Ian Melin-Jones

Ian Melin-Jones

A.Celli Group is pleased to announce that Eng. Fabrizio Tonello has been appointed to the technical management of A.Celli Paper with effect from January 7, 2020.

As Technical Director (TD), Tonello will be in charge of managing the technological development, identifying and implementing new product strategies and market opportunities, sharing the already started digital transformation process of the commercial offer of A.Celli Paper S.p.A.

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Eng. Fabrizio Tonello has a Nuclear Engineering degree from the Polytechnic of Turin and has gained many years of experience in the tissue and paper sector, covering key roles in the staff of important industrial companies such as PMT Italia Srl and Beloit Corporation.

 “I am sure that Fabrizio will be able to carry out this task in an excellent way, guaranteeing the quality of project management and the achievement of the business objectives.” says Mario Fazzi on behalf of A.Celli Group.

We welcome Fabrizio aboard and wish him to achieve great goals together with the A.Celli Group Team.

Emtec test equipment enables a very exact evaluation of the relevant paper and board properties

Elof Hansson and emtec Electronic at ACOTEPAC 2020 in Cali, Colombia

From February 12th to 14th emtec presents its innovative measuring instruments for the pulp, paper and board industry at the ACOTEPAC conference (booth no. 56). The use of these devices enables a more efficient and reliable process and quality control from the wet end to the finished product and helps to achieve the best possible quality at the lowest possible costs.

2017 03 30 092245At the ACOTEPAC interested visitors can take a look at the Charge Analyzing System CAS touch! and the  Fiber Pozential Analyzer FPA touch!, two devices, which measure the particle charge and the surface charge of fibers. The easy handling, light weight and small size makes them an ideal partner. What the FPA touch! achieves with high accuracy in the laboratory, its “big brother”, the Fiber Potential Analyzer online FPO achieves directly in the production process, to which it is directly connected. Up to four fully automatic measurements per hour are possible. The results can be provided online, but can also be transferred to the computer system of the mill. The permanent controll allows an immediate reaction, in case it becomes necessary.

Together with our Colombian partner Alberto Marin, from Elof Hansson, our area manager, Daniel Ohndorf, will attend the conference of the Colombian papermakers once again in 2020. Besides the wet-end test devices CAS touch! and FPA touch!, the EST12 emtec Surface & Sizing Tester will be presented at the booth. By the help of the device, the surface sizing or more general the surface hydrophobia and the surface pore structure of paper and board can be evaluated. Both parameters have a big influence to the converting relevant quality characteristics printability, coatability and glueability. 

Construction of a cellulose filament plant and optimization of the paper mill

Resolute Forest Products Inc. (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) has just announced the construction of a commercial plant specializing in the production of cellulose filaments, a new sustainable biomaterial derived from wood fiber, at its Kénogami paper mill in Quebec as well as the optimization of the mill, at a total cost of $38 million.

"Our investment in cellulose filaments represents an opportunity to enter into non-traditional growth markets," stated Yves Laflamme, president and chief executive officer, during a press conference attended by government representatives, local dignitaries and employees. "The cellulose filament and Kénogami mill optimization projects will create synergies within our network of operations in Saguenay‒Lac-Saint-Jean."

abiti122011Cellulose filaments are derived from wood fiber that is mechanically processed without chemicals or enzymes. They are manufactured entirely from renewable sources, resulting in a low carbon footprint. Offering a wide variety of uses and a number of benefits, the filaments can be integrated into commercial and consumer products from many industries, including transportation, construction and energy, increasing the resistance and durability of those products.

The new $27 million project will create eight jobs in the startup phase slated for 2021, and a total of 23 jobs once the plant reaches its full production capacity of 21 metric tons per day. These new jobs will be in addition to the 200 existing positions at the paper mill. 

Resolute will also invest $11 million to enhance the Kénogami paper mill's short-term competitiveness by modernizing equipment in order to produce high-grade SCA+ supercalendered paper, allowing the mill to access more favorable markets. The mill has a production capacity of 133,000 metric tons of specialty papers per year.

