and pulp producer. Guided by its purpose of renewing life through trees, Suzano is global player in developing sustainable and innovative solutions from renewable sources. Today the 97-year-old company plays a part in the lives of over 2 billion people via its 11 mills across Brazil and has the capacity to produce 10.9 million tons of market pulp and 1.4 million tons of paper a year, exporting to more than 100 countries. Suzano’s shares are traded on stock exchanges in Brazil and the United States.

All of Suzano’s ESG activity closely aligns with industry best practice and reporting models including the SDGs, SASB, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) amongst others.

Suzano’s credentials as a sustainability leader are bolstered by key ESG indexes and ratings including the MSCI Index, Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), Brazil B3 Exchange’s Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE), and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

Valmet will offer recovery boiler upgrade service to Lee & Man Pulp Manufacturing Limited’s Chongqing mill in China. The project is scheduled to be finished in the second quarter of 2022.

The order is included in Valmet's orders received of the third quarter 2021. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

“Valmet’s solution will solve our actual issues and apply the proven advanced technical knowhow with the latest innovations. I believe that our recovery boiler will achieve safe, stable and efficient operation after this upgrade. And the future cooperation between Lee & Man and Valmet will be further strengthened,” says Zhang Dingjun, Senior Manager, Chongqing Lee & Man Pulp Manufacturing Limited.

“We firmly believe that with Valmet’s technical advantages and full service capability, the recovery boiler will be greatly improved in safety, operational efficiency and unplanned shutdowns,” says Fu Xuebing, Senior Mill Sales Manager, Valmet China South Region.

“This is the first time that Valmet gets involved in modifying and upgrading a non-Valmet recovery boiler. Among multiple technical solutions, we decided on the optimal solution based on customer feedback, site audit, and comprehensive consideration of reliability, purchase lead time, production schedule, cost control and logistics,” says Amanda Xu, Product Sales Manager, Valmet China Services.

Technical information about the delivery

Valmet’s delivery will include: a new recovery boiler floor with entire composite tube San38/SA210; new primary air ports and castings with Valmet design; new furnace screen, and erection advisor. All parts with composite tube San38/SA210 will be manufactured in Valmet’s workshop in Lapua, Finland, and imported to customer mill after pre-assembly.

About Lee & Man Paper

Established in 1994, Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd has grown from a small company into a world leading paper and pulp manufacturer. The Group manufactures linerboards of various grades and corrugating medium of different specifications used for different industrial packaging purposes. The group currently has five paper mills and one pulp factory in China and an annual capacity of 6.88 million tons of containerboard, 180,000 tons of pulp, and about 900,000 tons of tissue paper.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers. 

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.  

Valmet's net sales in 2020 were approximately EUR 3.7 billion. Our 14,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.  

Read more www.valmet.com

The Mayr-Melnhof Group (MM) has completed the acquisition of the Kwidzyn mill, Poland, which was agreed in mid-February 2021, after receiving approval from all relevant competition authorities. The acquisition of the Kwidzyn mill forms part of MM's strategy to grow in high quality virgin fiberbased cartonboard (FBB) with innovative, sustainable and cost efficient grades. Furthermore, MM is diversifying its product portfolio through the integration of an attractive pulp and paper production focusing on Uncoated Fine Paper (UWF) and Packaging Kraft Papers.

• MM strengthens activities in virgin fiber-based cartonboard and creates attractive development potential with enlarged product portfolio
• Division MM Karton will be renamed MM Board & Paper

In line with the enlarged product spectrum the division MM Karton changes its name to MM Board & Paper.

"I am pleased that we enter two new core businesses, Uncoated Fine Paper and Packaging Kraft Paper. MM Kwidzyn will drive innovation for more sustainable packaging solutions in the growing virgin fiber-based cartonboard market and creates attractive new perspectives from the integration of pulp and paper at a site in Europe with cost advantages. We are looking forward to a successful cooperation with our new colleagues,” comments Peter Oswald CEO of MM.

