Wausau Paper, Mosinee, Wis., USA, has begun operating its new Voith Paper (Germany) tissue machine to meet demand in the conventional and premium away-from-home products segment. The equipment was installed at the company's plant at Harrodsburg, Ky. The new machine allows the mill to increases its premium tissue production by 70,000 tpy and to branch out into a wider spectrum of product categories. The new machine is designed to operate in conventional crescent former mode and in ATMOS mode.

The main highlight of this double-width (5,600 mm) machine is the use of ATMOS technology, which was developed in Voith’s Innovation Center in São Paulo, Brazil. This technology enables the production of premium and ultra-premium tissue papers using up to 100% recycled fiber, and consumes up to 60% less energy when compared with similar existing technologies.

Apart from the economies of scale resulting from its energy savings, the ATMOS technology also yields high bulk, softness, and absorption capacity, which are crucial attributes for the premium tissue segment, especially in the North American market, where Wausau Paper operates.

For optimum operation in both modes, key fabrics for the new machine are supplied by Voith, including the forming fabric TissueForm ITY and all ATMOS-related fabrics such as: the AtmosFlex felt AX2, the various AtmosMax designs for highest sheet bulk, caliper, and absorbency, and the AtmosBelt BW2.

"Developed in a joint effort with Wausau Paper, this project is very important strategically for both companies, since the American market is the world's largest premium and ultra-premium tissue and towel paper consumer," points out Rogerio Berardi, global VP–Tissue Product Management at Voith Paper. The Voith ATMOS technology is also present in the tissue mills of CMPC Talagante (Chile), Cascades Candiac (Canada), as well as of a tissue producer in Europe.

In addition to the ATMOS technology, Wausau Paper's tissue machine is fitted with the most advanced technologies that Voith offers for the tissue market. It includes the complete stock preparation with the new IntensaPulper and the new Pluralis refiner disc for less energy consumption. For the tissue machine, Voith delivered a MasterJet Pro T one-layer headbox with the ModuleJet automatic dilution system, a cast-iron yankee with an 18 ft. (5.4 m) dia., and a high performance hood to withstand temperatures of up to 510 °C.

Also included was the complete automation system including MCS, DCS, and QCS, a complete vacuum system, the EcoChange and MasterCut reel spool change and web cutting systems, as well as the MasterReel with independent primary and secondary arms operation for optimum premium tissue paper reeling.