As one of the first companies in its industry, Stora Enso has implemented 5G technology to enable high density (HD) 360° camera solutions in their production environment. On 16 September, this solution was awarded second place in the Industry of Things World Award 2019 – in the category “Best implementation of IIoT* technology on the shop floor”.

The 5G technology enables deployment of applications requiring fast and powerful wireless connections, such as augmented- and virtual reality applications, as well as real-time 360° camera solutions. The newly implemented 360° cameras, in Stora Enso’s production environment, are utilised to produce high density (HD) video streams which can be viewed in real-time and enabling fast, reliable remote monitoring.

5G HDcamera

“Stora Enso has set out to be a pacemaker of IoT within our industry. This award is proof that we are continuing to be a forerunner within digital innovation and that we are building digital into the fabric of our company. Our digitalisation programme is a key component in securing our long-term leadership position as the renewable materials company,” says Teemu Salmi, Stora Enso’s CIO and Head of Digitalisation.

The 5G connection, in combination with the 360° video stream, means that all necessary information is easily and visually at the disposal of Stora Enso experts all around the world. When something unexpected happens, the video stream gives a real-time view and information of the event, irrespectively of geographical distance.

“This solution will help us in achieving key targets – such as optimising efficiency, flexibility, and availability in our production. In addition, it will also allow us to increase safety as trainings can be completed remotely prior to entering the physical production environment,” says Marko Yli-Pietilä, Stora Enso’s Head of Smart Operations.

For Stora Enso, this is only the beginning as the 5G technology will also enable other applications. For future operations, Stora Enso is piloting autonomous vehicles and machines which can be controlled remotely thanks to the low latency of 5G.

*Industrial Internet of Things

Part of the bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading global provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wooden constructions and paper. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. Stora Enso has some 26 000 employees in over 30 countries. Our sales in 2018 were EUR 10.5 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA as ADRs (SEOAY). storaenso.com

Due to a lower pace in the initial start-up of the new board machine at Gruvön, the effect on the result in the third quarter is adjusted by approximately SEK 150 million. The effects in the fourth quarter and the full year 2020 are expected to be unchanged. The machine is still expected to make a positive contribution to EBITDA in 2021.

The customer response on produced and sold material is positive and the technical quality is satisfactory. However, production volumes from KM7 in 2019 are expected to be lower than previously planned. This is mainly due to lower pace in the initial start-up in combination with the complexity of the integration with the existing mill. The market demand for the material produced continues to be good and the machine is still expected to run at full production capacity in 2023.

The negative full year effect 2019 on EBITDA for the start-up of KM7 is adjusted from SEK 500 million to SEK 650 million. The effect on the result impacted the first half year by SEK 190 million and is estimated to impact the third quarter by approximately SEK 300 million and the fourth quarter with approximately SEK 160 million.

BillerudKorsnäs provides packaging materials and solutions that challenge conventional packaging for a sustainable future. We are a world leading provider of primary fibre based packaging materials and have customers in over 100 countries. The company has 8 production units in Sweden, Finland and the UK and about 4,500 employees in over 13 countries. BillerudKorsnäs has an annual turnover of approximately SEK 24 billion and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. www.billerudkorsnas.com

Voith expands its portfolio in the forming section with the DuoFormer CBh – a cost- and space-efficient shoe-blade gap former solution for the fabrication of packaging papers at high production rates, providing paper producers with the utmost flexibility and a fast return on investment.

• Compact design is ideally suited for rebuilds and new machines alike
• Features a unique, smart combination of well-known, reliable components from Voith’s DuoFormer product family
• Lower operating costs compared to other former concepts at reasonable investment

Papermakers who are either looking for a new former with a very good quality-performance ratio or are faced with the challenge of having to replace their existing former to gain productivity benefit from the DuoFormer CBh. Due to its compact design, it is ideal for rebuilds where space is at a premium.

Its dewatering elements are designed to achieve the best possible combination of dewatering capacity and paper strength with minimum effort. Using a full ceramic slotted impingement shoe cover design and a high vacuum suction box (HiVac) instead of a suction couch roll, the DuoFormer CBh ensures the highest dry content and lower maintenance costs compared to market standard solutions.

The compact design of the DuoFormer CBh is suited both for rebuilds and new machines.

Voith’s DuoFormer CBh can be applied in a wide operation window, allowing for sustainable and reliable papermaking. It operates up to a maximum speed of 1,600 m/min. The drainage section’s capacity is exactly designed for desired production rates.

