Pulp, Paper & Logistics

VOLUME 12 NUMBER 68

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

ABB: The future of fibre measurement Pages 14-17

STORA ENSO

JAMES CROPPER

ANDRITZ

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COMMENT

IN THIS ISSUE

W

elcome to the September-October issue of Pulp, Paper & Logistics.

This issue comes out during rising anticipation in advance of the COP26 climate conference planned to open in Glasgow on 31 October. Discussions into how the British Government can commit to investing £550 million into the Climate Investment Fund and UK PACT to help tackle climate change globally have already begun, but as the UK is still suffering, like many other countries, from the financial impact of Covid-19 many are asking just how this level of commitment can be afforded.

Leadership to reduce carbon emissions to a sustainable level is both necessary and urgent, but given the progress already made by Britain, perhaps the role of setting more stringent standards should fall to those nations that are currently the biggest producers of pollution.

Within this context, the pulp and paper industry is making remarkable progress with more sustainable working practices. Many years ago, I witnessed first-hand how a purpose-grown tree from a sustainable forest could be used. No part of the tree was wasted and for every one felled, three were planted. Now lignin, a polymer found in the call walls of all plants, is being developed as a source of a range of useful products.

With demand rising for tissue and cartonboard, so does the use of virgin fibre and we of course support its sourcing from properlymanaged forests. It is naïve to suggest, as is reported in this issue, that paper makers are neglecting the environment for using virgin fibre.

Recycled fibre is bound to originate from virgin sources.

As highly-recycled cartonboard is being increasingly used to replace plastic packaging, the message needs to be more forcefully aimed at environment groups who can’t see the wood for the trees.

In the November-December issue we will be featuring raw material recovery systems, machine clothing (including rolls, wires, felts, belts, ropes and blades), efficient mill steam production, and logistics and product handling systems, including roll handling.

Submissions for that issue should be with us by the end of the first week of November.

INDUSTRY NEWS

STORA ENSO Creating added value from lignin

ISSN 2045-8622 (PRINT) PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Vince Maynard Tralee, Hillcrest Road, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6JS, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1732 505724 Mobile: +44 (0) 7747 002286 Email: pulppaperlogistics@virginmedia.com CONSULTANT EDITOR David Young Tel: +44 (0) 1737 551687 Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 796826

EDITOR John Nutting Email: johnnutting47@gmail.com REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Einar Johansson Tel: +46 8 540 255 15 Mobile: 0046 70 234 80 85 Email: einar.lennart@gmail.com PRODUCTION Anthony Wiffen ASTAC Business Publishing Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 1460 261011 Mobile: +44 (0) 7557 280 769 Email: anton_print_1@mac.com

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ABB

14

JAMES CROPPER

18

The future of fibre measurement

It’s all in the blend

ANDRITZ Prime example in low-consistency refining

20

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

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PROJECTS & CONTRACTS

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PEOPLE

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Vince Maynard, publisher

Vol. 12 Issue No. 68, September/October 2021

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PRINTER Brown Knight and Truscott Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3BW United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1892 511678

2 INDUSTRY NEWS

Pulp Paper & Logistics

America’s tissue leaders targeted for using virgin fibre

T

he largest tissue brands in North America have been accused of “failing the climate, communities, and biodiversity by creating throwaway products from trees, particularly from Canada’s boreal”.

Canada’s boreal is described by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in a report as “the largest remaining primary forest on the planet, is home to hundreds of Indigenous communities, and stores the carbon equivalent of twice the world’s oil reserves. But brands

like Charmin, Cottonelle, and Quilted Northern are flushing the boreal forest down the toilet”.

Charmin is produced by Procter & Gamble, Cottontelle

by Kimberly-Clark and Quilted Northern by Georgia Pacific.

In its ‘Issue with Tissue Scorecard 2021’, the NRDC, an environmental campaign group based in New York, fibre-based care product brands were graded according to their pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content, whether the virgin fibre used is fully Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified or FSC-Mix

certified, whether the company avoids sourcing fibre from primary forests, and the type of bleach used.

The NRDC says that the impacts of making tissue products from 100 per cent virgin forest fibre remain severe, harming communities, the climate, threatened species, and biodiversity and furthering the destruction of the world’s remaining primary forests.

The 2021 scorecard is said to assess 100 per cent virgin forest fibre brands in much the same way as the 2020 scorecard did,

but with an additional indicator for avoiding primary forests, which are vital for upholding indigenous rights, storing carbon, and supporting biodiversity.

In the ratings for toilet paper brands, the brand with the highest score of 595 out of 600 with an A+ grade was ‘100% Recycled’ from Who Gives A Crap, followed by Green Forest’s Green Forest with 590. Brands which used 100 per cent virgin fibre were scored lowest, below 130, and given a grade of F. These included products from Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark and

Plastic-free cartons for Germany’s ‘bunte eier’ In Germany decorated hardboiled eggs, or ‘bunte eier’, are a popular snack and an addition to lunch or dinner with more than 80 million packs sold a year.

They are currently packed and sold in supermarkets using plastic packaging.

To replace the plastics, Huhtamaki has launched Futuro, the first plastic-free egg carton in Europe for this application.

“This is a step forward in helping our customers meet their sustainability targets and drive a circular economy. By simply switching to our fibre-based Futuro cartons, Germany could eliminate almost 2,400 metric tons of plastic from packaging for eggs yearly,” says Hilbrand van Dijk, sales & marketing manager at Huhtamaki.

Futuro cartons are made of post-consumer recycled fibre, and in Germany they can be recycled September/October 2021

Decorated boiled eggs packaged in Germany without plastics by Huhtamaki in the paper and cardboard stream as well as composted at home or in an industrial composting facility after use. Also, the new flapless design makes the cartons 10 per cent lighter than standard fibre cartons, reducing their carbon footprint.

The patented design also allows

consumers to see the eggs on retail shelves.

With a long tradition of selling fresh and cooked coloured eggs, Moos-Butzen was the first distributor to start using Futuro egg cartons for their products in June. “Partnering with Huhtamaki was a strategic choice for us,”

says Rainer Becker, managing director at Moos-Butzen. “Quality and sustainability are integral to how we operate, we expect our partners to reflect these values.

Bringing in the Futuro egg carton helps our customers make their products stand out on shelves in a sustainable way.”

INDUSTRY NEWS 3

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Georgia-Pacific, the three largest tissue manufacturers in North America.

Credit was given to KimberlyClark for offering its Scott Essential Standard Roll, made from 100 per cent recycled content and at least 50 per cent post-consumer recycled content, online directly to consumers.

“This makes Kimberly-Clark the first of the ‘big three’ to earn an A grade for any of its products, putting it far ahead of P&G and Georgia-Pacific,” said the NRDC. Kimberly-Clark was contacted to make a comment.

In US-based Procter & Gamble’s most recent wood sourcing policy document, published in June, the company said: “Protection of forests and other natural ecosystems is critical

for maintaining biodiversity, combating climate change, and sustaining livelihoods. As part of our overall sustainability goals, P&G is committed to eliminating deforestation and ecosystem conversion from our supply chains and safeguarding human rights across our operations and suppliers.

“Given that wood pulp, fibrebased packaging, and palm oil are valuable renewable resources, we have a sourcing policy to address each commodity.

“We aim to eliminate deforestation, protect or conserve special sites, respect human and labour rights, and affirm the rights of indigenous groups.”

P&G says that it requires all of the wood pulp it sources to be certified by globally-recognised

certifications – in its case the FSC, Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – which include criteria related to protecting both environmental and social values of forests. “By producing all of our products with 100 per cent certified pulp, we are helping to promote forestry practices that leave a smaller environmental footprint, protect vulnerable species, and make a positive impact on communities that depend on them,” it says.

A spokesperson for P&G added that its paper products “have a supply chain that ensures for every tree used, at least two are regrown”.

Georgia-Pacific also holds chain-

of-custody certifications from the SFI’s Fiber Sourcing Standard, which confirms that raw material in its supply chain comes from legal and responsible sources, guarantees trained loggers are used in all harvesting activities, and ensures that harvesting practices protect water quality and biodiversity, the FSC, and the PEFC at many of its location.

Georgia-Pacific was contacted to comment on the report’s findings.

In conclusion, NRDC report author Shelley Vinyard said: “Saving our planet from climate collapse requires dismantling the tree-to-toilet pipeline that is flushing away some of our most important natural climate allies. Now is the time for real leadership from the biggest players.”

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September/October 2021

4 INDUSTRY NEWS

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Voith joins the cross-industry 4evergreen alliance

T

echnology provider to the pulp and paper industry Voith has joined the 4evergreen alliance, an association of more than 60 companies within the value chain of fibre-based packaging that have the common goal of increasing its use to more than 90 per cent by 2030.

“We are very pleased to be part of the 4evergreen initiative,” says Bernd Gueldenberg, research & development chief at Voith Paper.

“The cross-industry alliance’s goal of driving sustainable, recyclable fibre-based packaging solutions fits perfectly with Voith’s DNA and our vision to improve our world with highly sustainable and efficient technologies.” Various future projects are planned as part of the alliance.

Voith says it has been for many years strongly committed to the optimised recycling of paper and the development of sustainable products and processes.

In Heidenheim at the Fiber Technology Center, for example, Voith is conducting research on optimised recycling processes to

Voith is conducting research into optimised recycling processes at its Fiber Technical Centre reduce fibre loss as well as energy and water consumption. The pilot plant consists of all relevant stock preparation machines installed at full scale. A flexible design allows any combination of the individual process stages to work with each other.

Supported by state-of-the-art sensor technology, automatic process data acquisition and extensive laboratory analyses, the recycling processes of tomorrow are developed at the centre.

Also within the framework of the 4evergreen initiative, the centre

enables the knowledge gained to be transferred into practice, thus promoting the joint development of innovative and sustainable strategies.

The European paper industry association, Cepi, founded the 4evergreen initiative in 2019 following increasing consumer demand for fibre-based and sustainable packaging.

The alliance includes paper and board producers, packaging producers and converters, food and beverage producers, food distributors, technology and

material suppliers, waste paper sorters and collectors, as well as research institutes and technical universities. ● PulPac, the Swedish company that develops technology for the manufacture of low-cost, high-performance fibre-based packaging and single-use products, has joined 4evergreen.

