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

ipw news

Based on many years of experience in cleaner technology, Voith introduces the AdaptClean rebuild kit, the latest optimization option within its BlueLine product range. The AdaptClean technology enables a quick and easy conversion of existing low consistency cleaners from a diameter of 105 mm. The upgrade involves removing all parts below the headstock. A Voith cleaner cone and the Easy EcoMizer are then attached to the existing headpiece using an adapter. A dilution water line with pump makes the system ready for use again within a few hours.

This week, from 24 - 25 May, Chemspec Europe 2023 will open its doors at Messe Basel, Switzerland, to offer a unique marketplace for product sourcing, whilst connecting industry experts worldwide and providing valuable updates on trends and regulations via an extensive conference programme. With a highly specialised exhibition profile, the 36th International Exhibition for Fine and Speciality Chemicals is the meeting point for buyers, traders, and agents searching for bespoke, new approaches and innovative substances.

Voith delivered effective commissioning trainings for the November 2022 start-up of the world’s largest kraftliner machine, SCA’s PM 2 in Obbola, Sweden. Thanks to Voith's PapermakingAcademy and comprehensive documentation, the SCA team was optimally prepared for operation of its new state-of-the-art facility. “A key factor to the successful start-up here in Obbola has been the training given to the employees,” says Lisa Lundström Hämälä, Process Engineer at SCA. “Voith prepared extensive training materials, and Voith and SCA together made sure there were several occasions for each training so employees could attend while also running our old, now closed paper machine.”

UPM Raflatac, supplier of innovative and sustainable self-adhesive paper and film products, will showcase its graphics solutions at FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 in Munich, Germany on 23-26 May. UPM Raflatac will be participating in the expo for the first time under the Intercoat by UPM Raflatac brand name, after having acquired the AMC AG and the Intercoat brand in 2022.

Demand for OCC grades has been rather low all over the world, although in Asia it seems to be particularly weak. Fewer goods exports from China and other Asian countries to Europe and the USA mean that packaging production is declining and therefore demand and prices for OCC are weaker.

(by Francisco Donoso, DOLAF Servicios Verdes (Spain), President of the BIR Paper Division)

At this year's Zellcheming Expo, Bellmer will once again present its comprehensive portfolio of services for the paper industry. Focus topics at the Bellmer booth 140 in Hall North at the RheinMain CongressCenter Wiesbaden are intelligent complete solutions for the production process.

At FESPA Global Print Expo 2023, which is taking place in Munich from 23 to 26 May, Sappi will be showcasing an exclusive selection of its high-quality papers in Hall B1, Stand C45. Under the theme “Maximise the visual impact of your application”, the focus will be on sublimation papers, corrugated base papers and silicone base papers for a variety of self-adhesive applications.

Mondi is upgrading its Dynäs pulp and paper mill in Sweden. The modernisation programme will increase efficiency and further improve the overall environmental performance of the mill, positioning it well to continue meeting customer demand for sustainable paper and paper-based packaging solutions.

As full-line supplier to the paper industry and gold sponsor of the Zellcheming trade fair, Voith will present solutions for an efficient and sustainable paper production under the motto “Papermaking for Life” at booth 51, Hall North. The hybrid trade fair will take place from June 20-22, 2023, at the RheinMain Congress Center (RMCC) in Wiesbaden, Germany, and will provide a dialog platform for forward-looking process and product technology innovations for the paper, pulp and fiber-based industries.

bio-fibre news

In line with Södras strategy to support a more circular, sustainable society, to strive for resource efficiency and to maximise the use of their members’ wood while adding value for customers, Södra is investigating the possibilities for a ground-breaking new pulp which will combine wood from Södra’s sustainably managed forests in southern Sweden with agricultural residue from sources close to our pulp mills.

Andritz has received an order from Steves & Sons, Inc. to supply two pressurized refining systems to Steves’ new mill in Athens, Georgia, United States. Start-up will take place in 2024. The state-of-the-art pressurized refining systems with innovative C-feeder in conjunction with HC (high-consistency) refining will process a mixture of hardwood and softwood chips for production of high-quality fibers for molded door skins.

Valmet will deliver a new refiner with chip washer capacity of 28 ton/h to Arauco’s new MDF plant located in Zitácuaro, Mexico. The start-up of the system is planned for the last quarter of 2024. The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the first quarter 2023. The value of the order will not be disclosed.