Well-devised design enables a steep ramp-up curve
After undergoing extensive testing at Voith pilot facilities in Heidenheim, the new former concept has already proven itself in actual use. “We chose Voith to supply this shoe-blade gap former for Roermond PM 1 because of the high quality and technology level of their equipment and their people. Based on our past experiences with Voith delivering successful projects, we felt good about investing in their technology, because it pays off in the long term,” says Wouter Lap, Managing Director of Netherlands-based manufacturer Smurfit Kappa Roermond Papier.

“Once again, the decision for Voith proved to be the right one. We had a great ramp-up curve from stock on wire to saleable quality within only one day after the rebuild that changed the entire forming section into an innovative DuoFormer CBh concept. We have seen a significant increase in the quality of our packaging papers and a production boost up 20% since the startup. Overall, we are very pleased with the results,” Lap concludes.

For more information about the DuoFormer CBh please visit

www.voith.com/duoformer-cbh

About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has more than 19,000 employees, sales of € 4.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the large family-owned companies in Europe.

The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services, components and products on the market and offers paper manufacturers solutions from one single source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations takes papermaking to the next level and facilitates resource-conserving production. With its Servolution concept, Voith offers its customers tailored service solutions for all sections of the production process. Voith Papermaking 4.0 ensures that equipment is optimally connected, while the secure use of generated data enables paper manufacturers to improve plant availability and efficiency.

Recard was successfully started-up the new plant PM11 for Klippans Bruk in Sweden the last 19th august 2019.  This new machine will add an annual capacity of 30.000 tonnes/year of coloured and white high quality tissue to the market.

The Recard’s supply, based in a turn key project, includes a Tissue Machine Crescent Former with a maximum operating speed of 1.700 mpm, trim at reel by 3.200 mm and with a gross production capacity of 110 tpd. Auxiliaries systems serving the machine are duo system hood, steam and condensate system, vacuum system, mist removal system and dust suction system.

The scope of supply includes a stock preparation system for 100% pre-dried virgin pulp, broke line, approach flow system, fiber recovery system and water distribution. The supply for Klippan Mill comprises also a high performing slitting rewinder with 3 unwind stands.

The Recard team and the first Jumbo reel during the start up at Klippan Bruck

To complete the Turn Key also the plant electrification have been supplied including mainly MCC, Drives, AC motors and power and signal cables and DCS and QCS are also included in the scope.

Turn Key Recard’s Services include full detailed engineering, mechanical erection, supervisions, start up assistance and personnel training.

“This is the 138th start-up for us, - declared Recard's Managing Director, Ing. Riccardo Campo - but the excitement and satisfaction for women and men of Recard seeing the first Jumbo reel made by our tissue machine is always unique. The plant was built with a turnkey contract signed with Klippan Bruk, an historic paper mill that blends well with the tradition of Recard to build unique machinery as each component is designed and built with artisan care to achieve the performance required by the customer”.

With Klippan’s PM11, continues the series of Recard successful start-up’s in which the first reel is perfect and ready to the market. 

Recard guarantees high performances, user friendliness and energy saving. The accuracy of the project, the manufacturing quality and the care give to the installation, ensure the respect of all customer’s targets.

Klippans Bruk AB History 

Klippans Bruk AB has a long tradition of papermaking. It began in 1573 when renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe´s uncle started producing paper near the monastery at Herrevadskloster. In 1832 the country’s first paper machine was installed at Klippan Mill. 

Through the years the paper products have varied following the markets requests.

From 1962 the production of tissue for napkins started at Klippan Mill and with more than 50 years’ experience of producing it Klippans Bruk AB is today one of the world´s leading producers of deep-coloured tissue.

Valmet has launched a new Valmet Optical Consistency Measurement (Valmet OC2R), which has been developed for recycled pulp manufacturing applications, as well as general stock preparation applications in paper, tissue, and board.

Valmet OC2R shares the total consistency measurement method utilized in the original Valmet Optical Consistency transmitter with the added capability of ash content available as a second measured value. Particularly in low-consistency measurements, Valmet’s optical transmitters are frequently the only possible measurement technique to provide reliable results. Valmet OC2R offers easy and low-cost installation with a measuring probe that makes insertion and removal possible without requiring special tools or a process stop.

For mechanical and chemical pulp, as well as for recycled fiber furnishes, Valmet OC2R is an ideal choice for control applications, from re-pulping and screening all the way to the machine chest.

Valmet introduces new inline optical total consistency and ash measurement.

“The addition of the ash measurement to total consistency opens new possibilities for recipe management in pulp blending, better broke handling, and reducing machine chest furnish variability. In recycled fiber processing, the benefits of the two measurements include better end product quality with improved strength and optical properties,” says Heikki Föhr, Product Manager, Valmet Optical Consistency Measurement, Automation business line, Valmet.

