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South African tissue producer Jumbo Centre has started up an AHEAD 1.8 tissue line supplied by Toscotec at their Johannesburg facility. This is a repeat order for Toscotec after the successful installation in 2020 of another complete tissue machine at the same mill. 

The AHEAD 1.8 machine has a sheet trim width of 2,750 mm, an operating speed of 1,800 m/min and a production capacity of more than 30,000 tpy. It is equipped with a new generation design TT NextPress shoe press, a third-generation TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer, and high-efficiency TT Hood. The scope of supply covers the complete production line from the bale handling and stock preparation systems to the electrification and control system of the tissue machine. The associated services include detailed engineering, erection supervision, commissioning, training, and start-up. 

Itzik Nikfard and Rafi Nikfard, Directors of Jumbo Centre, said, “This investment marks a new important stage of expansion for our business. The choice of technology is key in supporting the continuous growth and success of our SnowSoft brand. Toscotec’s machines deliver premium tissue quality, high production efficiency, and energy savings which equip us to succeed in the market.” 

Jumbo Centre and Toscotec’s teams at Jumbo Centre’s mill in Johannesburg, South Africa. Jumbo Centre and Toscotec’s teams at Jumbo Centre’s mill in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sean Nieuwenhuys, Chief Operating Officer, remarked, “I have been acquainted with Toscotec for several years and been involved in the start-up of three tissue machines with Toscotec as the key technology provider and partner. Toscotec is known for fulfilling its technological commitments and helping clients achieve its efficiency and quality goals. I am confident that with this latest project, our business will reap the benefits of numerous technological advancements and improved energy efficiency. We anticipate that the new generation shoe press will enhance the bulk and softness of our products and improve the overall efficiency in our converting operations”.

Matteo Giorgio Marrano, Toscotec Sales Manager, says: “Toscotec is proud to support Jumbo Centre in their decision to continuously upgrade their tissue making technology over the years to properly support their growth in the regional market. They moved from simple machinery to our energy-efficient MODULO-PLUS machine and now to this state-of-the-art AHEAD tissue line featuring Toscotec’s best-in-class energy efficiency technology. An impressive journey in just a few years’ time.”
 
About Jumbo Centre (Pty) Ltd
Since 1999, Jumbo Centre manufactures and sells high quality Tissue Paper in South African and in the regional market. 

Valmet is investing in state-of-the-art process equipment at its roll service center in Columbus, Mississippi, United States to broaden the scope of process covers being manufactured.

The value of the new investment will not be disclosed. Main equipment installations and commissioning took place during the third quarter 2023 and the new process is currently fully operational.

Valmet inspecting a Press Roll Cover PP – one of the cover types included in the upgrade of the covering operation in Columbus, Mississippi. Valmet inspecting a Press Roll Cover PP – one of the cover types included in the upgrade of the covering operation in Columbus, Mississippi. “This strategic investment shows our commitment to enhance our rubber, composite and polyurethane manufacturing capabilities and strengthens Valmet’s position as an industry leader for roll covers. It also responds to the growing demand for roll services that we have seen with the investments our customers continue to make in North America. Being close to our customers is one of our core commitments,” says Jonathan Demers, Director, Roll Services, North America, Valmet.

The Columbus service center operates process equipment of the latest technology to increase production and energy efficiency, improve quality, broaden the product portfolio and shorten lead times. The safety and environmental aspect of the processes has also been in focus in the investment. As an example, the covering processes are now conducted in a dedicated climate-controlled room, ensuring zero risks of cross-contamination.

“We now offer our customers a more precise and superior quality casting for polyurethane and composite covers facilitated by the machinery equipped with an accurate data entry interface. This ensures a higher degree of uniformity in the cover’s properties and characteristics. The investment also contributes to enhanced operational consistency, reliability, and flexibility throughout the cover production process to better respond to customer needs,“ says David Williams, Roll Cover Maintenance Technical Unit Leader, North America, Valmet.

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 more than 19,000 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. Valmet’s net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion.  

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

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The Voith Group performed satisfactorily in a challenging environment over the 2022/23 fiscal year (October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023). Both in terms of operating business and financially, Voith remains in a robust position. The Company increased all key performance indicators in the reporting year and reached the defined growth and earnings objectives. Group net income improved compared to the previous year. The broad sectoral and geographical diversification, the established market position in the three Group Divisions and regional supply chains contributed to the encouraging development.

