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

ipw news

International technology group Andritz has received an order from Infinya Containerboard Ltd. for a complete OCC line including reject treatment system for its recycled paper mill located in Hadera, Israel. The OCC line will have a capacity of 1,080 bdmt per day and will use mixed OCC (old corrugated containers) as raw material to produce high-quality fluting and testliner for the Israeli market. The key equipment delivered by Andritz includes the complete stock preparation line with a FibreFlow drum pulping system for gentle slushing and efficient removal of contaminants at minimum fiber loss.

The proposed EU Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR) aims to tackle the problem of growing packaging waste. One of the targets is to make all packaging recyclable by 2030. To support sack kraft paper producers, paper sack converters and fillers to maximise the recyclability of all paper sacks placed on the market, EUROSAC and CEPI Eurokraft have published Paper Sacks - Design for Recyclability Guidelines. These guidelines provide recommendations for the materials used and for the physical construction of paper sacks.

Voith, global technology group for the paper industry, has launched a new research project called Forest together with partners from industry and research. The goal of the project is to develop a fully comprehensive digital map for papermaking processes that can capture energy and material flows, as well as CO₂ flows and footprints, down to the sub-process and sub-product level. The digital framework identifies multiple optimization opportunities that promote a targeted acceleration of the paper industry's transformation toward climate neutrality.

ABB has enhanced its L&W Bursting Strength Tester with new features to deliver quicker, easier and more reliable operator-independent testing. Unlike previous generations and other competitive models, which take longer with more manual effort, the new upgraded tester delivers faster results for maximum value and return on investment – all at a competitive total cost of ownership across the lifetime of the product.

International technology group Andritz has received an order from DS Smith to supply a complete stock preparation line and an innovative reject treatment system for the mill in Porcari that produces new packaging papers from 100% recycled paper. The stock preparation line includes what will be, according to Andritz, Europe’s largest FibreFlow drum pulper.

Mondi is investing €16 million in new technology to produce a new packaging range called FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate. This ultra-high barrier paper-based solution for food meets growing customer demand for sustainable packaging that contributes to a circular economy. The new addition expands Mondi’s existing portfolio of FunctionalBarrier Papers providing high-barrier paper-based packaging for food products such as dried foods and powdered milk as well as for applications in the home and personal care industry.

Holmen Iggesund’s Workington mill has been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum rating – proof that the mill is in the top 1% of more than 30,000 companies assessed. “As a producer of Incada, a high-quality paperboard, we are delighted to excel on the environment and climate aspects of the assessment. We are very pleased that our work relating to our wider business practices in areas such as employment, ethics and procurement are also scoring exceptionally well,” says Ulf Lofgren, Managing Director of the Workington mill.

Sappi will be introducing its extensive range of face stock papers, silicone base papers and wet-glue label papers at the upcoming Labelexpo Europe in Brussels from 11 to 14 September 2023. Visitors to the Sappi stand in Hall 5, Stand B 13, will have an opportunity to experience the company’s new CCK, Glassine and label papers. As reliable and sustainable partner, Sappi supports its customers in the self-adhesive industry with specific solutions.

Valmet will supply a new high-capacity winder to Gascogne Papier in France. The winder will be delivered for the paper machine PM 7 at their Mimizan site. The start-up of the machine is scheduled for 2025. The order is included in Valmet's orders received of the second quarter 2023. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

bio-fibre news

Fortum and the steel company SSAB have launched a joint commercial feasibility study and technical FEED (Front End Engineering Design) study to explore the possibilities of producing hydrogen-reduced fossil-free sponge iron in Raahe, Finland. In line with its strategy, Fortum wants to drive the development of a hydrogen economy in the Nordics together with its customers and partners.

Södra Ädla is a new partner of Nordic Forestry Automation (NFA). The company develops next-generation operator support systems for forest machines based on sensor technology from autonomous vehicles and AI algorithms. The investment is done together with Sveaskog and Almi Invest Syd and comprises a total of SEK 10 million.