MM Kwidzyn operates at its integrated pulp and paper site in Kwidzyn a pulp mill with an annual capacity of around 400,000 t and four integrated cartonboard / paper machines. The flagship is an FBB machine with 260,000 t annual capacity. Moreover, MM Kwidzyn has recently entered the MF kraft paper segment via one of its paper machines to serve the growing demand for flexible fiberbased packaging products with an annual capacity of 75,000 t. In addition, MM Kwidzyn operates two of the most attractive copy paper machines (UWF) in Europe with an annual total capacity of 410,000 t. The mill employs approximately 2,300 people.

MM is Europe's leading producer of cartonboard and folding cartons focusing on sustainable and innovative fiber-based packaging solutions. In 2020 the group generated sales of around EUR 2.5 billion and employed approx. 10,000 people.

Measuring device manufacturer emtec Electronic is pleased to announce that its TSA Tissue Softness Analyzer is the subject of a recently released TAPPI Technical Information Paper (TIP). The peer-reviewed technical specification document investigates the specialized measuring instrument for tissue paper that is able to simulate the sensory properties of the human hand when touching tissue paper products.

Can a machine accurately imitate the sensory capabilities of the human hand? Is it possible to objectively and reliably determine complex tactile sensations such as the softness, smoothness, or stiffness of tissue products? What conditions are necessary to determine a product’s hand-feel?

A newly released TIP from industry research organization TAPPI endeavors to answer these questions in connection with emtec Electronic’s TSA Tissue Softness Analyzer device. TAPPI TIPs, or Technical Information Papers, are documents containing specific information, such as data, calculations, or product applications, for use in the manufacture, evaluation and description of pulp, paper, and related products. TAPPI TIP 0808-07, titled “Objective Determination of the Haptic Properties of Tissue Products, Technical Information Paper TIP 0808-07 (2021)” covers the theoretical background of haptics, how the TSA device measures the three basic parameters for determining haptic feel, and discusses application possibilities for the paper manufacturing process and quality assurance. 

TIPs are critically peer-reviewed and contain practical and readily usable information for the pulp, tissue, and paper industries, among others. Because of the organization’s well-known research and testing standards, being featured in a TAPPI technical paper is widely considered an important recognition within the industry and marks a milestone for the 25-year-old German machine developing and manufacturing company.

“Since we came out with the TSA in 2006, it’s been our goal to make it a relevant, cost-saving measuring device known throughout the industry,” says emtec founder Giselher Gruener. “Being recognized and published in a TAPPI technical document is an important step in this direction.” 

The Tissue Softness Analyzer provides accurate and consistent results relating to the haptic parameters that determine the human tactile sensation, such as the sensation of softness, of tissue products. The TAPPI TIP includes a methodical investigation of the device’s measuring principles, an exploration of the algorithms used to arrive at a hand-feel, and the required conditions for measuring the haptic parameters, which determine hand-feel of base tissue and finished products, such as facial tissues, napkins, or toilet paper.

For more information on TAPPI Standards, Technical Information Papers, or Useful Methods, visit: https://www.tappi.org/publications-standards/standards-methods/

About emtec Electronic

Emtec Electronic GmbH develops, produces and distributes worldwide testing and measuring devices for the detection of relevant processing properties of paper, board, nonwoven and textile materials. The portable measuring devices enable manufacturers and converters of paper, nonwoven and textile products, for example, to control and optimize the manufacturing and converting processes during ongoing production. From the wet end to the final product, the application of the devices enables an efficient process to achieve and ensure the best possible quality with the least possible effort.

For 25 years, we have relied on innovative, highly specialized measuring instruments combined with a high degree of service orientation. Since the company was founded, we have been intensively involved in scientific cooperation with institutes and companies, further developing instruments for our customers and offering a broad network in over 80 countries from our Leipzig location.

For more information about emtec Electronic, please visit the website:

www.emtec-electronic.de

After a successful first rebuild stage of PM 5 in Oberkirch – with the installation of the Voith SpeedSizer film press and contactless qDryPro Compact high-performance drying system – specialty paper manufacturer Koehler Paper has confirmed its confidence in Voith. Koehler has selected the full-line supplier to deliver the second modernization stage, focusing on the much-proven NipcoFlex shoe press.