Linus Larsson, chief executive of PulPac says: “What we bring to this alliance of experts and worldleaders is a novel production technology that can accelerate the transition to fibre-based packaging even further, and open new possibilities of cost-competitive sustainable fibre solutions.

“We can convert fibre into packaging up to ten times faster than conventional fibre forming methods, while decreasing CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent, all while conserving a lot of valuable water. We have a strong belief that partnerships across industries and value chains are integral to unlock the very rapid change needed today, as the world seeks a shift to a sustainable circular economy.”

Italian tissue maker cuts its environmental impact Reductions in environmental impacts have been made by leading European tissue maker Lucart, as revealed in its latest Sustainability Report.

The Italian company reduced its carbon dioxide and NOx emissions by 12.1 per cent and 44.6 respectively compared with its levels in 2014, and reduced waste per tonne of paper by 7.4 per cent compared with 2019.

September/October 2021

With three business units, 12 paper machines and production of about 395,000 tonnes a year, Lucart also improved its use of water and energy. Specific water consumption was down by 18.1 per cent, compared with. 2013, and specific energy consumption reduced by 11.8 per cent compared with 2014.

Lucart also renewed the commitment it made in 2020

to lead the green transition in the paper industry with new guidelines that will promote 100 per cent recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025 and 100 per cent recycled or compostable packaging by 2030.

Sales in 2020 reached €515 million with more than 1,600 employees in 10 production plants – five in Italy, one in France, one in Hungary, two in

Spain and one in UK – and one Logistics Center in Italy.

Lucart is due to start up a cogeneration plant this year at its Porcari mill for producing energy and heat, with gas turbines already set up to run on the most modern fuels, including hydrogen and biomethane. The investment will further reduce the specific energy consumption and the specific CO2 and NOx emissions, it said.

INDUSTRY NEWS 5

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Paper packaging complex to be built in north Vietnam

T

hailand’s SCG Packaging (SCGP) is planning to expand in the north of Vietnam with the construction of a new complex that will include a packaging paper mill with a total investment valued at US$350 million.

With commercial start-up expected in early 2024, the mill will be operated by joint-venture firm Vina Kraft Paper Company Limited (VKPC), and will integrate SCGP’s operations in Vietnam.

Wichan Jitpukdee, chief executive of SCG Packaging, said: “SCGP has launched a growth strategy in ASEAN, especially in

Vietnam with its high growth potential. Since 2009 we have launched a strategic investment plan there by establishing packaging paper production base in the south of Vietnam through VKPC. “Based in Bin Duong, the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City, the company is a 70:30 joint venture between SCGP and Rengo Company Limited (Japan). In 2016, VKPC doubled its original capacity in response to growing demands for packaging products in the region.

“Moreover, SCGP has expanded our businesses by investing in

various packaging operations in Vietnam, including packaging paper, fibre-based packaging, foodservice packaging, performance and polymer packaging.”

Demand for packaging paper and related products in Vietnam is expected to increase at approximately 6-7 per cent a year from 2021-2024 according to researchers Frost & Sullivan.

To meet rising demand for packaging products, SCGP will expand through Vina Kraft Paper by building a complex in Vinh Phuc, a strategically important area in the north, as well as adding

packaging paper production facilities to boost packaging paper capacity from 500,000 to 870,000 tons a year.

Wichan concluded: “SCGP has steadily invested in Vietnam with an expectation that our 2021 pro-forma annual revenue from sales will exceed 15,000 million baht. This new strategic complex will enable potential synergies among SCGP’s various businesses in terms of production efficiency and development of integrated packaging solutions, and help us meet the increasing demands for packaging products in the region.”

Welcome to the leading international event for the forest industry The next PulPaper event will be held in Helsinki on 29-31 March 2022. PulPaper is the forum for the latest technology and offers optimal business and networking opportunities in a multinational environment. The global industry will once again be gathered in Helsinki.

BUILDING TOMORROW’S BIOECONOMY

For more information and contact details: pulpaper.fi #PulPaper2022

• Exhibition • Conferences • Business Forum • Excursions • Social events PULPAPER IS ORGANISED AT THE SAME TIME WITH the leading Nordic chemistry and biotechnology event ChemBio Finland and the international chemistry conference Helsinki Chemicals Forum.

Organized by:

September/October 2021

6 INDUSTRY NEWS

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Masters in biobased products and paper technology

A

ndritz, a leading supplier of key technologies to the global pulp and paper industries, has been collaborating with Graz University of Technology’s Institute for Biobased Products and Paper Technology in the support of an education programme.

During this summer specialists at Andritz Automation with industry experience contributed to the master’s degree programme entitled ‘Process Engineering, Specialization: Biobased Materials and Fibre Technology’ by giving a series of lectures to provide

Signing up to educational collaboration (from left to right): Dipl-Ing Nicholas Aldworth-Moeller (Andritz AG); Dipl-Ing Gerald Steiner (Andritz AG); Univ-Prof Dipl-Ing Dr.techn Ulrich Hirn (TU Graz); and Hermann Obermair (Andritz AG) a comprehensive overview of current opportunities and challenges in electrical

engineering, automation, and digitalisation in industrial production.

Businesses urged to sell their cardboard as prices soar Businesses have been urged to ‘act quickly’ and turn their waste into revenue as cardboard prices in the UK hit new heights in the summer.

According to figures from Letsrecycle, cardboard prices were at their highest since their records began 20 years ago, with dry bales of cardboard commanding between £120 and £138 per tonne at UK mills in July 2021. That is a 50-60 per cent increase from January 2021, when bales were valued at between £73-£92 per tonne.

Jason Smith, managing director of phs Wastekit, which supplies cardboard baling machines to businesses across the UK, said: “The price of cardboard can September/October 2021

fluctuate, but 2021 has seen a real acceleration. The pandemic saw demand for cardboard rocket, so businesses have a real opportunity to open up a whole new revenue stream from their cardboard waste as a result.

“Baled waste cardboard, like boxes and packaging, can be sold on to recycling companies, bringing in new revenue for the business, whilst reducing waste collection costs and landfill fees.

I find it astonishing that more businesses don’t see the potential in their waste, especially as it costs them so much to dispose of it.”

Cardboard box manufacturers have been struggling with supply issues since 2019, when the global pandemic started.

A decline in the use of paper during lockdowns is thought to have caused a shortage – and subsequent increase in price - of the raw recycled materials used in cardboard production. This, coupled with an increase in the demand for cardboard packaging for online shopping during the Covid crisis, is thought to have attributed to the price changes.

Baler machines compact recycled waste such as cardboard or plastic into small, medium or large ‘bundles’, or bales, which can be sold to recycling companies for reuse or resale.

“Selling waste cardboard is beneficial from an environmental and economic perspective,” continued Smith. “The revenue

In the course of the lectures, Andritz Automation also presented its extensive Metric – Andritz Digital Solutions portfolio with the main topics ‘classic automation’, ‘advanced solutions (IIoT)’, and ‘professional service packages’.

In return, the Institute for Biobased Products and Paper Technology has been holding training sessions as part of Andritz’s Metris Academy to provide the participants with knowledge and know-how about bioproducts and challenges the paper industry is facing.

The first round of the lecture series has already been successfully completed. stream businesses can create, and the savings they make, supports their bottom line and boosts our economy. From an environmental point of view, there will be fewer waste collections, reduced fuel costs and more quality cardboard back into our recycling system to help supply. It’s a win-win situation.

“Unfortunately, many businesses are still overlooking their waste streams and processes. Businesses need to start accessing their ancillary costs in the same way as they do their core costs. A simple cost benefit analysis will quickly show up unnecessary costs and ways to generate revenue or reduce costs. There are almost always savings to be made in our experience, whether it’s reducing the labour costs associated with waste management or cutting down waste collections and transport costs.”

Going forward in tissue with essential flexibility

To go forward and keep ahead of the game in the demanding world of tissue production you have to be able to move fast. Flexibility is now a necessity as switching grades and qualities has become the new reality in tissue production. Utilizing hybrid technology, Valmet’s new range of Advantage NTT, QRT and eTAD tissue machines now have flexibility built in at their very heart and will allow you to swing between plain, textured and structured tissue products.

As well as unique flexibility, the Advantage NTT, QRT and eTAD range also gives excellent softness and high bulk using less energy and fiber per roll. Valmet Hybrids for maximum flexibility in tissue making. Read more at valmet.com/hybrid

8 INDUSTRY NEWS

Machine-glazed release liners made from recycled paper

P

ackaging and paper group Mondi has partnered with Germany’s VPF, which makes self-adhesive materials and coatings, to create what is claimed to be the world’s first sustainable release liner range made from recycled paper.

VPF has committed to make their labels more sustainable by producing them from recycled materials. In a next step, VPF wanted its release liners to also be made of recycled materials and collaborated with Mondi.

With Mondi’s EverLiner M R, all

the components of VPF’s label laminates are now made from recycled materials.

Launched earlier this year, EverLiner M R is said to be the first machine-glazed release liner with 70 per cent recycled content on the market. “As well as using less fresh fibres, it is available with FSC or PEFC-certified paper and significantly reduces the CO2e footprint compared to standard liners. This means EverLiner M R is a more responsible release liner solution for labels, tapes, envelopes, and industrial applications”, said Mondi.

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Magazine packaging wins an award for Stora Enso Fashion magazine Vogue Scandinavia and paper maker Stora Enso have won a Red Dot Design Award for the use of renewable fibrebased packaging.

The Red Dot Award was granted for exceptional design quality and creative performance in the category of Brands & Communication design. With about 20,000 submissions, the Red Dot Award is one of the world’s biggest design competitions.

The winning packaging comes in two versions, Normal Edition and Collectors’ Item Limited Edition, both made from Ensocoat by Stora Enso. All materials are fibre-based and renewable, reflecting Vogue Scandinavia’s commitment to sustainability, replacing single-use plastic wrapping used in magazines. The

limited-edition packages are rigid boxes with matching artwork and debossing, inspired by Swedish artist Hilma af Klint.