The cellulose filaments will be marketed with the help of Performance BioFilaments Inc., a joint venture established in 2014 by Resolute and Mercer International Inc. that is dedicated to the development of non-traditional applications for cellulose filaments. The extraction technology was developed by FPInnovations Inc., one of Canada's largest scientific forest product research and development centers, of which Resolute is a member.

The project will be funded in part by Quebec's Department of Forests, Wildlife and Parks ($2.5 million), Investissement Québec ($4.2 million) and Natural Resources Canada ($4.9 million).

SOURCE Resolute Forest Products Inc

Valmet launches a completely redesigned Valmet Microwave Consistency Measurement – Valmet MCA (patent pending) for pulp and paper makers. Valmet MCA is now provided by digital electronics and the new Direct Sweep Detection measurement to offer higher performance measurement sensitivity and accuracy than competing analog designs.

A wider applicability with the new Twin Blade sensor

Valmet MCA’s new Twin Blade sensor complements the offering, along with the newly redesigned Flow Through sensor, by allowing paper and pulp makers to install it in larger pipe diameters. The Flow Through sensors are totally interchangeable with earlier installations.

Valmet Microwave Consistency MeasurementValmet Microwave Consistency Measurement

With a wider applicability, the new Twin Blade sensor can also be used to measure unscreened pulp. The sensor’s completely redesigned clamp mounted probe is suitable for the much higher conductivity environment of chemical pulping.

“This new measurement technology is a leap forward in terms of performance and usability. For long Valmet has been the market leader in microwave consistency measurements with more than 6,000 deliveries. The new Valmet MCA now leads the way for all pulp and paper needs,” says Marko Heikkinen, Product Manager, Automation business line, Valmet.

The new and easy-to-use operating unit

Commissioning and operation have also been enhanced with the Valmet Bridge user interface, a new 7’’ touch screen control platform designed for use with Valmet process sensors and analyzers. With comprehensive diagnostics, Wi-Fi and Industrial Internet ready capabilities, Valmet Bridge user interface provides a user-friendly experience and intuitive access to transmitter operation and remote services from Valmet.

The industrial standard in total consistency measurement

Valmet MCA measures total consistency of the pulp process stream independent of fiber length, freeness, wood species or blend. The measurement is not affected by flow rate, brightness or color and enables better control for more efficient production, improved quality and economic savings with fewer process upsets and less off grade product. With low lifetime costs, the sensor is simple to install and requires no regular maintenance to keep commissioning and running costs to a minimum.

Read more: https://www.valmet.com/valmetmca

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability for a machine to take in information, analyze it and come to conclusions based on that analysis, and it is taking the world by storm. The idea behind AI is that we can program a machine to mimic the learning and decision-making capability of humans, therefore allowing us to automate processes.

AI has many applications nowadays, such as:

  • speech recognition;
  • facial recognition;
  • medical diagnosis;
  • automated customer support;
  • machine learning and deep learning

The AI global market share is expected to reach nearly $170 billion by 2025 and this technology is being adopted by numerous industries, including:

  • healthcare and medicine;
  • education;
  • human resources;
  • marketing;
  • finance;
  • retail and eCommerce;
  • public relations;
  • manufacturing.

Industry 4.0 How deep learning can help you recognize paper and nonwoven machine defects

According to a McKinsey survey, 47% of respondents say they have incorporated at least one AI capability into their business operations. Within the manufacturing sector, AI, specifically machine learning, is being used on the factory floor. In particular, it has specific and impressive application when it comes to machine operations and maintenance.

Deep learning: how it works

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning. The latter uses an algorithm to analyze data, detect patterns in those data, learn from them and adjust processes and operations accordingly, without the need for human intervention. Usually, machine learning requires a structured and labelled data set to use as a reference for the analysis, and this is referred to as supervised machine learning. However, this poses limitations, which include the tediousness of labelling data, data bias, and difficulty in transferring what is learned in one situation to another.

