With the foundation of ZELLCHEMING Service GmbH, the reorientation of the ZELLCHEMING Association with a clear separation between voluntary association life and economic activities is now officially completed.

Behind the scenes, work has already been going on for several weeks to prepare the starting signal for the ZELLCHEMING-Expo in June 2021, which is organized and handled by the GmbH as organizer, in the best possible way. Information material and documents are available and the starting signal for the exhibitor acquisition has already been given. The Expo website has also gone live for visitors and exhibitors from Germany and abroad.

Positive Response

"The initial response has been very positive: A number of exhibitors have already confirmed their participation and the reserved area is already higher than that which was booked for the Expo planned for 2020 in the same period," explains Petra Hanke, Managing Director of ZELLCHEMING Service GmbH.

"We are experiencing that many representatives of our industry feel the desire to meet again with suppliers and industry colleagues in personal discussions and are confident that we will be able to meet this need, also in view of our sophisticated hygiene concept".

The multifunctional RheinMain CongressCenter in Wiesbaden offers plenty of space for a wide variety of events and functions such as trade fairs, congresses, and conferences as well as digital formats and is advertised as a "feel-good location". Petra Hanke: "The fact that we are returning to a proven and popular location, which at the same time presents itself in a completely new and contemporary way, also generates a great deal of positive interest".

Over two full days, on June 9 and 10, 2021, visitors to the ZELLCHEMING-Expo will be able to follow practice-oriented presentations and obtain information and further training on specific topics and applications. The lectures, which will be presented in the course of the event, pick up current approaches of the paper- and cellulose-based industry on the way to a climate-friendly bio-economy and give further impetus to ideas and initiatives beyond the event. Exhibitors are involved via best-practice applications and the latest technologies for process and product innovation. The detailed program will be presented in the coming weeks.

Stronger integration of scientific and technical work

A further aspect of the spin-off of the economic business activities into the GmbH was the desire to re-focus the association on scientific and technical work and thus sharpen its profile as an important link between research and industry.

In this context, the link with the ZELLCHEMING-Expo is also to be strengthened - in which the results of the ZELLCHEMING working groups will be presented to a broad expert audience for the first time in the context of a forum at the Expo. Which steps could be taken for this purpose in the technical committees and district groups has already been discussed in a future workshop", explained Gerrit Lund, 1st Chairman of the ZELLCHEMING Association.

ZELLCHEMING-Expo Website

Visitors and exhibitors can obtain information about the event on the website: www.zellcheming-expo.com

ZELLCHEMING Service GmbH conducts trade fairs, congresses, online events, web seminars in the field of pulp and paper production and the associated circular bioeconomy. In addition, the GmbH provides consulting and other services for associations (especially the ZELLCHEMING association) and foundations such as, for example, member administration, member management, member communication and member promotion. Furthermore, the purpose of the company is the promotion of scientific projects in cooperation with colleges and universities.

As a new age of consumer behaviour emerges, and governments are distracted by the pandemic - environmental concerns have fallen from the political and public agenda.

The dramatic increase in e-commerce and home deliveries has caused a sharp rise in packaging waste, which comes with high environmental costs. At current rates, 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste will end up in landfill and the natural environment by 2050[1]. As countries experience further restrictions on movement and a second wave of Covid-19, consumer behaviour is unlikely to rapidly revert to its pre-lockdown state.

Kaushal ShahHence, sustainable packaging and paper solutions must be adopted so the global community can protect the planet effectively. There is no time to waste.

Plastics are the most common and wide-ranging materials used for packaging. They are central to FMCG and global industrial supply chains, protecting goods in transit and extending their shelf lives. Their ubiquity means a serious plastic packaging waste crisis must be addressed before irreversible damage is done.

According to the UN, 300 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced every year. Since the early 1950s, 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic has been produced and c. 60% has ended up in landfill or the natural environment[2].

Plastic waste is a primary contributor to global ocean pollution with rivers carrying waste from far inland to the sea. Each year, eight million tonnes of plastic ends up in the world’s oceans and 100 million marine animals die from entanglement, ingestion, or interaction with this waste[3]. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that, by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea[4].