David Ekberg, EVP for packaging solutions at Stora Enso, said: “Vogue Scandinavia is a true inspiration for us as they push the boundaries in everything they do. Their ambitions combined with our expertise in packaging design and sustainability, help move the needle towards a greener fashion industry.”

Easy-to-apply cardboard drinks can carriers Recyclable cardboard carriers for multipacks of drinks cans have been added to the range offered by Wavegrip, which has been producing biodegradable plastic versions until now, with a brewery in Norway being first to use the cardboard versions.

“Customers are becoming more vocal and involved in the sustainability discussion. They have strong opinions and as September/October 2021

a producer we have to listen to these opinions,” explained Geoffrey Jansen van Vuuren, chief executive of Amundsen Brewery.

The white fully-coated topside is said to provide high-quality print in up to 10 colours. The design of the Cardboard Carrier means it does not require folding or manipulation during application.

Sustainability is increasingly an issue for drinks can carriers

INDUSTRY NEWS 9

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Valmet strengthens its environmental systems business

V

almet has completed the acquisition of ECP Group Oy and EWK Umwelttechnik GmbH following agreements that were announced in June.

From the beginning of July, ECP Group became known as Valmet Environment Oy and was integrated into Valmet EMEA to enhance energy and recovery services.

Manufacturing and modernising electrostatic precipitators as well as providing services, such as inspections, annual maintenance, spare parts and performance improvements, ECP Group’s sales were about €6 million in 2020.

Founded in 2002, the company is based at Vantaa, Finland, with

around 20 employees.

Tapani Stipa, chief executive of ECP Group, says: “Especially over the past five years, we have been able to serve our customers in energy, pulp and paper industries with new, broader service and modernization solutions both domestically and abroad. Joining Valmet enables us to develop and strengthen our expertise in ESP technology. As part of Valmet, we are taking a major leap forward as we will be able to serve our customers in an even stronger, more international and customeroriented manner.”

Minna Saarelainen, director of energy sales and services operations at Valmet, says: “Valmet Environment complements

our competences in improving and maintaining emission control processes in the pulp, paper and energy industries. The demand for better air emission control is increasing as emission regulations are tightening in our customer industries, and our customers look for more sustainable technology.

Now we are able to better serve our customers’ needs in flue gas cleaning.”

EWK Umwelttechnik – a German company manufacturing and supplying air emission control systems and after-installation services – will become part of Valmet’s pulp and energy business.

Specialising in emission control technologies including electrostatic precipitators, wet

absorbers, catalytic and heat recovery systems, and wastewater purification products, EWK had sales of some €22 million in 2020 with around 50 employees, mainly in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Bertel Karlstedt, president of the pulp and energy business at Valmet, says: “Combining Valmet’s and EWK Umwelttechnik’s emission control offerings expand the solutions we can provide our customers and widens the industries that our technologies cover. This creates new business opportunities for our environmental systems business. EWK Umwelttechnik has a very skilled team and I am happy to warmly welcome the 50 professionals to be part of Valmet.”

Return to Lucca for MIAC Sustainable barrier paper with good print performance After missing a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the MIAC 2021 paper industry exhibition was due to be held again in Lucca, Italy, from 13-15 October.

Some 250 companies had committed to be showing their products and services at the Lucca Exhibition Centre, covering the production of paper and cardboard, and the converting of tissue.

The MIAC tissue and energy conferences are also planned.

The first session on 13 October is entitled ‘Tissue paper mills – an essential industry’.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, hygiene products are even more at top of the needs of the consumer.

This is an opportunity for the tissue sector if it has to remain competitive. The second session

on 14 October is entitled ‘Tissue converting – an essential industry’ Also on 14 October is the MIAC Energy presentation entitled ‘Preparing for the Green New Deal’ The European Green New Deal further raises the benchmark in aiming to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and is the biggest ever challenge faced by an energy intensive industry. The conference asks how the pulp and paper industry can contribute to this goal, such as which infrastructures, technologies and energy efficiency solutions will be available to support the industry towards decarbonisation.

More information from Edipap srl, Via Pordenone 13, 20132 Milan, Italy. Tel: 39 02 2171 1614. Email: miac@miac.info Website: www. edipap.com

The range of sustainable and recyclable packaging papers from UPM Specialty Papers has been augmented with an advanced fibre-based barrier paper.

UPM Asendo Pro is a two-side coated paper that provides a number of benefits as an easilyrecyclable mono-material. The print side provides a basis for highquality visuals while its mineral oil barrier properties keep products safe.

Tommi Heinonen, EMEA sales chief at UPM Specialty Papers, said: “We provide sustainable premium quality products to replace conventional plastic packaging and increase the

share of renewable packaging solutions. UPM Asendo Pro is a cost-effective, durable and safeto-use recyclable barrier paper that supports even demanding packaging requirements, helps companies reach their sustainability goals and matches regulatory demands.”

September/October 2021

10 STORA ENSO

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Creating added value from lignin

L

ignin, the ‘glue’ which holds cellulose fibres together in wood, gets its name from the Latin word lignum, which, not surprisingly, means ‘wood’. Lignin makes up around 25 to 35 per cent of the dry mass of wood, depending on the species, and is the second most abundant organic polymer on Earth, exceeded only by cellulose itself.

Pulp and paper makers are of course very familiar with lignin, because it is the complex crosslinked phenolic polymer that September/October 2021

Stora Enso, which promotes itself as a renewable materials company, is leading the way in developing new qualities for kraft lignin. This renewable raw material has huge potential to substitute for less environmentally friendly polymers in a wide range of applications, reports Hugh O’Brian. Photography Stora Enso, Patrik Lindén, Magnus Glans must be removed from wood in the pulping process, while leaving the cellulose fibres intact for papermaking. Until today, almost all the lignin separated during pulping has been used as a non-fossil-based fuel which is combusted in the recovery boiler to generate steam and power

for the mill processes and local communities. However, scientists have always been interested in doing more with lignin to find more profitable uses.

Now, based on several drivers that have come together at almost the same time, the pace of activity to find wider

commercial uses for lignin is quickly increasing. Perhaps the biggest driver is the growing rejection of traditional plastic materials by both consumers and the authorities. In turn, this is due to the several negative features of petroleum-derived plastics, including their reliance

STORA ENSO 11

Pulp Paper & Logistics

“We believe there’ll be strong demand for lignin in the long run, and we’re happy to see more producers of lignin in the world,” says David Almqvist Stora Enso, making it the world’s largest producer. Domtar in the USA is second, producing up to 25,000 tonnes of lignin per year.

Many promising uses like batteries, binders and carbon fibres

Stora Enso is working on its own ideas to develop products from lignin, Lineo by Stora Enso, as well as delivering it as a raw material for other companies to process for their own uses on dwindling fossil reserves, large carbon dioxide footprint and lack of biodegradability.

Extracted kraft lignin, pioneered by Stora Enso The world leader in pioneering the technical and commercial developments to find more uses for renewable low-carbon impact lignin is Stora Enso, the SwedishFinnish company, which also has the distinction of being one of the world’s oldest manufacturing

companies, tracing its roots back to copper mining in Sweden in 1288.

Now among the largest and most modern bio-materials companies in the world, Stora Enso decided to invest in an industrial-scale LignoBoost kraft lignin production plant from Valmet, which started up in late 2015. Located at its Sunila mill in Finland, the line has capacity for 50,000 tonnes per year of extracted lignin, branded Lineo by

Stora Enso is working on its own ideas to develop products from lignin, as well as delivering it as a raw material for other companies to process for their own uses.

Among the many promising and growing areas it is targeting are energy storage, binders and carbon fibres. For example, in lithium-ion batteries, synthetic graphite, a non-renewable material, can be replaced by lignin-derived carbon-based anode materials. For binders and adhesives, lignin can substitute for a wide variety of petroleumderived compounds. And for the rapidly growing carbon fibre market, it can replace PAN (polyacrylonitrile), an oil-based raw material.

The level of interest and flow of potential ideas has been remarkable, explains David Almqvist, vice president for

emerging business in Stora Enso’s Biomaterials division. “We’re seeing huge and growing interest in lignin from a very wide variety of industries,” says Almqvist. “You can name almost any sector, and they’ve been in contact, which I think is because it’s so rare to see such a versatile new bio-based material becoming available.”

High interest is an indication that the tipping point may be near. Of course, Almqvist says that Stora Enso is actively approaching customers and companies in those areas where it sees the best opportunities to valorise lignin. And the market pull is also very impressive, as evidenced by the many diverse inquiries and ideas he sees coming into Stora Enso. It’s clear that the key driver is the fact that Lineo is a bio-based material.

“Many companies across various industries have strategic plans to move toward bio-based products and are willing to pay more for them,” says Almqvist. “Awareness of and interest in lignin-based products has thus significantly increased in recent years, because they want to include all or at least 4 September/October 2021

12 STORA ENSO

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Stora Enso’s LignoBoost plant is located at Sunila in Finland, with the capacity to produce 50,000 tonnes of kraft lignin per year some bio-based components in their products. And there’s an understanding that it may cost a little more for something that is carbon neutral.”

This doesn’t mean it’s a simple task to achieve this changeover from fossil-based to fossil-free.

“Of course, coming with a brand-new chemical to traditional industries means there’s a certain learning curve for using the chemistry of this biobased replacement material to the full advantage,” says Almqvist. “We’re now seeing growing interest in doing this, with more receptivity than was previously the case.”

New investment is a big vote of confidence As the Lineo business has been steadily developing, Stora Enso recently decided to add a granulation and packing plant at Sunila to enable easier packing and handling. The new packaging line will start in early 2022. This latest investment is a clear vote of confidence, showing Stora Enso’s strong belief in lignin for the future, a fact that was underlined in comments recently made by the company’s chief executive Annica Bresky.

“Lignin is one of our key innovation areas for delivering growth in new applications such

as energy storage, binders and carbon fibres,” Bresky stated.

“As the largest lignin producer in the world, we’re investing in this granulation and packing plant to reduce both packaging and transportation costs, while making granulated lignin easier to handle for our customers.”

Timing is everything, and the future is exciting Considering the growing awareness of the plastics problem around the world and the search for renewable components to replace them, Stora Enso’s timing in lignin couldn’t be better. Almqvist agrees.