  • Orders received see a favorable development, orders on hand once again at all-time high
  • Group sales (+13 percent) and EBIT increased
  • Increase in cash flow and Group net income
  • All three Group Divisions make contribution to positive development

“In the past fiscal year, Voith has once again proven its resilience. Despite a challenging economic environment, we continued to generate profitable growth and increased cash flow. The clear focus on sustainable technologies is paying off,” comments Dr. Toralf Haag, CEO of Voith.

2022/23 fiscal year at a glance: All key performance indicators improved
The Voith Group increased all of its key performance indicators over the 2022/23 fiscal year. All three Group Divisions contributed to this development.

At € 6.14 billion, orders received exceeded expectations once again and increased 19 percent on the high level seen in the previous year. The orders on hand reached a new all-time high at € 7.22 billion. Over the same period, Group sales rose by 13 percent to € 5.51 billion. The operating result (EBIT) was € 245 million. The return on sales improved to 4.4 percent (previous year: 4.1 percent), while the return on capital employed (ROCE) increased to 12.1 percent (previous year: 10.5 percent). The Group net income rose to € 73 million as a result of the favorable development of the operating business over the reporting period and despite the higher interest rate level and the associated increase in financing costs.

The increase in earnings was achieved and further investments in the future were made. Expenditure on research & development increased by 9 percent to € 232 million. Financially, the Voith Group remains in a sound position. The equity ratio stood at 23.9 percent in the reporting year (previous year: 24.1 percent). The operating net cash flow saw a positive development in comparison to the previous year and returned a figure of € 306 million (previous year: € 93 million). Likewise, the net debt also improved.

Dr. Toralf Haag: “Our net assets and financial position are sound. The reliable long-term access to capital gives us the necessary entrepreneurial scope to invest in further profitable growth and into the future viability of Voith.”

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Strategic focus: Industrial sustainability
Voith continues its commitment to the megatrends of decarbonization and digitalization. The ongoing transformation from a traditional mechanical engineering company to a sustainable technology group with a high level of digital expertise offers promising new business opportunities. To this end, Voith is continually investing in the strategic and technological refinement of its product portfolio, in new growth areas as well as in efficient structures and processes.

Voith has identified hydrogen technology, electrical drive systems, cargo rail and energy storage as growth areas – with the objective to use Voith’s existing broad expertise in the areas of hydropower, paper production, mobility and industrial applications beyond the current product portfolio.

Along with organic growth, Voith benefited from two acquisitions in the Group Division Turbo in the reporting period. IGW Rail (acquired in October 2022) and Argo-Hytos (acquired in August 2022) were included for the first time and for the full fiscal year for the first time, respectively, in the reporting year. This resulted in an acquisition-related increase of around € 210 million in orders received and around € 230 million in sales.

In the 2022/23 fiscal year, all three Group Divisions contributed to positive development
The Group Division Hydro sustained its position in the 2022/23 fiscal year in an ongoing challenging market environment. Orders received grew to € 1.92 billion (previous year: € 1.18 billion). One of the main reasons for the growth is the increase in volume in a current major project. Sales improved to € 1.19 billion (previous year: € 1.05 billion). EBIT increased minimally to € 6 million (previous year: € 2 million). Increasing profitability remains an important objective for the Group Division Hydro.

The Group Division Paper once again made the largest contribution to the sales and earnings of the Voith Group. The operating result (EBIT) reached € 145 million (previous year: € 131 million). Sales grew to € 2.24 billion (previous year: € 2.20 billion). Orders received decreased slightly on the high previous-year figure to € 2.10 billion (previous year: € 2.26 billion).

The Group Division Turbo recorded the clearest sales and EBIT growth of all three Group Divisions, also benefiting from the two acquisitions. Sales and EBIT increased to € 1.99 billion (previous year: € 1.56 billion) and € 80 million (previous year: € 48 million), respectively. Orders received grew from € 1.64 billion to € 2.05 billion.