The issue extends beyond the environment; plastic waste comes with a significant human cost. In 2019, Tearfund, Fauna & Flora International and Waste Aid reported between 400,000 and one million people die each year from preventable diseases linked to mismanagement and burning of plastic waste in developing countries[5].

Plastic waste pollution also impacts people’s livelihoods and the economic development of developing countries. The UN Environment Programme reports ocean-based plastic pollution has an annual economic cost of US$13 billion due to revenue losses in fisheries, agriculture, and tourism[6].

We have a collective responsibility to tackle this plastic pollution crisis. The environmental and human toll is too great to ignore. Sustainable alternatives to traditional packaging and paper exist. It is time for multinationals, manufacturers, and retailers to integrate them into their working practices to help reduce global pollution; protect marine and wildlife species; and those in developing countries.

The growing consumer awareness of this crisis is promising. A recent study of 2,000 UK shoppers revealed 62% are thinking more about sustainability now than five years ago and increasingly looking for environmentally friendly options[7].

Popular culture is also playing a major role in raising awareness of packaging choices. Notably, David Attenborough’s ‘Blue Planet II’ series focused on ocean waste and triggered a passionate global response. Consumers are more aware nowadays that a product’s lifecycle does not end after consumption – rather after its proper disposal.

Nonetheless, the pandemic and the new normal means individuals are more reliant on e-commerce and delivery services than ever before. Manufacturing environmentally friendly packaging and paper is therefore essential. It will help protect the planet and maintain business profitability as consumers increasingly look for eco-friendly choices.

Political and tax incentives for incorporating environmentally friendly packaging and paper are also evident. From 1 January 2021, the EU will tax non-recycle packaging waste through national contributions. In April 2022, the UK will introduce a tax on plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled content. These plastic reduction policies and public appetite make environmentally friendly packaging and paper attractive for business.

Manufacturing environmentally friendly packaging and paper is vital for the future – on an environmental, human, and corporate level. There is no time to waste.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324921/

[2] https://www.unenvironment.org/interactive/beat-plastic-pollution/#

[3] https://www.condorferries.co.uk/marine-ocean-pollution-statistics-facts#

[4] https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/New-Plastics-Economy_Catalysing-Action_13-1-17.pdf

[5] https://wasteaid.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019-Tearfund-Consortium-No-time-to-waste-En.pdf

[6] https://wasteaid.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019-Tearfund-Consortium-No-time-to-waste-En.pdf

[7] https://www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/time-to-prioritise-eco-friendly-packaging-say-shoppers-in-new-survey-13-10-2020/#

The current market conditions had a significant impact on Södra’s operating profit in the third quarter. Despite higher year-on-year delivery volumes for Södra’s core products, the price formation for market pulp was weaker. For the third quarter, Södra’s sales amounted to SEK 4,925 million (5,391) and operating profit to SEK 93 million (512). For the first nine months of the year, operating profit totalled SEK 541 million (2,520). Return on capital employed was 3 percent (16) and the equity ratio was 57 percent.

“The global economy is projected to contract this year due to COVID-19, despite a slight and recent recovery. A more stable and sustainable turnaround in the years ahead will require an easing of the uncertainty created by the pandemic. In view of the current market conditions and geopolitical uncertainty, Södra’s operating profit to date this year can be considered stable,” said Peter Karlsson, Interim President and CEO.

Peter Karlsson, Interim President and CEO

“Both the decrease in sales and decline in earnings were due to considerably lower prices for market pulp compared with the year-earlier period. A weak upward trajectory meant that prices were slightly higher at the end of the quarter compared with the beginning of the year. To date this year, the price of sawn timber is lower year-on-year. Demand for Södra’s core products remained favourable, while production was stable at a high level,” said Peter Karlsson.

A mobilisation of Södra’s entire chain – from owners, contractors and employees to the mills – combined with favourable weather conditions minimised the negative effects of the spruce bark beetle outbreaks. Despite a 50-percent reduction compared with last year, the level of damage is 1 million m³sub on Södra members’ estates, which is still extremely high.