“Stora Enso has an innovation

Bio-based binder from Stora Enso In May 2021, Stora Enso launched NeoLigno, its latest lignin-based innovation. NeoLigno is a fully biobased binder system free of formaldehyde and isocyanates, thus, providing healthier indoor and working environments. This new binder demonstrates the unique properties and potential of lignin. NeoLigno is a bio-based, high-performing alternative for industries currently using fossil-based binders or hazardous chemicals. Initial target applications for NeoLigno are in particleboards and insulation materials used in the building and construction industry.

September/October 2021

centre in Stockholm, Sweden, where more than a hundred people are looking into what kind of new products can be made from biomaterials. Our ability to make 100 per cent biobased material is quite unique, and we’re confident that anything that is made from fossil materials today can be made from wood tomorrow.”

“When it comes to the future of lignin, while we’ve come a very long way over the past three or four years, we think the next three to four years are going to be even more exciting. We believe there’ll be strong demand for lignin in the long run, and we’re happy to see more producers of lignin in the world. We feel this is a fight against fossil materials, not within the pulp and paper industry. The market for lignin is so big there’s room for all of us to be in this game.”

More information from Hanna Karlsson, Manager, LignoBoost Technology. Tel: 46 70 6018223 Email: hanna.karlsson@valmet. com

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14 ABB

Pulp Paper & Logistics

The future of fibre measurement A better understanding of fibre morphology, both in the lab and online, will offer the industry tremendous operational benefits and financial rewards provided that newly-available measurements are adopted, says Bill Dannelly*

T

he paper industry is going through a multifaceted transformation, about digitalisation, workforce trends and switching to a more innovative or sustainable culture, and about building on global networks.

To remain both competitive and profitable, mills must harness their supply chains to optimise their products, processes, organisational set-ups and business models. For many paper producers, these big themes can be addressed by looking more closely at some of the smallest components – the fibres their products are made of.

But, with generally low margins and limited capital budgets, the priority for spending in paper mills is typically on required maintenance, followed by projects that remove bottlenecks to increase productivity and ensure a good return. For innovative projects to attract investment, it is necessary to find opportunities that offer low risk and high potential returns.

It has long been time for the pulp and paper sector to get beyond its traditional mindset by recognising the huge potential that small, but significant, optimisation projects can make. One such example is the adoption of advanced fibre measurements which, when combined with artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, can provide far greater control of endproduct quality, generating high value with the minimum of, if any, risk. It is often the low-hanging July/August 2021

Fibre lines will be operationally more efficient with the adoption of more precise analysis at a nano scale fruit – the everyday tools such as fibre measurement – we take for granted that can yield the greatest returns. The sooner the industry starts recognising the potential value that can be mined from their processes with easily accessible tools, the better.

Employing new advancements in fibre measurements can benefit operations – from new product development to better quality

products – and help in the drive for better efficiency and higher profitability.

Emergence of microcellulose and nanocellulose products to drive sustainability A recent trend in cellulosic pulps is the development and use of micro-cellulose and nanocellulose formats to produce new,

improved and more sustainable paper products. These include; micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) produced by manufacturers such as Borregaard, Norske Skog and FibreLean, cellulose nanofibre (CNF) produced by Nippon Paper and others, and cellulose fibrils (CF) produced by Kruger.

All of these nanofibre products are very small with a high specific surface area, and are often used as

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Pulp Paper & Logistics

strengthening agents because they increase the amount of hydrogen bonding in a sheet to improve its tensile strength. Because the nanofibres are cellulose-based, they can be used to replace other bonding agents such as polymers derived from petroleum products, and thus offer a more sustainable alternative.

One challenge with nanofibres, however, is that conventional fibre analysers are not designed for detecting and characterising such small fibres, although an analytical method that can detect and characterise small particles in a pulp suspension was developed and patented in the 1980s. Since 2016, a commercial laboratory instrument using this concept has been available as an addon module for ABB’s L&W Fibre Tester, the L&W Crill.

Crill particles are typically 100 times smaller than a pulp fibre, but are important indicators of fibre bonding and strength properties. Unlike the detection of conventional pulp fibres, which depends on image analysis with visible light, this technique compares the intensity of two wavelengths of light transmitted through a pulp suspension: ultraviolet light (365 nm) and infrared light (850 nm). The crill content is presented as the crill quota, or the ratio of the UV/IR transmission losses.

The crill measurement technique was originally developed to monitor the process of refining, where crill particles are removed from the fibre wall. A linear relationship was discovered between the crill quota and the refining energy, both in highconsistency mechanical pulp refining and in low-consistency chemical pulp refining. As more facilities for the manufacture of nano-cellulose products are built

Figure 1: The relationship between crill quota and refining energy in the future, crill measurement will become an invaluable tool for quality control and for controlling

the refining energy, given that the manufacture of these products can be energy intensive.

Pulp and paper producers looking at more sustainable production would be welladvised to evaluate if their fibre morphology measurements are sufficiently advanced and well suited for the detection and characterisation of nano-cellulose fibres.

Online testing for better quality control

Figure 2: Online measurement, such as that provided by ABB’s L&W Freeness Online, provides frequent, automated and accurate measurement to better optimise refining

Paper, board and tissue manufacturers use pulp from a variety of sources, including long-fibred softwood pulps for strength, short-fibred pulps such as eucalyptus for opacity, bulk and softness, and recovered fibres from a variety of species and geographic areas. Those that control their own forestry operations and have integrated pulping operations can rely on a fairly consistent raw material, but need to measure the effect of pulping parameters on fibre quality. In the case of non-integrated operations, understanding the characteristics of the incoming fibres and having the ability to adjust the recipe is imperative to be able to meet customer product specifications. 4 July/August 2021

16 ABB

Pulp Paper & Logistics

techniques – mill operators can benefit from far more detailed, timely information on fibre quality. These powerful online tools allow quality improvement and variability reduction while lowering manufacturing costs.

Big data and artificial intelligence

Figure 3: Kraft fibres treated to induce curl (source, FPInnovations) For many decades, manufacturers have relied on lab tests such as freeness, shive content, size classification and various strength tests performed on handsheets to provide information on the properties of the fibres they are using.

While informative, the data from these lab tests are neither

timely enough to make process adjustments nor frequent enough to characterise the variability of fibre properties.

Now, with the advancement of online testing, automated sampling equipment and lab testing -- combined with data historians, sophisticated control systems and emerging AI

Over the last 20 years, fibre measurement in pulping and paper making has benefitted from huge advances in computer power, low-cost data storage and new analytical techniques. Most mills now have data historians that can store thousands of measurements from across the facility at time intervals of seconds to hours, for up to several years, and this data can be used to build powerful predictive models.

Modern fibre morphology analysers can directly analyse thousands of fibre suspensions, reporting on the deviation of properties such as length, width, wall thickness, shape

factor, kink index, fines content, shive content and coarseness.

While such measurements help develop better insights into the characteristics of the pulp furnish, and cost little to perform, their real value only emerges when combined with other online and offline mill data to develop tools for better quality control.

Adoption of soft sensor and advanced control strategies In the future, the adoption of soft sensor and advanced control strategies will become more important for producers to enable tighter process control, reduce variability, avoid rejection of off-spec product and achieve a greater return on investment.

Soft sensors, or calculated online measurements, offer huge potential value in their use to control the refining process. A soft sensor specific to a mill’s process can be built using a combination of lab experiments and machine learning. New advanced process

Figure 4: Bleached softwood fibres at different magnifications. At 100 times magnification, the deformations such as local kinks and softer bends can be seen July/August 2021

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Pulp Paper & Logistics

control techniques can then be applied, incorporating a predicted paper strength variable to optimise the refining process.

Today, many mills are adopting freeness control given that it is now possible to have frequent, automated and accurate measurement of freeness from automated measurement systems coupled with these online soft sensors. Freeness, however, is a blunt instrument. It is often used as an indicator of the bonding potential of the pulp, but it is actually a measurement of the drainability of the pulp, which can be important if it limits the speed of the paper or board machine.

A lower freeness, however, can be produced in several ways: as a result of refining, from a higher concentration of undesirable low-surface-area ray cells with poor bonding potential, or from shorter fibres. A more practical characterisation of pulp uses other measurements of fibre morphology properties, such as the surface area of the pulp calculated from the cumulative length and width of the fibres, which is more directly correlated with the strength of the final product.

As a result, closed-loop control is possible by using the predicted strength properties and fibre

Figure 5: Various types of fiber deformation morphology parameters to manipulate and accurately control pulp refining and furnish blending operations. Stabilisation and continuous control of strength properties can lead to reduced strength variation and improved machine runnability, quality and throughput.

Greater focus on understanding impact of deformed fibres as stretchable paper set to replace plastic The stretchability of paper is already important for certain speciality paper products, including sack paper used for cement, chemicals and flour, where flexibility of the paper without tearing is required. Due to

Bill Dannelly, global product line manager for pulp and paper at technology group ABB: “the industry is at an exciting point”

increased demand for sustainable products that are bio-sourced, recyclable and compostable, many new paper-based products are being developed to substitute for plastic packaging, with the challenge often being how to maintain the equivalent stretchability of plastic.

One way to overcome this is to produce a network of deformed or curled fibres, which can be achieved through either chemical or mechanical processes.

Deformed fibres create a more elastic paper when the paper is freely dried. To ensure the pulp has the appropriate properties to produce the desired stretch, fibre morphology analysers can be used to measure a number of properties, including the shape factor and kink index.

Shape factor is an important pulp quality measurement used to determine the straightness of fibres. While a high shape factor correlates well with tensile strength and stiffness, a lower shape factor indicates there are deformations present that enable the fibres to stretch.

The kink index is used to identify local deformations or ‘knees’ in the fibres. To calculate the kink index, changes in the direction

of the main axis of the fibres within a limited distance of the fibre are counted when the angle is 20 degrees or more. Kink measurement correlates well with shape factor in most cases, since local deformations are included in the shape factor.

By using one or both of these measurements and correlating them with the measured stretch of handsheets or the final product, manufacturers can optimise their chemical or mechanical curl-setting treatments to achieve the desired stretchability, as shown in Figure 3. This will undoubtedly lead to new extensible paper products that will become important as sustainable replacements for plastic packaging.