• Koehler confirms very good and successful cooperation with Voith
• After the second rebuild phase, a new NipcoFlex shoe press in the existing press section ensures more sustainable production
• The technologically leading solution from Voith also increases production capacity

"We have a long-standing, successful business relationship with Koehler," says Thorsten Heidt, Senior Sales Manager at Voith. "Just recently, Koehler was able to achieve a world speed record with the new PM 8 line at the Kehl location thanks to our successful cooperation and continuous optimization. We are very pleased that Koehler has again opted for our leading technologies and that our solution convinced in all points."

"For the second rebuild stage, we are again relying on Voith to achieve an optimum production result," says Hartmut Felsch, plant manager at Koehler’s Oberkirch site. "In Voith, we have found a strong and reliable partner with the highest quality standards for all areas of paper production."

With the installation of the NipcoFlex shoe press in the existing press section, the dry content after the press is significantly increased. As a result, large amounts of steam can be saved in the dryer section for drying the paper web. The rebuild thus helps save energy and reduce CO2 emissions in the plant. In addition, the higher dry content increases line speed and production capacity. At the same time, work safety and operability are improved when changing the felt with the aid of the cantilever framing for the pick-up felt.

The rebuild is a tailor-made solution and addresses the limited space available, especially on the drive side of the machine. As part of the rebuild, the transfer process from the press to the dryer section is optimized and a draw reduction is achieved to significantly increase efficiency. The press roll uses a TerraSpeed Trend Supreme ceramic coating, which is also utilized on other Koehler Paper machines. This guarantees optimized sheet release with long running times and a high level of cleanliness. The order is complemented by the proven QualiFlex shoe press sleeves and a start-up set for all press felts.

About the Koehler Group
The Koehler Group was founded in 1807 and has been family-run to this day. The Group’s core area of business is the development and production of high-quality, specialty paper, including thermal paper, playing card board, drink coasters, fine paper, carbonless paper, recycled paper, decor paper, wood pulp board, sublimation paper, and, since 2019, innovative specialty paper for the packaging industry, too. In Germany, the Koehler Group, with its more than 2,000 employees, has five production sites, as well as three more in the USA. The Group operates on an international level, with an export ratio of 70% in 2020 and annual revenue of €770 million.

As an energy-intensive enterprise, Koehler invests in renewable energy projects such as wind energy, hydroelectric power, photovoltaics and biomass. The Koehler Group has committed itself to producing more power from renewable sources than is needed for paper production by 2030. More information is available here: https://www.koehler.com.

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, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport and automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has more than 20,000 employees, sales of € 4.2 billion and locations in more than 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 integrated solutions from a single source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and helps customers minimize their carbon footprint. With its comprehensive automation products and leading 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.

Eczacibasi Consumer Products has chosen Valmet as the supplier for their new tissue line, which will be installed at the company’s Manisa Plant in Turkey. The new Valmet Advantage DCT 200TS line, including stock-preparation, automation and Focus rewinder will support the company’s rapid growth in global tissue paper markets.

The order is included in Valmet's orders received of the second quarter 2021. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

Valmet has also previously delivered an Advantage DCT 200 tissue line to Eczacibasi Consumer Products’ Manisa mill, started up in 2015.

Eczacibasi Consumer Products has chosen Valmet as the supplier for their new tissue line, which will be installed at the company’s Manisa Plant in Turkey.

“We have worked with Valmet during the recent years, and our previous successful project convinced us that Valmet is among the best companies in the market. Valmet’s technology will undoubtedly add value to our business and support our growth plans,” says Erdem Ülkümen, Operations Director of Eczacibasi Consumer Products.

“We are honored to receive the second order from Eczacibasi and happy to continue the successful collaboration established in the previous project. The Advantage DCT 200 line is a reliable and highly efficient technology for production of high-quality tissue, proven by more than 100 sold machines in the past 15 years,” says Jan Erikson, VP Sales, Valmet.

Technical information

The delivery will comprise of a complete tissue production line featuring Valmet stock preparation systems and an Advantage DCT 200TS tissue machine. The machine is equipped with an OptiFlo headbox, Advantage ViscoNip press with BlackBelt and Yankee cast cylinder with Advantage AirCap hood as well as a Focus rewinder.