“A key element of Södra’s strategy for sustainable and profitable growth is efficient use of forest products. We are therefore proud to have inaugurated the world’s first fossil-free biomethanol plant at the pulp mill in Mönsterås in early October. The facility is one the forest industry’s many contributions to the transition to a bioeconomy,” said Peter Karlsson. 

The biomethanol is made from the crude methanol recovered from the pulp manufacturing process and is part of the circular process that already exists at the pulp mill. The facility was inaugurated by the Swedish Minister for Enterprise, Ibrahim Baylan, at a virtual ceremony. 

Financial key indicators:
During the quarter, consolidated net sales declined 9 percent to SEK 4,925 million (5,391). The operating margin was 2 percent (9). The negative sales trend was due to considerably lower prices for market pulp, while delivery volumes for Södra’s core products were higher year-on-year, both during the quarter and cumulative. Cumulative net sales amounted to SEK 15,918 million (17,908). Return on capital employed was 3 percent (16) and the equity ratio was 57 percent.

Södra Skog
Södra Skog’s operating profit for the period totalled SEK 35 million (26). The result is attributable to favourable volumes from field operations and reduced imports. During the period, Södra Skog acquired 3.7 million m³sub, comprising 62 percent pulpwood and cellulose chips, 31 percent saw logs and 7 percent biofuels. Cumulative operating profit amounted to SEK 88 million (161).

Södra Wood
Södra Wood’s operating profit for the period totalled SEK 128 million (39), reflecting the positive price formation for sawn timber and continued high demand for sawn timber. The delivery volume from Södra Wood rose to 520 thousand m³sw, compared with 490 thousand m³sw in the year-earlier period. Sales for the quarter amounted to SEK 1,524 million (1,395). Cumulative sales amounted to SEK 4,611 million (4,485) and operating profit was SEK 212 million (304).

Södra Cell
Södra Cell’s operating loss for the period totalled SEK 8 million (profit: 551). The earnings decline was due to lower prices for market pulp. Sales for the quarter amounted to SEK 2,545 million (3,054). The production volume totalled 468 ktonnes, comprising 401 ktonnes of softwood sulphate pulp, 29 ktonnes of hardwood sulphate pulp and 38 ktonnes of dissolving pulp. Cumulative sales amounted to SEK 8,039 million (9,804) and operating profit to SEK 544 million (2,416). 

Founded in 1938, Södra is Sweden’s largest forest-owner association, with 53,000 forest owners as its members. We conduct modern and responsible forestry, and operate state-of-the-art mills in which we process our raw material. In 2019, net sales amounted to SEK 23 billion and employees totalled 3,100. Through value-generating relationships and a long-term approach, Södra shows the way for the next generation of forestry.

Valmet will supply a fine paper making line with stock preparation and an extensive scope of automation to Asia Symbol (Guangdong) Paper in XinHui, China. The new high-capacity fine paper making line will be designed to produce top-quality woodfree uncoated paper (WFU) grades. The start-up of PM 13 is scheduled for 2022.

The order is included in Valmet's orders received of the third quarter 2020. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The total value of an order of this type and delivery scope is typically around EUR 80-100 million.

PM 13 follows the long sequence of Valmet-supplied fine paper making lines deliveries to RGE Group, Asia Symbol’s parent company. In 2012, Valmet-delivered PM 11 was started-up in XinHui, and PM 12 in 2017. Also, three other machines have been delivered to PT Riau Andalan in Indonesia.

“We chose Valmet to deliver the third paper machine to XinHui PM 13 project, because Valmet is not only a professional paper machine designer and manufacturer but also a reliable partner. We rely on Valmet’s experience and the team’s expertise to achieve a successful start-up of PM 13, as that is what we did together on the previous projects,” says Steven Hung, Managing Director of Asia Symbol (Guangdong).

“The project is representing the long-lasting and good cooperation between Asia Symbol and Valmet. The XinHui references have been operating reliably, and the performance is excellent. The know-how of Asia Symbol is supported by our expertise and the technology that suits these types of fast and wide machines. Together we have built the world leading WFU lines both in productivity and quality,” says Mika Ollikainen, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Valmet.