Conclusion Techniques for fibre measurement in the lab have existed as long as pulping technologies, but now the industry is at an exciting point where more advanced technology is ready to help make product, process and quality optimisation not just possible but easily attainable.

The emergence of more rapid and precise measurements, as well as new ways to characterise fibre morphology, both in the lab and online, offers the industry tremendous benefits. Used together with big-data-backed techniques and advanced control strategies, paper manufacturers will be able to improve quality and reduce variability while lowering manufacturing costs. Adopting these technologies to develop the paper products of the future is a great opportunity for investment considering the unique low risk/ high reward scenario they offer. *Bill Dannelly is global product line manager for pulp and paper at technology group ABB July/August 2021

18 JAMES CROPPER

Pulp Paper & Logistics

It’s all in the blend Expert blending of upcycled and virgin fibre is the key to connecting the three cornerstones of modern papermaking: performance, aesthetics and circularity, says Richard Burnett*

T

he 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 (ref 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 that 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 to give it a second, third and fourth life; something the CupCycling facility is capable of.

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 environmental impact of fibre selection is balanced with a mix of post-consumer wate and virgin fibre September/October 2021

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 James Cropper’s Rydal Collection showed the environmental impact of each of the fibre options available in the range. These include 100 per cent post-consumer waste recycled, 40 per cent postconsumer waste (PCW) recycled and 100 per cent fresh fibre from responsible forestry sources (FSC).

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

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c 1 00 per cent PCW option showed least impact in terms of primary energy demand c T he 100 per cent virgin option showed least impact on fresh water consumption c 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 James Cropper, the

The careful blending of upcycled and virgin fibre could be the key to connecting the three cornerstones of modern paper making company knows that expertise in fibre selection and colour application, alongside a bespoke approach to each product, enables the creation of 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 it can confidently be said that the 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 per cent inclusion of some carefullyselected 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 James Cropper’s work with Burberry, whose uses include 40 per cent CupCycling fibre for its packaging and retail shopping bags. Not only has this partnership resulted in 58 million coffee cups being 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 its own local source of very high quality pre- and post-consumer upcycled fibre streams.

With all the evidence the company has 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. ● James Burnett is recovered fibre operations manager at James Cropper plc, Bridge Street, Burneside, Kendal LA9 6PZ, UK. Tel: 44 1539 722002. Website: www.jamescropper.com Ref 1: DEFRA – Life Cycle Analysis of Paper Supply Systems

Clothing brand Burberry uses 40 per cent CupCycling fibre for its packaging and retail shopping bags September/October 2021

20 ANDRITZ

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Prime example in low-consistency refining Design changes in the latest pulp refiners from Andritz reduce size, improve efficiency and reduce maintenance. PPL reports

T

he TwinFlo low consistency (LC) refiner from Andritz is wellestablished and proven, with more than 2,000 operating around the world. It is a known benchmark when it comes to refiner technology.

With refining zones on both sides of the single disc of the TwinFlo, the accepted technique for adjusting the refining plate gap is to allow the rotor disc to float on the spline shaft, so that it centres itself axially between the stator discs. Machined keyways around the circumference of the shaft guide the disc as it floats on the shaft.

September/October 2021

This works well for most applications, but there are occasions where chemical deposits in the process water tend to scale up in the keyway guides and prevent the rotor disc from floating freely. When this happens, the energy input becomes imbalanced and the refiner plates suffer uneven wear. The corrective action is to replace the plates and manually scrape the deposits out of the keyway guides – a cumbersome, expensive, and time-consuming activity.

Making the connection For the new TwinFlo Prime refiner, designers at Andritz have

arrived at a better way to adjust the refining gap and eliminate the problems associated with deposit build-up in the keyways. The solution is to connect the rotor disc directly to the shaft so that the entire shaft and disc float as a single unit. This is the primary advancement in the TwinFlo Prime LC refiner.

The bearing unit is special.

Instead of roller bearings, a hydrodynamic plain bearing is installed, which uses sealing water as the lubricating fluid instead of oil. Only with this new bearing design was it possible to secure the rotor disc on the shaft as this type of bearing allows

Peter Ortner, Andritz product manager, inspecting the first TwinFlo Prime refiner manufactured at the Andritz workshop in Graz considerable movement in the axial direction.

A range of benefits Not only does the fixed connection between rotor disc and shaft in the new refiner improve its ability to maintain an optimum plate gap, it contributes several other key benefits, too: Compact size: The TwinFlo Prime is some 30 per cent shorter than conventional TwinFlo models. Since no lubricating oil is

ANDRITZ 21

Pulp Paper & Logistics

The TwinFlo Prime LC refiner is 30 per cent shorter

Direct connection between rotor disc and shaft

used for the bearing, there is no risk of oil contaminating the stock in the event of a leak. Hence, there is no longer any need for a separate mechanical seal. The bearing can be located closer to the rotating disc, shortening the overall shaft length considerably.

Paper makers will appreciate the simplified equipment layout, easier transport and installation, and more space for maintenance that the smaller footprint of the TwinFlo Prime provides.

Increased energy efficiency: With the bearing unit closer to the rotating disc, shaft strength and machine stiffness are improved. This enables the

in and pushes against the rotor disc. This force can sometimes be sufficient to close the refining gap on one side of the disc so that the rotor disc is no longer able to float back and centre itself. The result is poor refining performance and unnecessary plate wear. The TwinFlo Prime has a viscous dampening mechanism inside the bearing that absorbs these initial forces and prevents fast movement of the shaft during the initial high flow at start-up.

Simplified operation and maintenance: Eliminating oil contamination from a leaking bearing is a major positive for

TwinFlo Prime to handle about 25 per cent more power, improving specific refining performance.

Thus, it’s possible to install smaller refiners in the same application.

Optimised pulp flows: Simplifying the connection between rotor disc and shaft creates an opportunity to enlarge the disc port openings by about 70 per cent, improving the pulp flow and equalising the distribution of stock suspension as it splits between the two refining zones.

Dampening mechanism: Starting up a refiner creates significant load as stock rushes

operation and maintenance. In addition, the design of the new refiner significantly reduces the time required to dismantle the unit for a bearing change or to access key components.

Simple mechanical seals are now used, and the seal also has a cartridge design for easy replacement. The work can be done without having to lift the refiner or drive unit off their foundations.

The even distribution of stock and uniform application of power eliminate one-sidedness in refiner plate wear. This extends plate life and reduces downtime for changes.

Summary

TwinFlo (left) versus TwinFlo Prime (right) for size comparison

The fixed connection between rotor disc and shaft in the TwinFlo Prime improves the way the refining gap is adjusted and eliminates potential problems due to deposits building up in the floating mechanism. In addition, it offers several key benefits: a much more compact size, increased energy efficiency, higher possible installed motor power, optimised pulp flows in the refiner, increased plate life, and easier maintenance.

September/October 2021

22 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Measuring devices for paper production showcased

A

wide range of specialised measuring devices for use in the production of paper, tissue, and board was recently showcased by Emtec Electronic at a trade fair in Poland.

The German company focuses on developing technical solutions to common problems in paper manufacturing, such as the charge environment in the wet end of the papermaking process, gluability, printability and many more.

“Saving resources and minimising waste during paper production and converting has long been a challenge for manufacturers,” says Alexander Gruener, Emtec’s global marketing and business manager.

“Now, with the growing concerns and calls for more sustainable practices, it’s become even more of a priority. Emtec

devices offer companies ways to meet this goal by supplying specific knowledge of certain parameters before, during, and after production.”

The FPO Fibre Potential Analyzer, for example, helps reduce the amounts of chemicals needed in the wet end by quickly and constantly measuring the precise zeta potential of the pulp fibres.

Other Emtec devices provide specific data regarding the amounts of chemical additives

Software platform collaboration for corrugated converters An artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning platform developed by Sun Automation Group specifically for the corrugated converting industry has been tied up with Kiwiplan

Global, a key software provider in the sector.

Sun Automation’s Helios platform is made more powerful by partnering with Kiwiplan, says Sun’s Matthew Miller.

“Bigger data leads to better decisions, and that’s what this partnership means for corrugated customers around the world,” he says.

The collaboration between Helios and Kiwiplan enables customers to:

c Reduce production bottlenecks and unplanned downtime;

c Optimise box plant c c c c c

“Bigger data leads to better decisions,” says Sun Automation’s Matthew Miller of the Helios link up with Kiwiplan September/October 2021

productivity; Increase asset utilisation; Optimise maintenance intervals and costs; Automate parts orders; Predict failures before they occur; and Minimise loss and maximise output.

Rodney McGee, president of Kiwiplan, added: “Kiwiplan is excited to partner with Sun

Helping reduce chemical use at the wet end: Emtec’s FPA needed and the interaction of chemicals, leading to improved processes and more efficient resource use.

More information from www. emtec-electronic.de Automation Group and Helios.

The journey to machine learning and Industry 4.0 is evolving and is a vital tool to machine and plant optimisation.”

Helios is designed to provide data and control to customers in the corrugated converting industry. It enables access to actionable insights, the optimising of maintenance, and reduction of downtime, no matter what brand of machine equipment.

Kiwiplan Global is a software and consulting services supplier to the corrugated and packaging industries, providing integrated solutions for supply chain, business intelligence, ERP, manufacturing execution, scheduling, inventory and logistics.

More information from Sun Automation Systems, 12201 Long Green Pike, Glen Arm, Maryland 21057, USA. Tel: 1 410 472 2900.

Website: www.sunautomation. com

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 23

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Collaboration leads to success in secondary packaging lines for tissue

E

nd-of-line secondary packaging systems for hospital tissue products have been installed at Paperdì’s mill in Italy in a collaborative project with equipment supplier Microline.

Based in Naples, Paperdì has been making tissue products since 1989 with a mill at Pietramelara and a paper converting plant with ten production lines at San Nicola la Strada, both in the province of Caserta.

In 2018, Paperdì commissioned Microline to design and manufacture a secondary packaging line with the aid of its own specialist staff.

Microline, based near Bologna, has 20 years’ experience in the manufacture of automatic packaging machines using modular design features. Its

machines consist of a basic model that can be customised by adding dedicated modules or options.

