below please find a selection of the latest news from the world of pulp and paper.

ipw news

A new thick paperboard from Iggesund Paperboard has been certified for HP Indigo for printing high-value applications on commercial digital presses. The 18 pt (457 microns ) Invercote Creato 380 g/m² is double coated on both sides, offering identical print surfaces on both sides, making it especially suitable for premium packaging applications The paperboard was tested and certified for the HP Indigo 10000 series and HP Indigo 7000 series presses.

Lecta has successfully completed the adaptation process of OHSAS 18001 certification to the new ISO 45001 standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems in all its manufacturing sites as planned. The new international certification will replace OHSAS 18001 starting in March 2021. Lecta has completed its transition smoothly and with ample time for transition.

Today, around 8.1 million tonnes of pulp, paper for recycling, paper and converted paper products are traded each year between the United Kingdom and the EU27, for a value of 7.3 billion euros. EU27 exports close to 4.1 million tonnes of paper, 0.7 million tonnes of converted paper products to the UK, as well as 0.4 million tonnes of pulp. The UK exports around 1.1 million tonnes of paper for recycling, 0.8 million tonnes of paper and 0.7 million tonnes of converted paper products to the EU27.

The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) has extended the deadline for applications in its Masters of Engineering (M.Eng.) bursary and research programme until 22 June. The programme offers eligible BSc chemical engineering final-year students or graduates the opportunity to further their studies at participating universities by way of a R260,000 bursary over two years.

In February 2020, PMP (Paper Machinery Producer) has signed a contract for delivery of two new Intelli-Jet V^® Hydraulic Headboxes for Smurfit Kappa’s paper machine (PM5) located in the Uberaba mill in Brazil.

FreeForm packaging has launched a new paper based high barrier solution. The high barrier has a thin layer that protects the packaging against oxygen transition and is environmentally friendly. Up until now FreeForm Packaging has only been able to sell a non-barrier solution, but as a result of the new oxygen-impermeable packaging, they are also able to offer packaging with good OTR and WVTR values.

Sofidel, manufacturer of tissue paper for hygienic and domestic use, continues to innovate and diversify its solutions for personal hygiene and cleaning public spaces and the workplace, with new products developed specifically to guarantee proper hygiene thanks to the antibacterial, antimicrobial and sanitizing features of the active ingredients used.

Mondi, global packaging and paper group, has contributed material and processing expertise to produce plastic protective gowns for staff at local nursing homes and retirement facilities in order to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. The first 100 of these disposable, single-use garments have been delivered to the regional district’s Civil Protection Authority in Diepholz, who will oversee the distribution to facilities that need it most. Mondi plans to produce at least 10,000 further gowns in the coming months.

In light of the European Commission’s expected announcement of which business ecosystems will be targeted by the European Recovery Plan and new Industrial Strategy for Europe, the partners of the forest-based sector have sent a proposal to EU Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, to include the European Forest-based Industries Ecosystem as one of the ecosystems eligible for support in the plan.

Valmet will supply an ash crystallizer plant with a capacity of 300 tons of ash per day to LD Celulose S.A. in Brazil. The ash crystallizer delivery is part of Lenzing’s and Duratex’s joint venture LD Celulose’s project to build a new 500,000 ton/year dissolving pulp mill in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. In January Valmet announced an extensive technology and automation delivery for the project. The new mill is scheduled to start up in 2022.

bio-fibre news

Valmet will supply a central control and data collection system to operate PVO-Vesivoima’s hydro power plants in the Iijoki, Kemijoki and Kokemäenjoki rivers in Finland. The order was included in Valmet's orders received of the first quarter 2020. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The system will be handed over to the customer in January 2021.