When it comes to Deep Learning, these limitations are minimized because this is a form of unsupervised machine learning that does not require a structured and labelled reference data set.

While both types of machine learning are useful in an industrial setting, Deep Learning is particularly useful when it comes to exploring raw data and making inferences that will reveal hidden structures within those data, and this is highly relevant when it comes to machine operations on the tissue and nonwovens production line.

How deep learning is used to identify machine defects

On the production line, machines operates around the clock and under extreme pressure, and obviously they experience wear over time that can easily result in unexpected breakdowns and idle times that negatively impact production.

Read more: 4 Tools for Tissue and Nonwovens Machines to Reduce and Optimize Idle Times

This loss of productivity can, in turn, seriously impact profits. However, until now, workers on the production line had no way of monitoring machinery at a detailed level during operations. Getting close to machinery when it is working poses a safety risk and many critical machine parts are not within the line of sight of workers.

Thanks to Industry 4.0, smart machines outfitted with sensors that transmit real-time operational data over the cloud are becoming increasingly common. Hundreds, even thousands of data points flow in every minute and these data are received by a machine-and-software-independent platform, where the data will be integrated and analyzed thanks to machine learning.

It is important to understand that the data that flows in are chaotic and raw. Deep Learning can take these data and separate them into layers that forms the structure of the neural network, such as the input layer, hidden layer, and output layer. Deep Learning neural networks can analyze the data over time to map the degradation of machine parts and machine function and determine when any machine part is coming close to the end of its lifecycle.

Subsequently, predictive maintenance can be scheduled such that a particular machine can be taken offline at the most advantageous time. This will ensure that operations will continue to run smoothly and at optimal levels without abrupt interruptions.

Deep learning for better tissue and nonwovens machine productivity

Minimizing machine downtime is one of the most important factors to ensure that tissue and nonwovens production lines remain at optimal levels of operation. Deep learning is an AI tool that is leading the way in the detection of machine defects that are not visible to workers on the production line. These defects can be caught in time to schedule predictive maintenance in order to avoid unplanned machine idle times and loss of profit.

For more information about how AI, deep learning, and automation can improve productivity on your tissue and nowovens production line, download our eBook “5 Industry 4.0 Tools that Boost Productivity in the Tissue Paper and Nonwovens Industry”!

The British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA) will be turning 20 in 2020 – and will mark its anniversary at the Contract Pack & Fulfilment show in February.

Formed in 2000, the BCMPA will be hosting a 20th anniversary celebration dinner for its 150-plus members during the exhibition at the Birmingham NEC on Wednesday, February 26.

2020 01 17 150934The Contract Pack & Fulfilment show, which takes place on February 26 and 27, forms part of Packaging Innovations, the UK’s largest packaging exhibition.

Fittingly, 20 BCMPA members will also be exhibiting, showcasing the full spectrum of services represented by the BCMPA, and reflecting its updated identity as the Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics. A number of them will also be presenting at the show’s fulfilment and e-commerce industry forum seminars, sharing knowledge and best practice with those attending. 

Rodney Steel, chief executive of the BCMPA since 2003, said: “We are very proud to be celebrating our 20th anniversary during such an exciting time for both the Association and the industry.

“We can’t wait to share this milestone celebration with our accredited members and reflect on the success and growth of the BCMPA over the past 20 years.”

The BCMPA, which will have its own Hospitality Lounge at the NEC show, is internationally recognised for providing a valued resource for brand owners, retailers, manufacturers and e-commerce companies looking for professional outsourcing partners.  

Its membership numbers have grown significantly over the years and it now attracts members from a wide range of industry sectors, including food, drink, beauty, household goods, automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.

“Outsourcing is of increasing importance to UK business across multiple sectors,” said Rodney. “As a result, our industry now embraces a huge range of services right across the supply chain, as more and more companies look for extended support in their manufacturing, packing, fulfilment and logistics requirements.”