The first order was for a sideloading case packer that was fitted to an interfolded towel and toilet paper line. A second order was for a dedicated high-performance line for hospital paper roll production, while the third order was fitted downstream of a state-of-the-art interfolded towel and toilet paper line.

Early in 2021, testing was completed satisfactorily, reports Microline. The three fullyfunctional, high-performance lines were operating with Industry 4.0 principles, fully automatic and connected to the remainder of the plant.

The challenge had been to make the machines both flexible and versatile while providing high

performance and efficiency. The “The partnership with unit dedicated to the secondary Microline,” said Mario di Leva, packaging of hospital paper rolls Paperdì’s production manager, operates with three different “is relatively recent, but it is formats. based on a solid foundation and a This also applied to the shared vision. The quality of the interfolded product packaging machines and units supplied by machines, which handle towels the Bologna-based company has and toilet paper, and was lived up to our expectations, as achieved without sacrificing has the technical support, which performance. The hospital paper has always been prompt and roll case packer handles up to 70 spot-on.” products per minute, while the More information from Microline units for interfolded products can srl, Via Emilia 33/c, 40011 Anzola handle up to 120 packs of toilet dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy. Tel: 39 paper per minute or 80 packs of 051 616 6696. Website: www.

Enessco - qtr pg.qxp 06/03/2007 09:52 Page 1 towels per minute. microlinesrl.it

NOW RUNNING IN APPLICATIONS AROUND THE WORLD! Eliminate the high cost of wax, stickies and contaminates problems.

Enessco has proved itself to: • 3% to 10% increased production • Reduced dirt / sticky counts / wax spots • Reduced antiskid usage • Elimination of TDU’s (Thermal Dispersion Units) • Increased yield by up to 2% • 30 to 70% downtime reduction (breaks, washups, etc.)

• Replacement of strength additives & deposit control chemistry

Enessco works every time!!! This environmentally friendly patented chemistry modifies contaminants to be more efficiently removed from the incoming recycle furnish as well as preventing cycle-up in the mill’s internal white water loop; thus reducing system contaminant loading and subsequent PM system deposition. It’s that simple!

Brown grades, Tissue, or DeInked/recycled Pulp Visit our web site at www.enessco.com to see actual results of mills using Enessco, as well at TAPPI conference papers, and customer testimonials.

Italian tissue products manufacturer Paperdì has successfully commissioned secondary packaging systems installed by Microline

We are looking for distributors and agents around the world, join one of today’s leaders, Enessco International contact steve@enessco.com today.

September/October 2021

24 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Reel wrapping paper made completely from wood

W

ith a reel wrapping paper entirely made from wood, Walki says it is helping the publishing industry to minimise its carbon footprint.

When graphical paper for magazines is transported to the printer, the paper reels need to be protected. Finland-based Walki has developed a 100 per cent wood-based reel wrapping paper, where the protective polymer barrier is made with tall oil.

“WalkiReel Wood is made of

Paper reel packing that is fossil-resource free 100 per cent renewable raw materials: plant-based tall oil and paper. In addition, we can potentially reduce the amount of

the polymer component by more than 20 per cent. Considering the scale of the board and paper industry, this kind of change does make a difference,” says Carlo van Houtum, sales and marketing chief at Walki.

As tall oil is a side product from pulp production, no additional forest needs to be harvested to acquire it, says Walki.

The Walki Reel Wood was developed in collaboration with a customer. Other customers have also shown interest in the fossilfree wrapping paper as it helps them and their customers, such

Refurbishing vacuum pumps is a move for sustainability The refurbishment of a vacuum pump, rather than buying a new replacement, offers performance benefits, as well as being sustainable, says Voith.

With 20 service centres worldwide, Voith provides reconditioning for pumps that includes preventive measures to minimise the effects of wear and corrosion caused by operating over long periods.

The preventive inspection is particularly recommended for vacuum pumps that have been in operation for more than 10 years, so that efficiency reductions can be identified at an early stage and repair them.

“A vacuum pump that is regularly refurbished can usually work efficiently for several decades,” explains Geert Tichler, global expert refurbishment technologies chief at Voith Paper.

The refurbishment is also sustainable: No resources are required for the manufacture

September/October 2021

Voith offers refurbishment services at 20 service locations worldwide. The vacuum pump at the back of the picture has already been refurbished of a new product, and there is no need for disposal. Most importantly, the repaired vacuum pump is likely to use significantly less water and energy, while avoiding the risk of future unplanned machine downtime.

A remanufacturing service starts with a precise

performance measurement on site, for which measuring points are installed during a scheduled maintenance stop. Based on the results, problems are identified and remedial action is decided upon.

At the service centre, the components to be serviced, regardless of size, type,

as publishing houses, to reduce their carbon footprint.

Walki uses the wrapping paper also for its own use in the Valkeakoski and Pietarsaari plants in Finland and in Steinfurt in Germany, in an effort to cut down on the company’s own carbon footprint. There are also plans to start using Walki Reel Wood in Walki’s UK plant in Garstang, Lancashire.

More information from Walki Group Oy, Ahventie 4 A 15, FIN02170 Espoo, Finland. Tel: 358 (0)205 36 3111. Website: www. walki.com

manufacturer and plant type, are dismantled and inspected.

Bearings, seals and other standard components are replaced as required. Voith also undertakes repairs of shafts and shaft sleeves. Brandspecific parts can be repaired using 3D scanning and reverse engineering.

In addition, Voith uses various processes and repair techniques, in particular the welding of rotor and housing parts. Once the geometries have been restored, wear- and corrosion-resistant coatings are applied. In addition, all rotating parts are balanced.

Depending on location and availability, customers are able to rent a Voith replacement pump for the duration of the repair work.

More information from J M Voith SE & Co KG, St Pöltener Straße 43, 89522 Heidenheim, Germany. Tel: 49 7321 37 2209.

Website: www.voith.com

PROJECTS & CONTRACTS 25

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Turkey’s Kipas Kagit orders a multifuel boiler to be future proof

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multifuel power boiler is being supplied by Valmet to Kipaş Kağit Sanayi Isletmeleri’s paper mill in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. The new boiler, and auxiliary process equipment, will improve the reliability of the paper mill’s steam and electricity supply. Additionally, its steam production capacity will be sufficient for the mill’s future paper machine PM4.

“We are very happy with Valmet’s way of working and the excellent cooperation in our earlier boiler plant project. We find Valmet’s technology reliable and appreciate

The Kahramanmaras mill in Turkey will be getting a new multifuel boiler its environmental friendliness,” says Sinem Öksüz Dedebayraktar, a board member at Kipaş Kağit.

The boiler will employ circulating fluidised bed technology with steam production capacity of 260

tons per hour at a pressure of 114 bar and temperature of 542 deg C. Kipaş Kağit Sanayi Isletmeleri A.Ş. started as a joint venture of Kipaş Holding in 2011 and produces high-quality containerboard paper

from waste paper. Currently, Kipaş operates two paper machines: PM1 in Kahramanmaraş with an annual capacity of 450,000 tons and PM2 in Söke with a capacity of 720,000 tons of coated grades.

Roermond Papier’s PM3 started up after rebuild The start-up of the rebuilt PM3 packaging paper machine at Smurfit Kappa’s Roermond Papier mill has been successfully completed by A.Celli Paper.

Completed at the end of June, the machine was off-line for 21 days for work that included the substitution of the whole frame and the change of the press loading system from pneumatic to hydraulic, along

with first group of the pre-dryer section having four new dryer cylinders and three vacuum rolls installed, including the relevant new hood. Mechanical and piping erection was also provided With a wire width of 5.09m, the machine is now capable of daily producing up to 1,000 tons of two-layer liner packaging paper with a basic weight ranging from 125 to 220 gsm.

Rebuilt PM3 at Roermond produces 1,000 tons of liner paper a day Sjon Vrieze, technical operations manager of Smurfit Kappa Roermond Papier, says:

“We were able to resume production on the evening of June 24, and the machine is running stable since then.

Uptime is above target, speed is on target and the quality achieve is above target, so from the point of view of the machine performance we are happy so far. I wish to send my regards to all the A.Celli colleagues who have worked hard to get the job done in Roermond.”

September/October 2021

26 PROJECTS & CONTRACTS

Verso’s Duluth mill to be revived with tissue production

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T Paper in the USA has ordered a new tissue machine for its recentlyacquired site in Duluth, Minnesota, with start-up planned for the end of 2022.

The PrimeLine W 2000 being supplied by Andritz has a design speed of 2,000 m/min and a working width of 5.65m to produce a range of bath, napkin and towel grades.

Sharad Tak, founder and principal partner of ST Paper says: “We partnered with Andritz because they offered state-of-the-art tissue machine technologies with a focus on optimised energy consumption and a commitment to achieve our

project goals.”

ST Paper acquired Verso Corporation’s idled Duluth mill in May, with the intention to convert the mill’s production from speciality paper grades to tissue. ST Paper has already converted two fine paper machines into tissue machines at its Franklin, Virginia, mill.

Andritz was a key supplier to ST Paper on both PM5 and PM6 rebuild projects at the Franklin mill, with the supply of the Yankee hoods and complete air systems for both rebuilds, including one of the widest Yankee hoods in the world at 8.43m hood width installed on PM6.

Upgrade for Duluth mill newlyacquired by Verso

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Berli Jucker Cellox starts up new tissue rewinder

A new tissue rewinder installed

by A.Celli at Berli Jucker Cellox’s Prachinburi mill in Thailand has been successfully started up.

The E-Wind T100 rewinder is designed to process 3,300mmdiameter paper rolls with a width of 2,750 mm and a basis weight ranging from 13 to 45 gsm, at an operating speed of 1,700 m/ min. This enables Berli Jucker Cellox to produce up to 90 tons of tissue paper per day.

Prachinburi plant director Chusak Soysungvarn says: “It was difficult to put into words

Rewinder enables 90 tons of tissue to be processed a day the happiness you get from seeing the first tissue reel came out from the A.Celli rewinder.

We have focused heavily on this expansion project to enhance manufacturing efficiency, energy consumption and quality level to serve our customers in the best possible way.

“The machine definitely fulfilled our wishes and we were really satisfied by the excellent collaboration and services provided by the A.Celli team.”

