Over the Wire

The European Association of Graphic Paper Producers have published their most recent set of statistics (Aug. 2018) for the European paper industry. Total shipments of graphic papers in August were down 5.9% vs. August 2017 and are down 4.5% ytd.

 

E-WIND® T80S is a modular and fully automated rewinder installed for tissue for Fapajal, running at 1000mpm, with built-in electrical cabinets, capable of managing products that involve a specific volume, diameter and cutting format while also guaranteeing extra capacity during production peaks.

 

Company has completed the acquisition of MD Papéis’ Caieiras specialty paper mill in Brazil for a debt free purchase price of about EUR 98 million. The acquisition is said to significantly strengthen Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s offering in South America and provides further growth opportunities.

 

As a first step in a high tech upgrade of the condition monitoring system on the PM12 paper machine, the company has recently invested in the Swedish mill just over one hundred measuring points for vibration and shock pulse monitoring in the wire and press sections.

 

To achieve even higher machine availability, online system will now also include the drives, with an installation comprising motor bearings and drive shafts, as well as bearings and drives in gearboxes. Bäckhammar’s most recent installation comprises Intellinova Parallel EN, the latest and most powerful online system in the Intellinova product family.

 

New system at two paper mills in Italy (Cartitalia and Cartiera di Carbonera) will reportedly substantially increase quality monitoring and decrease web break times and therefore improve Pro-Gest Group’s positioning at the market.

 

In 2015, Honeywell upgraded the 400 year old Gratkorn, Austria site's flagship PM11 paper machine to its Experion® PMD automation system. New project will include integrating a platform to allow centralized, remote monitoring of the mill's operations; four Experion PMD automation systems to control processes, machinery and drives; and four Experion® MX Quality Control Systems for use with quality sensors.

 

"The acquisition of Cellutech will add a new dimension to our fiber and cellulose capabilities particularly in lightweight cellulose foams and spheres. We are investing in technologies and expertise that will further broaden application development competence in Stora Enso’s Biomaterials Division," said Stora Enso's EVP of Biomaterials.

 

Machines will be installed in Shizuoka, Japan and are scheduled for start-up in the first and second half of 2019. Features Steel Yankee Dryer TT SYD, steam-heated hoods TT Milltech-DYH, and the shoe press TT NextPress. Each machine has a sheet width of 2,850 mm, an operating speed of 1,500 m/min, and production of over 22,000 tons.

 

When it originally announced the new $300 million mill last spring, Gondi did not name a location. The new mill will run the largest containerboard machine ever installed in Mexico. It has also raised the capacity of the PM from the 350,000 metric tpy originally announced.

 

Equity purchase price will amount to approximately EUR 275 million. Through this acquisition, MM Packaging extends its present position in cigarette packaging by the technologically closely related production of tipping paper.

 

300,000 metric tpy machine will produce a new and unique environmentally sound containerboard grade, kraft top white, which combines the strength, printability and appearance benefits of a white virgin fiber top layer with the economic advantages of a recycled fiber bottom layer. Project cost revised to EUR 340 million from EUR 310 million.

 

The 2018 challenge was to design packaging for the contents of a subscription box package that enhances the customer experience and can be reused for storage.

 

XcelLine paper machines PM 36 and PM 37 successfully started up at Zoucheng site of Honghe Paper, subsidiary of China’s leading papermaking group Sun Paper. The start-up of PM 37 has set up a new record: it only took two hours from Stock on Wire to Paper on Reel. Both machines have a capacity of 400,000 metric tpy.

 

WestRock and KapStone expect the pending acquisition to close on Nov. 2, 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. As a result of the acquisition, among other things, Holdco will become the ultimate parent of WestRock, KapStone and their respective subsidiaries.

 

Being one of the first six countries to bring the agreement into force will ensure Canada maintains its competitive advantage in the region. Agreement eliminates tariffs, provides clear provisions to help settle disputes, and prohibits the unfair blocking of imports. Royal assent of this agreement reaffirms the Canadian government’s commitment to the industry.

 

ViroSēl™ is a tri-laminate fabric constructed to be impervious, breathable and comfortable. The outer layer is fluid repellent and durable. The barrier layer has a monolithic film membrane making it impervious to liquids, viruses and bacteria. The chemical composition of the film itself allows moisture vapor to pass through it, keeping the surgical staff cool and dry.

 

"We are delighted to see JUST Water winning such a prestigious award. This confirms that carton packaging is very relevant for the water category, especially for brands that want to do more for the environment, without compromising convenience and functionality for the consumer," said Tetra Pak's EVP of Product Management.