Outlook 2023/24 fiscal year: Slight decline on high level of orders received and sales, further increase in earnings anticipated
The current 2023/24 fiscal year is accompanied by great economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Alongside the war in Ukraine, these include the new conflict in the Middle East. Economic factors are also placing a burden on the development of the global economy. The extraordinarily high inflation rates in most countries and the associated restrictive monetary policy by central banks are dampening global economic growth. The growth prospects worldwide are continuing to deteriorate as a result.

Voith sees itself well prepared to meet these challenges. The broad sectoral and geographical diversification; the established market position in all three Group Divisions; and, a sound balance sheet makes the Company resilient. A conscious decision has been made to continue investing, even in times of crisis, in research and development, partnerships and innovations, vocational training and in the ongoing strategic and organizational development of the Company. By doing so, Voith is in a good position to continue generating sustainable and profitable growth.

For the 2023/24 fiscal year, Voith expects a stable development in its key performance indicators. In particular, profitability shall further improve. With regard to the operating result (EBIT), the Company assumes a slight increase. Likewise, growth in the return on capital employed (ROCE) is planned. The level of orders received and Group sales below the high figures seen in the reporting year is anticipated.

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, Voith today has around 21,000 employees and earns 4.9 billion euros in sales. It has locations in more than 60 countries and is one of Europe’s major family-owned companies.

Europap Tezol Kağit started up a Toscotec-supplied AHEAD 2.2 tissue machine at its integrated production facility in Mersin, Turkey. The new high efficiency line started producing high quality tissue immediately after start-up. The project also included two OPTIMA slitter rewinders, with the first already in operation, and the second scheduled for installation soon. This is a repeat order for Toscotec who also installed a TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer on their PM1 in 2012. 

The AHEAD 2.2 line features a sheet trim width of 2,920 mm, an operating speed of 2,100 m/min, and an annual production capacity of over 40,000 tons. It is equipped with Toscotec’s upgraded design TT NextPress shoe press, a third-generation TT SYD, TT BulkyReel for optimal preservation of bulk and softness, and high efficiency TT Hood with the automatic balancing system TT DryingEquilibrium. 

The supply included the complete stock preparation system, Toscotec’s patented TT SAF® DD (Short Approach Flow system with Double Dilution) to ensure electrical consumption reduction, as well as electrification and controls, and dust and mist removal systems. Toscotec delivered a comprehensive service package with detailed engineering, erection supervision, commissioning, training, and start-up assistance.  

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Ahmet Şenyaşa, Factories Director at Europap Tezol Kağit, says, “The cooperation with Toscotec during the entire project was very positive. We are confident that this state-of-the-art tissue line will allow us to meet the high quality standards of our customer base, especially in terms of the softness and hand feel of our super-prime brands.”

Matteo Giorgio Marrano, Sales Manager at Toscotec, says, “The high energy efficiency of this tissue machine is ensured by the combination of Toscotec’s latest generation design of TT NextPress and TT SYD with TT Hoods equipped with automatic balancing system. Europap Tezol will reap the benefits of this advanced technology both for energy savings and superior quality. With this successful project, Toscotec takes a further step in strengthening its presence in the EMEA market.”  

About Europap Tezol Kağıt 
Established in 2000, Europap Tezol is a major manufacturer in the Turkish tissue market, and it operates three tissue mills in Turkey with integrated converting, in Torbali-Izmir and in Mersin-Tarsus. The annual capacity is 93,000 tons and it will be increased to over 133,000 tons with this new line. The company distributes its branded and private label tissue products, including toilet tissue, paper towels, and napkins, not only in Turkey, but also in many other parts of the world. 

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Dezhou Taiding New Material Science and Technology Co., Ltd., China, to deliver a second chemi-thermomechanical (P-RC APMP) line to the mill in Pingyuan County, Dezhou City, Shandong Province, China. The ANDRITZ fiberline already installed at the mill supplies the company’s paper machines producing printing and writing paper and board grades. It has been operating successfully since 2021.

Zhang Qingchao, Vice General Manager of Production, Dezhou Taiding, says: “The ANDRITZ P-RC APMP line at our mill has consistently shown top fiber quality, remarkably low energy and chemical consumption, and high operational reliability. It was clear for us to partner with ANDRITZ again for our capacity increase.”

The new line with a capacity of 400 admt/d will process poplar wood chips into high-quality mechanical pulp. ANDRITZ will furnish the fiberline with its state-of-the-art key equipment, covering all stages from chip washing to pulp storage. The scope of supply also comprises the basic engineering and on-site services including installation, commissioning, and start-up supervision. Start-up is scheduled for the beginning of 2025.