Hardwood pulp production lines started up at Project Star in Brazil Key production lines for the first of two hardwood pulp production lines supplied for Bracell’s Project Star have been started up by Andritz in Brazil.

Project Star at Lençóis Paulista in São Paulo state is said to be one of the largest and most sustainable pulp mills in the world, operating with the highest environmental standards. It features two flexible, hardwood fibrelines with annual capacity for up to 2.8 million tons of bleached September/October 2021

kraft pulp or 1.5 million tons of dissolving pulp made from eucalyptus.

Andritz has supplied A-ConFlex technology which enables flexibility in production of highquality dissolving pulp and kraft pulp.

With a capacity of 13,000 tons per day, the Andritz Herb recovery boiler is the largest in the world. It will make the mill self-sufficient in energy supply and additionally produce

Bracell’s Project Star will have capacity for for up to 2.8 million tons per year of bleached kraft pulp around 180 MW of energy for the Brazilian grid. This covers the

energy consumption of about three million people in the region.

PROJECTS & CONTRACTS 27

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Koehler Paper continues Electrification package enables SCA to transform modernisation at its kraftliner production Oberkirch mill

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urther modernisation is being planned by Koehler Paper for its speciality paper lines at Oberkirch in Germany.

The project follows the successful installation by Voith of a SpeedSizer film press and contactless qDryPro Compact high-performance drying system as part of a rebuild of the mill’s PM5 machine.

In the second rebuild phase

by Voith a new NipcoFlex shoe press will be installed in the existing press section to ensure more sustainable production.

The cost of the project was not revealed.

Hartmut Felsch, plant manager at Koehler’s Oberkirch mill, says: “For the second rebuild stage, we are again relying on Voith to achieve an optimum production result. 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

The Voith PM5 machine at Koehler’s Oberkirch mill: more modernisation planned existing press section, the dry content after the press will be significantly increased, says Voith. As a result, large volumes of steam can be saved in the dryer section for drying the paper web, thereby saving energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. 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 pickup felt.

Family-owned Koehler Group was founded in 1807 and focuses on high-quality, speciality paper, and, since 2019, innovative speciality paper for the packaging industry. It operates five mills in Germany and three in the US with annual sales of €770 million.

ABB has been contracted by technology supplier Voith to deliver drives and electrification to support the construction of SCA’s new PM2 kraftliner machine at its Obbola mill at Umeå in Sweden.

The contract is in addition to an automation and control system upgrade based on the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system (DCS), drives and instrumentation package that SCA awarded to ABB for the brownfield expansion, complementing ABB’s existing installed base and long-standing service agreement.

The installation of a new machine, infrastructure and optimised capabilities will enable SCA to increase annual production of kraftliner at Obbola from 450,000 tonnes to 725,000 tonnes.

“Increased focus on sustainable packaging and e-commerce is boosting demand for highquality packaging paper,” said Per Strand, project director at SCA. “The new machine from Voith and the associated ABB product selection will allow substantial increases in production and will allow the Obbola mill to meet increased market demands.”

Voith, as a full-line supplier, is taking responsibility for the entire paper making process and project handling of the new Obbola mill. ABB’s scope includes sectional drives suitable for high power and high power density machines as well as specialised motor requirements, ABB Ability System 800xA drive control system with ABB Ability Data Logger tool and Safety PLC solution for the drive system safety functions.

SCA’s Obbola mill in Sweden: kraftliner production being increased to 750,000 tonnes September/October 2021

28 PROJECTS & CONTRACTS

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Motor modernisation at Model Group increases speeds and efficiencies

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wiss packaging manufacturer Model Group has had one of its key paper making machines modernised by ABB with more energy-efficient motors and variable speed drives (VSDs).

The result is higher productivity and reliability, together with a reduction in energy consumption of up to 900,000 kWh a year and a projected payback in less than five years.

Model Group develops, produces, and supplies high-quality packaging made of solid and corrugated cardboard, from simple transport packaging to sophisticated chocolate and perfume boxes. At its facility in Weinfelden it operates

Model Group is exploring upgrade options to boost efficiency two large paper machines that run 24 hours a day, seven days a week to produce about 1.5 billion square meters of corrugated board a year.

The production of paper is energy intensive, so as the second paper machine at Weinfelden approached

the end of its service life, Model Group was keen to explore upgrade options that would provide a boost in energy efficiency.

Philipp Lenhard, technical manager at the mill, said: “Recycling and energy-efficient

production have the highest priority for us – from an ecological as well as an economic point of view. This priority applied to the renewal of the drive systems for paper machine two. The variable speed drives were legacy models that suffered from a lack of spare parts, while the motors dated from 1991 and required an extensive overhaul.

“We were impressed by the upgrade route proposed by ABB’s experts that would enable new motors and drives to be fitted.

This avoided the costs involved in overhauling the existing motors while taking advantage of government grants available for energy efficiency improvements.”

Stair and walkway design Container board line for Batı Kipas Kagıt’s lowers carbon footprint mill at Söke for Oulo mill conversion By using modular design requiring almost a third less steel, R-taso Oy, which manufactures stair towers and walkways, is able to help Stora Enso reduce the carbon footprint in the conversion of a paper machine to high quality containerboard production at the Oulu mill in Sweden.

The Stora Enso project´s carbon footprint was calculated

by R-taso Oy. The stair tower has a carbon footprint of 9,502 kg CO2e. Compared to more traditional stair tower structures about 5,000 kg CO2e environmental savings were achieved.

Based in Finland, familyowned R-taso Oy says the key September/October 2021

Intelligent walkway design lowers the carbon footprint contribution to the lower carbon footprint is more intelligent 3D design, optimised use of raw materials and the origin country of the steel. During the site´s life cycle R-taso´s approach offers even more benefits, for example because the product structures are easy to modify, remanufacture and to reuse.

A new container board making line is being supplied by Valmet to Batı Kipas Kagıt’s mill at Söke in Turkey. The PM3 will produce high-quality fluting and liner grades when it is scheduled to start up in the third quarter of 2023.

“The new PM3 board machine will be a showcase of Valmet’s high-level technical innovations. Batı Kipas Kagıt wants to be a forerunner in technology. We selected Valmet due to its innovative solutions and the good performance of Valmet’s earlier delivery of our PM1 in Kahramanmaraş,” says Sinem Öksüz Dedebayraktar, a board member at Kipas Holding.

The 9,100mm-wide (wire) machine will produce recycled fluting, testliner and kraft top testliner grades with a basis weight range of 60-110 g/sqm.

With a design speed of 1,800 m/min the machine will have a capacity of up to 650,000 tonnes. The machine will join the Söke mill’s PM2 line with capacity for 720,000 tons of coated grades a year.

Kipas Kagıt Sanayi İsletmeleri AŞ started as a joint venture of Kipaş Holding in 2011 and produces high-quality containerboard paper from wastepaper. The PM1 line at its first mill at Kahramanmaraş has an annual capacity of 450,000 tons.

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Pulp Paper & Logistics

Double-width tissue production line for Asia Symbol in China

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sia Symbol (Guangdong) Paper has ordered a complete tissue production line from Andritz for its Jiangmen Xinhui mill in China. Start-up of the TM13 machine, which will produce high-quality grades, is planned for the end of 2022.

The order includes stock preparation to a double-width tissue machine, and automation.

Design speed of the PrimeLine W2000 machine will be 1,900 m/

Asia Symbol is having a doublewidth tissue line installed min with a width of 5.65m and will produce paper towels, kitchen rolls, napkins, handkerchiefs, and

facial tissue in the weight range of 11 to 42 gsm.

Steven Hung, general manager of

Expansion for CMPC’s Guaíba mill in Brazil South American pulp and paper producer CMPC has signed a deal in which Valmet will supply key technology for expansion and modernisation at the Guaíba pulp mill in Brazil.

Target of the BioCMPC project is to increase the mill’s line 2 by 23 per cent to 1.85 million air dry tonnes per year (adt/y) with operations restarting in late 2023.

At the same time the project is expected to increase the production of renewable electricity and will minimise water usage in pulp production.

Area president for Valmet in South America Celso Tacla commented: “Valmet delivered the CMPC’s Guaíba mill line 2 in 2015 and the mill has been a showcase for many of our technologies. Over these years we have introduced value adding industrial internet solutions and offering our expert services for mill maintenance. To be chosen

Valmet is to supply key technology for the BioCMPC project to upgrade CMPC’s Guaíba pulp mill line 2, which was originally delivered in 2015 as the main partner for this along with improvements to remarkable project reinforces screening and drying, automatic Valmet’s commitment for a more tail threading and an additional sustainable future.” baling line.

The Guaíba pulp mill line 2’s CMPC produces and markets modernisation will include rebuild wood, pulp, packaging products, of the pulp drying, fibreline, paper, tissue, and personal care evaporation and white liquor products from 641,000 hectares plant, a new recovery boiler and of forest plantations, mainly pine new ash treatment, extended and eucalyptus, located in Chile, distributed control system Brazil and Argentina. CMPC Pulp including advanced industrial SpA operates four production internet features. lines in Chile and two in Brazil, Upgrading the pulp drying with total annual pulp production line will increase drying and capacity of about 4.1 million baling capacity and performance metric tons.

Asia Symbol (Guangdong) Paper, commented: “The tissue business is new to us, but we have rich experience in the production of high-quality printing and writing paper. We are used to working together with the best companies worldwide. This is why we chose Andritz as our partner to enter the tissue business.”

Asia Symbol (Guangdong) Paper is part of the RGE Group, a global player that focuses on sustainable pulp and paper production.

n Astrabel has ordered a tissue plant from Andritz to make highquality grades at its Belišće mill in Croatia, for start-up in 2023.

The turn-key project includes stock preparation, tissue machine with air systems and rewinder, complete electrification and automation, and pumps.

The tissue machine is a 2.85m-wide PrimeLineCompact S 1300 with a design speed of 1,300 metres per minute, equipped with a 15ft PrimeDry Steel Yankee and a PrimeDry Hood Combo. n Visy Pulp & Paper has ordered a 243,000 cubic metre chip handling and storage system, including a Stacker Reclaimer RST360 from Andritz, 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.