He said that growing demand from e-commerce businesses and companies requiring greater manufacturing flexibility meant that the role of outsourcing specialists was now much more pivotal.

The BCMPA and its members have seen a shift in behaviour as brands and companies are appreciating the benefits of a full end-to-end service as well as the traditional support with a particular part of the supply chain.

“From providing additional packing capacity during peak periods, to assisting in a complete new product development project, to a total solution from manufacture to final delivery, accredited members of the BCMPA are able to provide tailored support in line with customer requirements,” Rodney continued.

“The valuable conversations we will have with visitors to the show will create the perfect opportunity both to celebrate our 20 years as an Association and provide practical advice regarding the wide range of facilities and services our members offer.”

With Niklakett Medium PURE the label paper specialist offers now a high wet strength recycled label paper made from 100% recovered fibres. The paper is designed to sustain highest industry standards without any compromise towards production efficiency in converting and environment. The grade is currently available in 70 gsm, also as Niklakett Medium Pure Fashion, with a linen embossed surface.

b b logoTo complete the new PURE product line the company will also launch with NiklaSelect PURE, a non-wet strength label paper, also purely based on 100% waste paper fibres.

„With our new PURE line we are setting a new standard for the labelling industry.  Our PURE grades are developed and designed to have the same performance through the value chain as our well known standard products. Surface and opacity are at highest values, the performance in converting and labelling has proven excellent results ...“Markus Bammer, Technical MD at B&B, stated.

Jürgen Schulz, MD Sales & Marketing added: „Sustainability is one of the key drivers along our entire company policy. Our standard Niklakett Medium is already cradle to cradle certified and by introducing our new “PURE”-line we continue to offer innovative and environmental friendly products which meet highest international standards”.

When it comes to making and selling pulp, our relationship with our customers doesn’t end when our products leave our shipping docks. Our Pulp Technical Services team ensures we help our customers before, after and between shipments.

Being a successful pulp producer means developing and maintaining long-term relationships with customers across the globe. We want to serve as partners invested in their success by understanding their needs and responding with products and services that help them succeed.

Our Pulp Technical Services team oversees customer relationships and serves as one of their main points of contact. We’re always there to answer questions, provide recommendations and identify opportunities for improvement.

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Meet Our Pulp Technical Services Team

“We represent our customers’ interests from a product’s introduction to its qualification and beyond,” says David Lloyd, a pulp technical director who works on the team. “We are one of their main contacts and the main interface between them, our sales teams and our mill staff.”

The three members of our Pulp Technical Services team serve customers based on location and  pulp grade.

  • Pulp Technical Director Rick Hardee leads the group and provides technical support for fluff pulp customers who order from the Ashdown and Plymouth mills for Europe, North America, Central/South America, the Middle East and Africa.
  • Lloyd is based in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. He serves specialty pulp, tissue/towel and reinforced fiber customers in North American and Asia.
  • Jack Hsieh (pronounced “Shay”) is pulp technical director for China and Southeast Asia. He works with hygiene producers in the region. His background in hygiene production uniquely qualifies him to help customers set up their equipment to best process our pulp.

Our Goal Is Better Customer Outcomes

One of the team’s most important roles is helping to develop and market key pulp grades, like fiber cement.

“Twenty years ago, there wasn’t really a market for fiber cement products,” says Lloyd. “Today, it’s a substantial part of the Kamloops Mill’s business.”

Our fiber cement customers receive pulp from the Kamloops Mill in bales. They process and refine the pulp fibers to ensure they bond together when converted into the liquid solution used to form the fiber cement boards.

During a recent visit, one customer noted opportunities to improve the way the pulp fiber is refined to enhance board quality. Lloyd and the team took samples back to the mill, where they worked with engineers to replicate the procedure in our labs and make a recommendation on how the customer could modify their process.