 

Freshly merged German company announced it shares commitment to web-fed newspaper printing, mailroom, finishing solutions, automation, and service. New product line comprised of successful press lines such as Community SSC, Magnum 4, Magnum Compact, CROMOMAN and CROMOMAN 4-1, UNISET, GEOMAN e:line, and COLORMAN e:line.

 

With this technology, corrugated board packaging with flawless visible edges can be produced. Because this special technology has many other advantages, it is becoming increasingly popular on the market.

 

Lidloc design is an extension to standard cup structure that folds and locks into an integrated lid. One-piece construction made of paperboard removes the need for a separate plastic lid. Cup is easy to fold and assemble with a secure lid-locking design and offers extra branding power as it can be printed as one piece with the rest of the cup.

 

"The new Maker’s Field Guide to Digital Materials and Digital Processes is the latest expression of Mohawk’s ongoing commitment to demonstrating the pivotal role materials play in the success of any project designed for print," said Chris Harrold, SVP, Marketing & Creative at Mohawk.

 

Typical applications include internal and external building panels, worktops, flooring and shelving, as well as technical films for plywood. For converters, the new paper grade offers excellent uniformity, product consistency and optimized resin absorption.

 

Available in weights from 220 gsm to 350 gsm, high-brightness Atelier is produced at the company’s Maastricht mill, which has undergone a double-digit EUR million upgrade with an innovative paper-making technology that has allowed production of this extremely high quality FBB1 product.

 

Raw materials especially for aluminum-based coagulants pose an unusual challenge as the tight supply situation is globally driving cost up to unprecedented levels. Shortage of raw materials for iron-based coagulants also continue pushing cost further up.

 

Company will use its expertise in paper-based and flexible plastic packaging to enhance its product design and thereby achieve 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic packaging by 2025.

 

Many of the proposed changes will make PEFC Chain of Custody certification more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly, while retaining the robustness of the system. For example, an option to use remote internal auditing in multi-site certification would reduce travel related costs and greenhouse gas emissions for on-site auditing.

 

Company takes next step forward in its sustainability journey by rolling out an ambitious new set of goals. Seven new paper-based packaging production goals have been made for certification as well as energy, water, and waste reduction.

 

The state forests system is self-sustaining and receives no general funds, so they must support operations through timber sales like other private landowners. Certification of Virginia state forest lands demonstrates for Virginia landowners how certification can be part of their land management efforts while validating that working forests are sustainable.

 

Voith was an active participant in the PROVIDES project supporting the P&P industry’s technological transition towards meeting its climate objectives. Completion of the first phase was celebrated with the publication of a booklet describing the potential of Deep Eutectic Solvents for creating breakthrough innovations in the industry.

 

Marco Nespolo will take over on Nov. 15 for this Italian high-value label for packaging papermaker. He has worked with Cerved Group where he served as CEO and with Bain Capital Private Equity for 8 years, where he gained experience in various sectors, including the industrial and service sectors, with international companies.

 

Nils Ringborg will take over handling issues such as how legislation passed in Sweden is either imposed directly by Brussels or indirectly via directives that are interpreted and incorporated into legislation in Sweden. There is need to increase awareness of the conditions under which Nordic forest management operates to further competitiveness in Europe.

 

Lars Lundin, first announced for the position in May, took over as SVP of Paper on Oct. 22, 2018. He amassed thirty years of experience in the pulp and paper industry with previous employers such as Stora Enso. His most recent post was CEO of paperboard manufacturer Fiskeby Board.

 

TTJ Awards highlight the timber sector as a major, modern and forward-looking industry and recognize its achievements in areas that are vital to business success. Peter Latham has received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his 44-year career in the industry.

 

Alexander "Sandy" Taft has been appointed Director of Sustainability. Taft will work cross-functionally within Sappi’s North American operations to drive sustainability strategy and execution. Taft will also work with counterparts in Sappi’s European and South African offices to ensure consistency with global sustainability goals.

 

Stephan Schaller, President & CEO of Voith, resigned Oct. 31for personal reasons. He will continue to maintain his previous responsibility for Finance and Controlling and pursue both functions in personal union in the future. Dr. Toralf Haag has been appointed as the new CEO by the Shareholders Committee.

 

TAPPI presents IDCON Training in Materials and Parts Management. Maintenance materials are a large part of any plant’s operating costs and not having what is needed, when it is needed, impacts productivity, reliability, morale and the bottom line.

 

It’s not too late to attend TAPPI’s Tissue 101 course for important fundamentals.

 

Experience NETInc 2019, the only nonwovens technical conference developed by engineers and technologists to help you understand the science and how it impacts the market.

 

Don’t miss the chance to showcase your work at TAPPI Nano 2019. Enter your latest technical findings before 3 December 2018.