September/October 2021

30 PROJECTS & CONTRACTS

Pulp Paper & Logistics

Two semi-chemical fibrelines for China’s Lee & Man Paper

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ee & Man Paper in China has ordered two semichemical fibrelines for its mills in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, and Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, from Andritz.

With start-up scheduled for the end of 2022, the fibrelines will a capacity of 1,000 admt/d each, processing eucalyptus wood chips into semi-chemical pulp, an intermediate grade between kraft pulp and mechanical pulp. Semichemical pulp provides excellent fibre properties for corrugated boards, such as fluting paper and other grades produced at the mill.

Focusing on own-made fresh fibre production at Lee & Man mills The highly efficient green liquor pulping technology from Andritz will enable production of excellent pulp quality, high fibre yield as

well as optimum interaction with the kraft pulp mill.

Edmond Lee, chief executive of Lee & Man Paper, says: “We

Improvements to Mayr-Melnhof Karton’s KM3 line Austria’s Mayr-Melnhof Karton is having the KM3 machine at its mill in Frohnleiten rebuilt by Andritz, to increase output, improve quality and reduce the environmental footprint.

With startup scheduled for 2023, the rebuild includes: ● Rebuild of the wire section, including major modifications to the approach flow systems with new pumps, upgrade of three existing headboxes and the hybrid former, as well as a new two-layer PrimeFlow AT headbox with the latest state-of-the art dilution water CD profiling for better high-end product quality ● New press section with two PrimePress X shoe presses for gentle, energy-efficient dewatering and bulk savings at higher dryness ● Rebuild of the pre-dryer section September/October 2021

Mayr-Melnhof Karton’s KM3 board machine has a design speed of 800 m/min with PrimeRun web stabilisers for improved runnability ●U pgrade of two under-machine pulpers in the area of the press and pre-dryer section ●C omplete adaptation of the automation system ● Machine clothing.

The KM3 board machine has a design speed of 800 m/min and a wire width of 5 metres. It produces

folding boxboard (chromo duplex quality) with 230-450 gsm.

Andritz will also adapt the automation system of the stock preparation lines for board machines KM2 and KM3 in Frohnleiten.

Europe’s leading board producer, Mayr-Melnhof Karton has capacity for 540,000 tons per year of recycling board.

decided to focus on our own fresh fibre production as an alternative to imported kraft and recycled fibre pulp as raw materials. With the new fibrelines, we will become more self-sufficient in pulp imports and less vulnerable to market fluctuations. Andritz’s operating experience with similar installations in recent years, especially the first and only installation of this kind in China, was the main driver for our decision.”

Lee & Man Paper owns five paper mills and one pulp factory in China as well as several production bases in Vietnam, Malaysia and other countries

n Valmet is to upgrade the Mercer Rosenthal mill’s IQ Quality Control System with a new scanner and related measurements. The existing quality control system was installed in 1999.

“This upgrade is a great example of a lifecycle roadmap handled in close co-operation with our customer Mercer Rosenthal.

The plant will benefit from the latest generation of our proven Valmet IQ Quality Management System, which will continuously improve the process performance while achieving savings in fibers, chemicals, and energy,” says Steffen Seeger, service engineer in the automation business line at Valmet.

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Pulp Paper & Logistics

Andritz supplies more than 20 stock preparation systems to Vinda

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stock preparation system supplied by Andritz to Vinda Personal Care (Guangdong) has been started up as part of its tissue production at its mill in Yangjiang, China.

There are now more than 20 stock preparation systems from Andritz operating in mills belonging to the Vinda Group.

The new system comprises specific lines for needle bleached kraft pulp (NBKP), leaf bleached kraft pulp (LBKP) and bagasse as raw material. Andritz installed the whole stock preparation system, with equipment for

HC refiner results positive feedback for handfeel and softness from consumers at Vinda low-consistency (LC) pulping, low-consistency (LC) refining, high-consistency (HC) refining, the approach flow system, and broke handling.

Dong Yiping, executive director of Vinda International Holdings Limited, says: “With the new Andritz HC refining systems, we achieve better fibre quality

n A number of pulp technology

New tissue machine for Hungary’s Vajda Papír Hungary’s Vajda Papír has ordered a new tissue line from Toscotec for its mill at Dunaföldvár near Budapest with start-up planned for the first half of 2022.

Toscotec is supplying an Ahead 2.2L machine with a sheet width of 5.6m and a maximum operating speed of 2,200 metres per minute, providing yearly capacity of 80,000 tons.

The machine is equipped with the fully hydraulic TT HeadboxMLT, TT NextPress of upgraded design, a third-generation TT SYD, gas fired TT Hood and Air System engineered with several steps of energy recovery.

Attila Vajda, owner and managing director of Vajda Papír, says, “We found in Toscotec the right partner to realize our expansion strategy according to

New tissue line for Hungary’s Vajda Papír plan. Based on their extensive experience with turnkey operations, our confidence in Toscotec’s ability to successfully complete complex tissue projects on a tight timeframe was a key factor in our decision. At Vajda Papír we select the most advanced and energy efficient

in terms of strength, softness and absorbency compared to a conventional LC system in a similar tissue application. Our customers gave very positive feedback as to handfeel and softness of the final product – further proof that our decision to trust in Andritz again was absolutely right.”

Vinda Personal Care (Guangdong), part of the Vinda Group, is one of the top four tissue producers in China. The Vinda Group provides high-quality hygiene products and services and produces brands such as Vinda, Tempo, Tork, Tena, Dr P, Libresse, VIA, Libero, and Drypers.

technology to manufacture premium tissue quality for our customers and consumers.”

Vajda Papír operates three mills: at Budapest, Székesfehérvár and Dunaföldvár, making a total of 110,000 tons/year of toilet tissue, handkerchiefs, towels, and napkins a year.

orders have been received by Valmet from Nine Dragons for its pulp, paper and board greenfield project at Beihai city in China. The orders – estimated to be worth about €140 million, include two complete fibrelines, two bleached chemi thermo mechanical pulp (BCTMP) lines, a recovery boiler and DeNOx scrubbers with start-up scheduled for 2023.

The fibrelines will provide Nine Dragons with flexibility to produce pulp grades of different types and the opportunity to optimise pulp properties with lower power and wood consumption.

This allows Nine Dragons to achieve excellent resource efficiency. The deliveries include Continuous Cooking G3, Screening, Refiner and Washing, Oxygen and Bleaching technologies.

September/October 2021

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Pulp Paper & Logistics

Doug Cunningham to head up KimberlyClark’s EMEA business

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oug Cunningham has been appointed president of KimberlyClark’s EMEA consumer business, reporting to chairman and chief executive Mike Hsu. Cunningham was previously managing director of KimberlyClark Australia and New Zealand.

Cunningham will be responsible for one of the personal care product manufacturer’s most dynamic and diverse regions, serving consumers in 120 countries with well-known brands across developed, developing and emerging markets.

“Since joining Kimberly-Clark, Doug has delivered strong consumer-inspired innovation to grow our leading brands and gained market share across our categories. He has also strengthened our customer

relationships and built and developed an excellent leadership team. He is a great fit Doug Cunningham to lead our EMEA business,” said Hsu. Cunningham joined KimberlyClark in 2019 from Johnson & Johnson, where he held a series of progressive leadership positions across customer development, marketing and general management in countries across Asia Pacific, North America and Africa. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Sydney.

Marcus Wallenberg elected to head the nomination board at Stora Enso Stora Enso’s shareholders nomination board annually prepares proposals for the paper maker’s annual general meeting relating to the election and remuneration of members of the board of directors and board committees, as well as appointing the chairman and vice-chairman of the board.

The nomination board consists of the chairman and vice-chairman and two members appointed by the two largest shareholders at the end of August each year.

This year Stora Enso’s two largest September/October 2021

shareholders were Solidium Oy and FAM AB. The nomination board consists Marcus Wallenberg of: Antti Mäkinen (chairman of Stora Enso’s board), Håkan Buskhe (Vice chairman of Stora Enso’s board), Harri Sailas (chairman of the board of Solidium Oy), and Marcus Wallenberg (chairman of the board at FAM AB). Wallenberg has been elected as chairman of the nomination board of Stora Enso.

Industry giant Roger W Stone dies Often described as an icon of the corrugated cardboard industry, Roger W Stone died in September aged 86.

For many, the building of one hugely successful business would be enough. But after retiring in 1999 from Stone Container Corporation, the company established by his grandfather and which he had transformed into “the world’s largest producer and converter of brown paperunbleached containerboard, kraft paper, bags and corrugated boxes with over 30,000 employees and $6 billion in revenue”, as described in the New York Times, Roger went on to build two more big paper companies.

He created BoxUSA and KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation with his son-inlaw and business partner of 40 years, Matthew Kaplan. Together, Roger and Matt built KapStone into the fifth largest producer of containerboard and the largest producer of kraft paper in North America over the next decade.

Roger was born on 16 February 1935 to the Anita and Marvin Stone in Chicago, Illinois.

Throughout his professional life, Roger worked to make the paper industry stronger and more successful. He considered himself lucky and was quick to credit others for each company’s successes. The Chicago Tribune called Roger as a “savvy workaholic” who worked for business and pleasure. In his signature plaid shirt, khakis, penny loafers and a plastic watch, Roger possessed a “hands-on attitude… not ashamed of getting into the trenches to help his personnel”.

Roger W Stone He was the chair and board member of almost a dozen paper industry organisations, including American Committee for Air and Stream Improvement, American Paper Institute, and International Corrugated Case Association. He also served on the boards of many educational institutions, such as the J L Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Lake Forest Academy, North Shore Country Day School, and the Wharton School.

Roger is survived by his wife of 65 years, Susan; his children, Karen and Matthew Kaplan, Lauren Stone, and Jennifer Stone; his grandchildren, Allison, Alex, Doug, Lindsay and Daisy; his great-grandchildren, Haley, Charlie and Ryan; and his sistersin-law, Patricia Stone and Joyce Hicks and their families. He was predeceased by his brother, Avery.

An eternal optimist, Roger was often quoted as saying ‘The best is yet to come’. He was goodnatured and always hopeful about the future. Despite serious health setbacks in his final years, he faced them with grace and humility.

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