Technical information about Valmet’s delivery

Xinhui PM 13 will be quite similar to its predecessor, the very well performing PM 11 and PM 12. The delivery for PM 13 will include a high-speed fine paper making line from stock preparation to reel and winders with air systems and clothing for the whole machine line. The stock preparation delivery will include stock lines for softwood, hardwood and BCTMP (bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp), bale handling with automatic dewiring system, broke, white water and approach flow systems.

The delivery will also include an OptiFlo Gap headbox and an OptiFormer Gap with shoe and blade technology for the best paper quality, OptiPress Linear with two shoe presses for excellent profiles and dewatering capacity, and OptiRun Single and Hybrid drying sections with Valmet Hirun Web Stabilizers to ensure runnability at high speeds. The drying section will be followed by an OptiSizer Film surface sizing unit with a supply system and air turning device, an OptiCalender Hard calender for finalizing the end quality, an OptiReel Center center-driven reel and two OptiWin Drum two-drum winders. The delivery will also include runnability equipment and closed hood for the paper machine.

The wide automation package includes Valmet DNA Automation System for process and drive controls as well as runnability and condition monitoring and Valmet IQ Quality Management Solution with a full-scale quality control, moisturizing profiler, and machine vision systems consisting of web monitoring (WMS) and web inspection systems (WIS). The delivery will also include comprehensive Paper Machine Clothing, spare parts and consumables packages.

The 9,350-mm-wide (wire) fine paper machine will produce woodfree uncoated, offset and copy paper grades with the basis weight range of 50-120 g/m². The design speed of the machine will be 1,800 m/min.

Information about the customer Asia Symbol

Asia Symbol, established in China in 2005, is a leading producer of pulp and paper under the RGE (Royal Golden Eagle) Group. Using renewable fiber that is sourced responsibly, Asia Symbol has an annual production of 2 million tons of pulp, 1 million tons of fine paper and 530,000 tons of paper board at its plants in Shandong (Rizhao) and Guangdong (Xinhui) provinces in China. Its main products are BHKP, NBKP, liquid packaging board, high grade ivory board and uncoated woodfree printing and office paper.

For further information, please contact: 
Jari Vähäpesola, President, Paper business line, Valmet, tel. +358 40 558 6555
Fan Ze, Vice President, Capital Sales in China, Valmet, tel. +86 10 6566 6600 3108  

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 2019 were approximately EUR 3.5 billion. Our more than 13,000 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

Toscotec will supply a second-generation TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer to the Colombian tissue manufacturer Cartones Y Papeles Del Risaralda. The new TT SYD will replace a cast iron Yankee on PM1 at its Risaralda mill in Western Colombia.

Toscotec’s Steel Yankee dryer will increase PM1’s production capacity, while reducing its overall specific consumptions through a substantial reduction of the hoods’ drying contribution.

The TT SYD has a 3,200 mm diameter, a face length of 2,920 mm and it features Toscotec’s patented deckle insulation system, which ensures high thermal energy efficiency and maximum safety. The scope also includes the steam and condensate removal system, steam joints, bearings and housings. Toscotec will deliver a complete service package including engineering, erection supervision, onsite training, commissioning and start-up assistance.

C. Y. P. Del R. S.A., said, “This investment aims at increasing the effectiveness of our operations. We chose TT SYD based on its great reliability and superior energy efficiency. When we selected the supplier for this rebuild, we were looking for the best solution to increase our production capacity. Toscotec customized the equipment specifically for our needs and offered us the possibility of reducing our manufacturing cost as well. This winning combination represents a key asset to sustain our growth.”

Gabriele Romanini, Sales Manager at Toscotec, said, “We are happy to begin this cooperation with Cartones Y Papeles Del Risaralda. We are confident that TT SYD will meet their expectations in terms of superior drying capacity and energy efficiency, providing them with a competitive advantage in the market.”

