Minerals Technologies Inc., has announced that it has signed a commercial agreement with Mondi S.A., a division of the Mondi Group, to provide Fulfill(TM) E-325, a new, high-filler technology, at the paper company's Merebank paper mill in Durban, South Africa. This is the second commercial agreement with an affiliate of the Mondi Group; the first was with their paper mill at Ruzomberok, Slovakia, which was signed in July.
Unique High-Filler Technology Provides Significant Cost Savings in Reduced Fiber Consumption by Increasing PCC Filler Usage
Minerals Technologies now has 10 agreements with paper mills that have adopted the Fulfill(TM) E-325 technology that the company introduced in late 2010. These agreements confirm the commercial progress of the Fulfill(TM) brand, a portfolio of high-filler technologies that offers papermakers a variety of efficient, flexible solutions that decreases dependency on natural fiber and reduces costs. The Fulfill(TM) E-325 series allows papermakers to increase loading levels of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), which replaces higher cost pulp, and increases PCC usage without compromising product quality or performance.
"We are very pleased that this fine papermaker has adopted our new FulFill(TM) technology at another of its major papermaking facilities, which will allow them to produce quality paper at lower cost," said Joseph C. Muscari, chairman and chief executive officer of Minerals Technologies. "The 10 commercial agreements we now have with papermakers around the world reaffirms the revitalization of our new product pipeline and of our commitment to advance our technology leadership throughout our global satellite network."
The Mondi Group's key operations are located in central Europe, Russia and South Africa. The company employees 23,400 people across 28 countries worldwide. The Mondi Merebank Mill in Durban, South Africa, produces a range of office papers including the premium South African brand, Mondi Rotatrim. Minerals Technologies has operated a satellite at the Merebank mill since October 1997.
PCC is a specialty pigment for filling and coating high-quality paper. By substituting Minerals Technologies' PCC for more expensive wood fiber, customers are able to produce brighter, higher quality paper at lower cost. In 1986, Minerals Technologies originated the satellite concept for making and delivering PCC on-site at paper mills and the concept was a major factor in revolutionizing papermaking in North America. Today, the company has 56 satellite plants in operation or under construction around the world and continues to lead the industry with consistent quality and technical innovation.