Hardee says that example is representative of the value the Pulp Technical Services team adds not just for our customers, but also for our mill employees. “We try to be the voice of the mill with our customers and the voice of the customer with our mills,” he says. “We connect the mill and customer.”

The Pulp Technical Services team is always available to help customers run trials, fine-tune their machines and maximize production efficiency. We work hard to provide customers peace of mind and to let them know they’re not on their own after they take delivery of our pulp.

“The Pulp Technical Services team is an asset to Domtar,” says Lewis Fix, vice president of pulp sales and marketing. “It is allowing customers to see us as a proactive market leader that can provide real value as a long-term partner and strategic advisor.”

Story source : Domtar Newsroom

Blending technological solutions with a growing eco-conscious consumer mind-set, COLOURFORM™ is the latest packaging innovation from the James Cropper group, which is making waves in the packaging industry. 

COLOURFORM™ is thermoformed, plastic-free, natural fibre packaging.  Easily recyclable and biodegradable, it is available in customised shapes, colours and textures. It has been developed in response to the needs of premium brands who want to offer a quality, unique and sustainable customer experience.  

To help brands realise the capabilities of COLOURFORM™, the team, including the most experienced craftsmen, colour scientists, engineers and sustainable innovators in the industry, developed Poise to inspire sustainable innovation in packaging. 

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Craig Marshall, COLOURFORM™ managing director, says: “As Poise demonstrates, the technology behind COLOURFORM™ allows us to challenge conventional packaging shapes and integrate a wide range of sophisticated functionality and features, including hinges and clasps for inner and outer packaging. With precision embossing and meshing capabilities, we can also build in patterns, imagery and typography which contribute to the brand narrative. You can even protect your signature colour with our colour matching expertise - we can match anything a customer brings to us. Every project we deliver is unique, making the possibilities endless.” 

COLOURFORM™ uses 100% natural renewable wood fibres from sustainably managed forests and high-quality recycled fibres from its own world-class reclaimed fibre plant, giving new life to waste from a variety of sources including used coffee cups.  

Craig Marshall continues: “There’s a new dawn of opportunity afoot for brands and we want to show them what it looks like. Packaging now needs to be both environmentally friendly and beautiful; the challenge for brands is to deliver against future thinking in order to meet consumer expectations. 

“Our goal is to innovate. COLOURFORM™ exists as a direct response to the needs of the market – it reconciles the need for sustainable packaging with the desire for premium and bespoke aesthetics. 

“We recently worked with a futurologist who predicted that as consumers mount pressure on brands to deliver sustainable alternatives, we will see a very rapid change in consumer behaviour.  Consumers will actively avoid products packaged in materials which cannot be easily recycled, or end their life in landfill. COLOURFORM™ is a great example of a step change that we should start to expect as standard.” 

The Chinese group Shan Don Sun Honghe Paper Industry Co., Ltd. has purchased three more A.Celli E-WIND® P-100 Rewinders, this time for the subsidiary Sun Paper Savannakhet Co., Ltd., for a project in Laos located in Xepon, province of Savannakhet.

The almost twenty-years partnership between this important Chinese group and A.Celli Paper is further strengthened.

The three E-WIND® P-100 Rewinders will handle Medium Liner Board rolls, 6730mm wide.

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Two Rewinders will be positioned downstream of a first Paper Machine that produces paper (basis weight 140-250 gsm), while the third Rewinder will be placed at the service of a second line that produces paper, whose basis weight is 100-160 gsm.

All these three Rewinders have a design speed of 2500 mpm and are equipped with unwinders in-line to the Paper Machines, Automatic Spool Storage and new Slittomatic® Web-in cutting systems.

This order follows the one of the Rewinder sold at the beginning of the current year for the Shandon plant, already started-up and producing for several months.

The customer has also involved A.Celli Paper in some upgrades on the slitting groups of Rewinders supplied in the past: this type of activity will allow the Chinese group to obtain a higher efficiency with the relative modernization of its machinery.

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