Furthermore, the delivery will include an extensive Valmet DNA Automation System with process controls, machine controls, drive controls and machine condition monitoring. Valmet IQ Quality Control System (QCS) with IQ Scanner, IQ Fiber measurement, MD Controls and IQ Dilution profiler with CD Control ensure high end-product quality. The delivery also includes Valmet IQ Web Inspection System (WIS) for quick and detailed web defect analysis. Complete engineering, installation supervision, training, start-up and commissioning are also included in the delivery.

The tissue machine will have a width of 5.6 m and a design speed of 2,200 m/min. The new line will provide high-quality facial, napkin, toilet and towel grades for consumer and commercial use. The raw material of the new line will be virgin fiber. The production line is optimized to save energy and to enhance final product quality.

About Eczacibasi Consumer Products

Eczacibasi Consumer Products is one of Turkey’s largest personal care companies with pioneering tissue paper brands. The company offered Turkish consumers their first modern tissue paper products in 1970 under its flagship brand Selpak. Eczacibasi Consumer Products also has the Solo, Silen, Viva, Servis and Selpak Professional brands. Eczacibasi Consumer Products is part of the Eczacibasi Group.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.  

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.  

Valmet's net sales in 2020 were approximately EUR 3.7 billion. Our 14,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.  

Read more www.valmet.com

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Shandong Huatai Paper Industry Shareholding to upgrade an existing BCTMP (bleached chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp) plant to become the world’s largest mechanical pulping line for P&W (Printing & Writing) paper production at the mill in Dongying, Shandong province, China. Start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2022.

The existing BCTMP line will be upgraded and rebuilt to become a state-of-the-art P-RC APMP- (Pre-Conditioning Refiner Chemical Alkaline Peroxide Mechanical Pulp) system. The fiberline’s production capacity for mechanical pulp to make P&W paper grades will thus be increased from 100,000 to at least 300,000 admt/a, making it the largest in the world.

ANDRITZ will rebuild two existing high-consistency (HC) refiners as well as the existing screw presses, disc filters and screens, and supply new equipment for all other process steps. The upgrade project features the following technological highlights:

• New MSD Impressafiner with the latest IIoT features for optimum wood chip maceration and chemical impregnation
• New Side-Entry Plug Feeder (SEPF) feeding system for constant and efficient HC refiner feeding
• Rebuild of the existing HC refiners, including the Hydraulic Commander, to enable fully autonomous monitoring and control
• New DCS system as a future-oriented control system for the new fiberline

The upgraded mechanical pulping line will process a mixture of eucalyptus, poplar and acacia wood chips. The scope of supply also includes the basic engineering as well as the supervision of mechanical installation, commissioning and start-up.

ANDRITZ MSD Impressafiner for optimum chip pretreatment prior to HC refining “Photo: ANDRITZ”.

Wang Hairong, Project Director of Shandong Huatai Paper Industry Shareholding says: “ANDRITZ offered a very convincing overall concept to boost our fiber quality and production capacity. With the new line we will also gain high flexibility in production – this exactly meets our needs.“

Shandong Huatai Paper Industry Shareholding is part of the Huatai Group, a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and an important global player in the paper and chemicals production sectors. The group is the world’s largest producer of newsprint and the largest producer in the chlorine-alkali industry in China. Besides this, the group makes all sorts of P&W paper, tissue and specialty paper grades. The Huatai Group produces three million tons of paper and board as well as two million tons of chemicals per year.

ANDRITZ GROUP

International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems and services for the pulp and paper industry, the hydropower sector, the metals processing and forming industry, pumps, solid/liquid separation in the municipal and industrial sectors, as well as animal feed and biomass pelleting. Plants for power generation, flue gas cleaning, recycling, and the production of nonwovens and panelboard complete the global product and service offering. Innovative products and services in the industrial digitalization sector are offered under the brand name Metris and help customers to make their plants more user-friendly, efficient and profitable. The publicly listed group has around 26,950 employees and more than 280 locations in over 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER

ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides equipment, systems, complete plants and services 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 and sustainability as well as lower overall operating costs. Boilers for power generation, flue gas cleaning systems, plants for the production of nonwovens and panelboard (MDF), as well as recycling and shredding solutions for various 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.