ANDRITZ PrimeMSD Impressafiner and vertical Impregnator running in Taiding mill. Photo AndritzANDRITZ PrimeMSD Impressafiner and vertical Impregnator running in Taiding mill. Photo Andritz

Dezhou Taiding is a joint-stock company focusing on the pulp production, papermaking and thermo-electricity business. It is one of the most important players in the paper industry in the Shandong region, China.

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. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and corporate culture. With its extensive portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, ANDRITZ aims to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable future and help its customers achieve their sustainability goals. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydro and Separation. Technological leadership and global presence are cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 30,000 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 increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.

The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, flue gas cleaning systems, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.

The Pulp & Beyond 2024 Conference will bring together key people in the forest industry on 9 April 2024 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The program for the three-part conference has now been published, focusing this time on innovative wood-based products, carbon zero future mills, and international control systems.

The conference opening will highlight the forest industry contributing on global responsibility. The Pulp & Beyond Conference will take place on Tuesday 9 April 2024 as part of the leading international forest industry event, Pulp & Beyond 2024, which runs from Wednesday to Thursday, 10-11 April 2024 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. On Friday 12 April 2024 there will also be excursions for professionals to Central Finland and for university students to Stockholm.

The panel discussion at the opening of the Pulp & Beyond 2024 Conference will feature Michael Carus, the founder and CEO of Nova-Institute, discussing the role of wood in the renewable carbon concept. Tiina Pursula, SVP Sustainability, Division Packaging Materials, Stora Enso, will provide insights from the perspective of forest companies on responsibility, and Lyndsey Parette, Nestlé Nespresso's Nordic Environmental Sustainability Manager, will share a brand owner company’s perspective on global responsibility and the forest industry’s role therein. The panel will be moderated by Andre Noël Chaker.

After the opening, the conference program will be divided into three tracks including presentations from top experts. Each track will feature four or three presentations from three different perspectives or themes. The complete program is published on the www.pulpandbeyond.com website. The main partner for the conference is ANDRITZ, and other partners are Cargill and Sulzer.

Innovative wood-based products, carbon zone future mills, and control systems

PulpBeyond24 LogoThe track dedicated to innovative wood-based products includes three themes. The "New Cellulose-based Textiles Changing the Fashion Business" theme explores the challenges, opportunities and the future of cellulose-based textile fibers, how consumers perceive the differences between wood fibers versus recycled plastic, the case TreeToTextile on new biodegradable fibers with responsible resource stewardship, and projects for developing new textile products with partners. Speakers include Aspi Patel, Group Chief Technology Officer of ABG, CEO of Aditya Birla Science and Technology Company and Olli Ylä-Jarkko, CEO of TreeToTextile. The theme "Creating New Innovative Bioproducts from Wood and Process Side Streams" discusses wood as a versatile raw material bank with vast opportunities, long-term lignin application development, sustainable battery materials from lignin, and microfibrillated cellulose. Speakers include PhD Professor Orlando Rojas from The University of British Columbia and, Canada Excellence Research Chair and Scientific Director, Bioproducts Institute, and R&D Executive Manager Heloisa Ramires from Suzano. The theme "Solving Global Challenges with Renewable Packaging Materials and Barrier Products" covers the future of packaging in light of EU PPWR, developing sustainable cushioning product innovations with foam-laid forming technology, the re-thinking of paper packaging, and the latest developments in cellulose-based food packaging. Speakers include Gustavo Duerte, Manager Competence Centre Functional Papers Solutions at Sappi Europe, and Professor Julien Bras, Cellulose Vallery chair holder, Grenoble INP Pagora – LGP2.