Toscotec is the global market leader of Steel Yankee Dryers. Over 200 TT SYDs are currently operating all over the world, contributing to the build-up of a substantial database of different operating conditions, which drive and advance Toscotec’s expert services and continuous engineering progress on steel Yankee dryers.

About C. Y. P. Del R. S.A.

Established in 1968, Cartones Y Papeles Del Risaralda is a family-owned company that manufactures toilet tissue, napkins, kitchen rolls and towels. Headquartered in Risaralda, in Western Colombia, it has an annual production of approximately 30,000 tons of high-quality tissue for the consumer and AfH markets, which it distributes in the domestic and Latin American market.

For further information, please contact: Marco Dalle Piagge, Sales Director, Toscotec Tissue division, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Gabriele Romanini, Area Sales Manager, Toscotec Tissue division, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Valmet will supply a complete tissue line, including full automation package, to WEPA’s mill in Bridgend, the United Kingdom. The investment is a strategic step for the company to strengthen its presence in the United Kingdom.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the third quarter 2020. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

“Our willingness to invest in state-of-the-art technology is an important part of our future-oriented Group strategy and the United Kingdom remains an important growth market for us in Europe. We are convinced that with Valmet we have the right partner at our side to successfully implement this project,” says Martin Krengel, CEO of the WEPA Group.

“We are excited to collaborate with WEPA and to be selected as partner for their expansion in the United Kingdom. We are convinced that the new Valmet Advantage DCT line will provide the best performance and tissue quality to meet WEPA’s high expectations for this project,” says Jan Erikson, Vice President Sales, Tissue Mills business unit, Paper business line, Valmet. 

Technical information

The new tissue machine will have a width of 5.6 m, a design speed of 2,200 m/min and will increase WEPA’s existing tissue production by approximately 65,000 tons per year. The raw material to be used in the tissue production will be recycled and virgin fiber. The new production line is optimized to save energy and to enhance the quality of the final product.

Valmet’s scope of delivery will comprise a complete tissue production line featuring stock preparation systems and a Valmet Advantage DCT 200 HS tissue machine. The machine will be equipped with an OptiFlo headbox and a steel Yankee cylinder. It will also be featured with advantage tissue technology including ViscoNip press, an AirCap Heli hood and air system prepared for co-generation, WetDust dust system, sheet transfer system and a SoftReel L reel. The stock preparation line will consist of OptiSlush pulpers, OptiFiner conical refiners and OptiScreen machine screens.

Furthermore, the delivery will include an extensive Valmet automation package with Valmet DNA machine controls, process controls and Valmet IQ quality controls. Complete engineering, installation, training, start-up and commissioning are also included in the delivery.

Information about WEPA

WEPA Group is a family business operating throughout Europe. It is one of the three largest European manufacturers and the market leader in the production of hygiene paper made of recycled fibers. The annual turnover amounts to approximately 1.3 billion euros. The headquarters of the WEPA Group is in Arnsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia.

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 2019 were approximately EUR 3.5 billion. Our more than 13,000 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 Paper (NYSE: IP) has just announced that it completed the previously disclosed sale of its Brazilian corrugated packaging business to Klabin S.A. The business has three containerboard mills and four box plants. The company will continue to run its papers business and forestry operations in Brazil.  

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa and Russia. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness; and papers that facilitate education and communication. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., employ more than 50,000 colleagues and serve more than 25,000 customers in 150 countries. Net sales for 2019 were $22 billion. For more information about International Paper, our products and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.

The supply of A.Celli tissue and paper rewinders for the Shandong Sun Holdings Group continues with the sale of another 3 top of the range tissue rewinders for the Beihai plant, in the province of Guangxi, China.

Shandong Sun Holdings Group, a leading cross-national papermaking group integrating forestry, pulp and papermaking, has signed the purchase contract for three E-WIND® Tissue Rewinders for the Beihai plant located in Guangxi province.

