The Pratt Industries' Staten Island (New York, USA) paper mill surpassed 6 million tons of 100% recycled containerboard production in early 2016, thanks to the hard work of mill personnel and the engineered reliability of a Voith paper machine.  

The Voith 196-in.-trim paper machine was designed for Pratt in 1997 and was slated to produce 710 tpd. Since the initial design and installation of the machine, Voith has supplied ongoing service and support - today the machine produces recycled linerboard and corrugating medium at a monthly average of more than 1,050 tpd, operating at speeds up to 3,280 fpm.

Voith Paper’s Regional Sales Manager Sammy Di Re notes this support relationship is a key element in the performance lifecycle of the machine. "By working closely with the Pratt team, Voith has been able to provide process-related technical solutions and mechanical support to help increase the productivity and efficiency of the machine."

Di Re recently presented a plaque to General Manager Muneer Ahmad and the Staten Island mill personnel, to commemorate reaching and surpassing the 6 million ton achievement.

"Voith’s support has helped make our team better at their work," said Ahmad. "Six million tons of recycled paper is equivalent to about 102 million trees—reusing and recycling 100 sq. miles of forest. Voith has helped us increase our productivity and keep it at a high level." 

Pratt is America’s fifth largest corrugated packaging company and the world’s largest, privately-held 100% recycled paper and packaging company. Along with the Staten Island plant in New York, N.Y., Pratt also operates sister plants in Conyers, Ga., Shreveport, La., and Valparaiso, Ind.