 

The track Carbon Zero Future Mills is approached through three themes. Under the theme "Breakthrough Energy Solutions in the Forest Industry," topics include hydrogen as gamechanger in energy markets, the case of Kemi bioproduct mill – how to take steps toward fossil-free pulp mills, breakthrough energy solutions in the forest industry, and improving energy efficiency through digitalization as well as the future of electrification of European industries and its implications on the forest industry. Speakers include Simo Säynevirta, Head of ABB Green Electrification Ecosystem and Chair of Hydrogen Cluster Finland, and Matti Toivonen, Vice President of Technology at Metsä Fibre. The theme "On the Path Towards World-Class Process Safety" includes discussions on the implementation of process safety management systems from the mill perspective, process safety and production of chemicals, optimizing the mill site development by fitting new processes into old mill sites, and the developing of world-class process safety and enhanced energy efficiency with digitalization. Speakers include Mika Ristimäki, Area Director of Process Safety at Stora Enso Pulp Competency Centre, and Jaakko Nousiainen, Technology Director at UPM Biofuels. The theme "Developing Material Efficiency in Future Carbon Zero Mills" highlights stepping into a new level in smart material usage with the Emission Free Pulping project, carbon zero future for pulp, paper, and board, smart utilization of carbon dioxide at pulp mills, and radical reduction of water usage in pulp making. Speakers include Atte Virtanen, Vice President, Biomaterial processing and products at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, and Petri Vasara, Vice President at AFRY.

As part of the Pulp & Beyond Conference 2024 is the International Control System Conference 2024, which focuses on international control systems through Pulp Mill Modelling and Control, Advances in Quality Control Systems, and Millwide Applications for the Future.

Pulp & Beyond, the new era for PulPaper

The next generation for PulPaper, Pulp & Beyond 2024 is the leading forum bringing together the latest forest-based bioeconomy innovations, products, services and technologies as well as key people throughout the ecosystem. It offers new encounters, inspiration, networking and business possibilities for marketing global and sustainable solutions. The event provides the widest available showcases on the latest trends, and supports learning, employer branding, and competence development. The new event format will put a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency and functionality. 

Pulp & Beyond will be arranged for the first time on 10-11 April 2024 at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre in Finland. The Pulp & Beyond Conference will take place on 9 April 2024, and the event continues on 12 April 2024 with excursions targeting industry companies in the Jyväskylä region in Central Finland. This time, the destinations include Metsä Group's Äänekoski bioproduct mill, Suzano Finland’s textile MFC plant, VTT's technical research facility, and Aisti, a company producing wood based acoustic panels. From Thursday 11 April to Saturday 13 April, a day cruise to Stockholm is organized for university students, including visits to Stora Enso's and AFRY's offices. Reservations:  www.pulpandbeyond.com.

Pulp & Beyond is the new Nordic innovation hub for forest industry

Pulp & Beyond offers exhibitors an easy and sustainable way to participate in one of the leading and most influential forest industry events in the world. For visitors, the event is a great place for networking and learning. The new efficient event concept will focus on easiness, time saving, sustainability and high impact. Companies can choose between four different turn-key participation packages, including everything needed for the participation. The stand constructions are completely made of sustainable and recyclable materials. In addition to sustainability, turn-key packages also mean efficiency and easiness for the event partners. As the organizer takes care of all practical matters, the event partners can fully focus on networking and business. Sustainability will also play a central role when it comes to catering and travelling. Visitors will have the possibility to compensate possible travelling emissions and only responsibly produced food will be served.

The event venue features two program stages. The main stage hosts keynote speakers and top-level panel discussions. Presentations by event partners are at the Speaker’s Corner. The event is filled with various active engagements – discussions, forums, meetings, and networking opportunities. Visitors will have access to meeting spaces, remote work areas, and meeting points. Additionally, there will be evening programs as part of the event.

The Pulp & Beyond 2024 Conference (450 € + VAT) will be held on 9 April 2024 at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre. The conference is followed by the leading event within the forest industry, Pulp & Beyond 2024 (free for visitors) on 10-11 April 2024. Both events are organized by Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. Pulp & Beyond 2024 excursions to Jyväskylä (250 € + VAT) will take place on 11-12 April 2024.  ChemBio Finland 2024 and Helsinki Chemicals Forum 2024 will also be held at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre on 10-11 April 2024.

Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre organizes the Pulp & Beyond 2024 event in cooperation with the Finnish Forest Products Engineers’ Association (PI).

#pulpandbeyond  www.pulpandbeyond.com

Valmet’s Climate Program – Forward to a carbon neutral future – was launched in 2021. The program covers the entire value chain and includes four key targets for the supply chain, Valmet’s own operations and the use of Valmet’s technologies by its customers for 2030. Year 2023 marks two significant milestones for the program.