The three machines that A.Celli Paper will provide to the Chinese group will have different configurations and characteristics from each other, namely:

• Two T200S Shaftless rewinders with a design speed of 1100 mpm, one equipped with a calender and four unwinders and the other with three unwinders;
• One T200 Tissue rewinder with a design speed of 1800 mpm, equipped with a calender and four unwinders

This agreement, which follows the numerous supplies of paper and tissue rewinders that have occurred over the years, is the latest confirmation of the trust that Shandong Sun Holdings Group places in A.Celli Paper’s solutions, know-how and competence.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill, a member of the Segezha Group (part of PJSC Sistema), to supply stock preparation equipment for its mill in Segezha, Republic of Karelia, Russia. Start-up is scheduled for the beginning of 2021.

The new system will feature a capacity of 350 bdmt/d and process bleached market pulp bales to produce a new final product – white high-porosity sack paper. The scope of supply comprises the bale feeding line with a manual dewiring station, an ANDRITZ FibreSolve FSV pulper for efficient slushing, a ModuScreen CP protection screen, as well as the complete control and electrification system.

With start-up of the new line, the Segezha Group will be the first producer of high-porosity sack paper in Russia. The entire production volume will be supplied to the company’s own converting facilities.

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. The global product and service portfolio is rounded off with plants for power generation, recycling, the production of nonwovens and panelboard, as well as automation and digital solutions offered under the brand name of Metris. The publicly listed group today has around 27,800 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 production, flue gas cleaning plants, 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.

LEIPA is the world’s first paper mill to employ virtual reality (VR) from Voith as a modern and immersive training method. At the Schwedt location, the company trains its employees extremely effectively using the VR system. To perform the installation in spite of the contact restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Voith and LEIPA drew on a new tool for remote video support: OnCall.Video. LEIPA has been using this audiovisual communication system with wireless data glasses since January 2020.

With the VR application, LEIPA employees can complete hands-on training in the computer-generated environment at any time and without any danger. From simple exploration of a paper machine for newbies to the complex process of changing the press sleeve on a modern shoe press, the system offers every employee a completely new training experience. This is made possible by 3D visualization in a headset combined with control devices for the interaction. The employee can move freely in the virtual reality setting and is guided through various tasks step by step.

Specifically for the VR training from the Voith PaperSchool, LEIPA set up a futuristically designed room, the "LEIPA Virtual Reality Center," at the Schwedt location. A special design and lighting concept underscores the modernity of the VR technology. Voith also supplied a touchscreen and wireless VR equipment to meet the special customer request for a cable-free studio.

How the OnCall.Video remote video support tool can increase efficiency and thereby give customers traceable added value became clear with this start-up. "The room was already prepared and the sensors attached," recalls Patrick Dengel, Digital Tools Manager at Voith. "We handled the details via OnCall.Video. To accomplish this, the glasses were integrated into the LEIPA WLAN, via which a video and audio connection to the Voith experts in Heidenheim was established." Without the remote connection, the VR system would not have been functional as quickly.

OnCall.Video offers LEIPA clear advantages especially for problems in the production flow, because the papermaker can draw on know-how outside the company to find solutions with virtually no delay and with cost savings. "Required expert knowledge is not always available on site, so integration of external know-how is that much more important," stresses Patrick Dengel.

"In principle, I can guide everything with the tool," adds his colleague Stefan Endras, Product Manager, OnCall.Video. "Our main emphasis is on quickly connecting the customer with the experts. In this way, we can also partially compensate for the lack of skilled workers." However, added value is also offered to the customer through the fact that various locations can easily be connected to each other and, as a result, internal exchange of specialized information and knowledge transfer are promoted.

With the virtual reality solution and OnCall.Video, LEIPA underscores its digital competence. "Which papermaker can claim to have the most modern media in use before anyone else?" argues Steffen Deszpot, Senior Manager Maintenance at LEIPA. "Industry 4.0 has already arrived here – and we are happy to show it."

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 19,000 employees, sales of €4.3 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, components and products on the market, and offers paper manufacturers solutions from a single source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations takes papermaking to the next level and facilitates resource-conserving production. With its Servolution concept, Voith offers its customers tailored service solutions for all sections of the production process. Voith Papermaking 4.0 ensures that equipment is optimally connected, while the secure use of generated data enables paper manufacturers to improve plant availability and efficiency.