Carbon neutral production enabled for pulp and paper industry customers

valmet logo rgbValmet has estimated that around 95 percent of its carbon footprint originates from the use phase of Valmet’s technologies by its customers and the program emphasizes this part of the value chain with two targets: to enable 100 percent carbon neutral production for all pulp and paper industry customers and to improve the energy efficiency of Valmet’s current technology offering by 20 percent by 2030. Valmet has now reached the first one of these two targets.  

“When it comes to the first target, we have had excellent progress as we already reached our goal this year. We now offer carbon neutral production opportunities for our pulp, paper, board, and tissue customers, with the precondition that the customer has bioenergy or carbon neutral electricity in use. Carbon neutral production can be achieved by combining the best available technologies, optimizing mill design and selecting the right automation, Industrial Internet and service solutions,” says Janne Pynnönen, VP, R&D at Valmet.

“Among the key innovations in reaching this final stage has been the development of electrical heating of paper and board coating machines, while for tissue machines we have developed a fossil-free alternative for Yankee cylinder and Hood heating,” he continues.

Furthermore, many of Valmet’s customers’ chemical pulp mills using the company’s technologies are bioenergy self-sufficient, enabling carbon neutral pulp production and even selling of excess renewable energy.

“Lime kilns are typically the biggest source of fossil CO2 in pulp mills. Over the years, we have developed and delivered several fossil-free lime kilns based on biomass gasification or wood powder firing,” says Ari Saario, VP, Strategy and R&D, Pulp & Energy at Valmet.

For energy customers, Valmet has already long enabled carbon neutral heat and power production with biomass-based energy solutions.

100 percent carbon neutral electricity purchases reached in Finland and Sweden

In its own operations, Valmet targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 80 percent by 2030. The emissions from fuels, heating and electricity have already been reduced by 50% since the baseline year 2019. A major new milestone will be achieved by end of 2023 as Valmet reaches 100% carbon neutral electricity purchases in Finland and Sweden.

“The impact is significant, as these countries represent 60% of Valmet’s total electricity consumption and about 30% of the company’s total CO2 emissions from electricity usage. Through this, we are saving a total of 32,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, which is equivalent to driving almost 223 million kilometers by car,” says Victoria Larsson, VP, HSE at Valmet.

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 more than 19,000 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. Valmet’s net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion.

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

AFT is set to deliver a complete approach flow system to the Smurfit Kappa board mill in Cerro Gordo, Mexico. Representatives from the mill visited AFT’s Varkaus Service Center to tour the facility and inspect their equipment – including a new MaxFlow™ HB 2200 headbox screen and POMp™ degassers. “Everything we saw was great. We really liked the quality of manufacture, welding, and design”, remarked Alberto Monterrubio, Process Engineer (Projects & Engineering) for Smurfit Kappa Mexico.

2023 12 13 090504In addition to the new approach flow system, AFT is also supplying system engineering, conceptual 3D layout and piping, and on-site services.  Designed with ease of maintenance, process optimization, and reduced power consumption in mind, all AFT products are supported by a global team of process and service experts. 

 AFT is pleased to have been selected for this project and looks forward to bringing the new equipment online safely and efficiently for Smurfit Kappa, a leading global provider of sustainable packaging solutions.

About AFT

AFT is a global supplier specialized in stock preparation, screening, refining and paper machine approach flow systems. With over 100 years of experience, we offer expert solutions that help mills produce more while using less energy, water and chemicals.  Our solutions are tailored to the customer’s furnish, their application and the end product being produced in order to optimize their return on investment.  For more information, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

At the end of October, Voith successfully started up Asia Symbol's BM 13 at Rugao, 180 km north of Shanghai, China. The state-of-the-art machine is 8.16 m wide with a design speed of 1,400 m/min and an annual capacity of around one million tons. It mainly produces high-quality white folding boxboard in the basis weight range of 170 to 400 gsm.

  • Asia Symbol's Rugao BM 13 starts up successfully and will produce one million tons of high-quality white folding boxboard per year
  • The full line was supplied by Voith and is characterized by excellent performance in terms of product quality, production efficiency, and operating and maintenance costs
  • Project reflects important partnership between Voith and Asia Symbol and reinforces the strategic alliance of both companies in the paper industry

“Voith has always been a reliable partner for us. Thanks to Voith's full-line package, the Rugao BM 13 achieves excellent results in terms of product quality, production efficiency, and operating and maintenance costs, which further strengthens our competitive advantage in the market,” says Eric Xu, General Manager Rugao BM 13 of Asia Symbol.

“I thank both teams for the successful start-up! Asia Symbol is a partner that always sets new goals to achieve excellence. We look forward to deepening our business relationship in the future,” says Carlos Lin, Senior Vice President Order Execution and Operations, Voith Paper Asia.                            

The full-line solution supplied by Voith for the Rugao BM 13 includes a wide portfolio of state-of-the-art solutions, from BlueLine stock preparation and intelligent XcelLine paper machine to two VariFlex Performance winders with a fully automated Flying Splice reel change. For the plant, Voith and Asia Symbol placed a special focus on sustainable and efficient solutions. In addition to the resource-saving Triple NipcoFlex press, an energy-efficient EcoHood dryer hood, ropeless transfer in the dryer section and contactless qDry Pro drying with the HelioX infrared emitters are installed. Voith also supplied a comprehensive wear parts package and a wide range of automation solutions, including the OnControl MCS, DCS, Drive Control, OnQuality MD/CD Control and the OnCare Health condition monitoring system.

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Successful project despite challenges
Despite a tight timeframe, complex tasks and challenging conditions due to the global pandemic, the project was successfully implemented. The project team benefited from mutual trust based on many years of successful cooperation. The Voith and Asia Symbol team worked cross-nationally with the local teams and enabled a smooth execution of the project through very close and committed cooperation from planning to implementation.

The commissioning of Rugao BM 13 now strengthens Asia Symbol's market position and reinforces its supply chain. The line supports Asia Symbol's goal of reducing CO2 emissions from paper production and promoting the joint development of local upstream and downstream industries. The start-up has laid a solid foundation for future cooperation and development between the two parties, which aim to further deepen their collaboration in the fields of technological innovation and sustainable development.

About Asia Symbol
Asia Symbol is a world leading producer of pulp and paper under the RGE Group. Its main products are BHKP, NBKP, DP, liquid packaging board, high grade ivory board and uncoated wood-free printing and office paper. The products are sold at home and abroad. Asia Symbol is committed to sustainable development and the exploration of long-term renewable resources for paper production to facilitate regional economic development and the welfare of the local community. The company's principle is to operate in a manner that creates value for the community, the country, the climate, the customer and the company.

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, Voith today has around 21,000 employees and earns 4.9 billion euros in sales. It has locations in more than 60 countries and is one of Europe’s major family-owned companies.

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 one 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.

Graphic paper manufacturer Les Papeteries de Clairefontaine started up PM6 after a dryer section rebuild supplied by Toscotec at its Etival Clairefontaine mill in France. The machine produces graphic paper in the basis weight range from 60 to 100 gsm. 

The project was focused on PM6’s pre-dryer section for which Toscotec supplied TT SteelDryers designed for an operating steam pressure of 10 barg, as well as an upgrade of the machine frame. The associated services included the complete erection with supervision, commissioning, and start-up assistance. 

The rebuild has achieved the target of increasing PM6’s drying face length without changing the overall width of the machine frame. 

PM6’s dryer section at Les Papeteries de Clairefontaine’s Etival Clairefontaine mill in France. PM6’s dryer section at Les Papeteries de Clairefontaine’s Etival Clairefontaine mill in France.

Julien Courant, Production Engineer at Les Papeteries de Clairefontaine, says, “The project had a positive outcome. We have enhanced our paper quality by improving the moisture profile in cross direction.”

Giancarlo Gianlorenzi, Sales Manager at Toscotec, says, “Through the cooperation with a well-established player such as Les Papeteries de Clairefontaine, Toscotec strengthens its presence in the French market. We were very happy to support the mill in the coordination of the project. Based on our vast experience in dryer section rebuilds, we are well positioned to continue serving this market area effectively.”

About Les Papeteries de Clairefontaine
Les Papeteries de Clairefontaine is a subsidiary of the Exacompta-Clairefontaine group, which is comprised of over fifty companies and employs over 3,200 staff, including 580 people at Les Papeteries de Clairefontaine. They are a well-established market player and produce a wide range of office and graphic papers. 

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