Technical information about Valmet Optical Consistency Measurement (Valmet OC2R)

Valmet OC2R joins the Valmet Optical Consistency Measurement (Valmet OC) family of transmitters, each optimized for use with eucalyptus pulp, recycled fiber and chemical pulps in addition to mechanical furnishes. Installed in an area of turbulent flow, the temperature and vibration resistant probes are self-cleaning even in the demanding environment of recycled fiber processing. Sharing the same basic components and modules optimized for each application, they have gained a deserved reputation for accuracy, reliability, and ease of installation.

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

For further information, please contact:
Heikki Föhr, Product Manager, Valmet Optical Consistency Measurement, Automation business line, Valmet, tel. +358 50 551 0730
Sami Saarenmaa, Business Manager, Measurements, Automation business line, Valmet, tel. +358 40 583 4147

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2018 were approximately EUR 3.3 billion. Our more than 13,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

Read more www.valmet.com

Södra is adjusting the price of spruce logs and pulpwood.

Spruce log supplies are high in both Sweden and the rest of Europe.  The global economy is showing continued signs of a slowdown, which is affecting the finished goods market, and market prices for spruce logs are declining in general. The cyclical slowdown is reducing demand for market pulp, with an adverse impact on price formation. Due to high supply and declining demand, the market price of softwood pulpwood is falling. The market price of fuel wood is also decreasing.

“The timber price adjustments are due to both high supply and external factors, which are having a negative impact on demand and creating market uncertainty,” said Olof Hansson, President of the Södra Skog business area.

The following price adjustments will apply from 9 September 2019

• -SEK 30/m³sub for spruce logs
• -SEK 20/m³sub for softwood pulpwood
• -SEK 20/m³sub for fuel wood

For more information, please contact: 
Olof Hansson, President of Södra Skog Business Area, 
Tel: +46 470-857 67
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Founded in 1938, Södra is Sweden’s largest forest-owner association, with nearly 52,000 forest owners as its members. We conduct modern and responsible forestry, and operate state-of-the-art mills in which we process our raw material. In 2018, sales amounted to SEK 24 billion and employees totalled 3,100. Through value-generating relationships and a long-term approach, Södra shows the way for the next generation of forestry.

Rottneros has appointed Ola Thomasson as Mill Director at Rottneros Mill. Ola most recently comes from Valmet, where he has held the position as Director Global Site Operations Tissue. He will take office no later than January 1, 2020 and will be part of the Rottneros Group Management Team.

“I am very pleased to welcome Ola to the position as Mill Director of Rottneros Mill. His solid experience as a leader and strong career in the pulp and paper industry in various production positions are excellent qualifications to take Rottneros Mill to the next level”, says Lennart Eberleh, President and CEO Rottneros.

“I am extremely proud and very humble about being offered this role. Rottneros has a very long and interesting history. Thanks to all fantastic employees, Rottneros offers a wide range of products and a very close proximity to the market. It is all the talented people who make a difference every day. Together with the extensive investments made in recent years I see a great future for the mill, not the least as a very modern working place. I look forward to come on board as part of the team”, says Ola Thomasson.

For more information please contact:

Lennart Eberleh, President and CEO, Rottneros AB, +46 (0)270 622 65, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Rottneros is an independent producer of market pulp. The Group comprises the parent company Rottneros AB, listed on NASDAQ Stockholm, and its subsidiaries Rottneros Bruk AB and Vallviks Bruk AB with operations involving the production and sale of market pulp. The Group also includes Rottneros Packaging AB, which manufactures fibre trays, and the wood procurement company Rottneros Baltic SIA in Latvia. The Group has about 300 employees and had a turnover of approximately SEK 2.3 billion in the 2018 financial year.

• Shut down of one paper machine will reduce linerboard capacity by approximately 288,000 tons
• Focuses mill on manufacture of differentiated DuraSorb^® and KraftPak^® products
• Enables approximately $40 million EBITDA improvement

WestRock Company have just announced that it is reconfiguring its North Charleston, SC, paper mill to improve the mill’s operating efficiency and long-term competitiveness.

As part of the reconfiguration, WestRock will permanently shut down one of the mill’s three paper machines and related physical infrastructure, eliminating approximately 288,000 tons of linerboard capacity. The reconfigured mill’s production capacity will total approximately 605,000 tons per year, consisting of three grades: kraft linerboard; KraftPak, an unbleached folding carton kraft paper; and DuraSorb, a saturating kraft paper used for decorative laminate and industrial end uses.

“The actions that we are taking at our North Charleston mill will substantially improve the long-term competitiveness of the mill by reducing our on-going operating costs and capital needs, and focusing more than half of the mill’s production on the high-value, differentiated DuraSorb and KraftPak products,” said Steve Voorhees, chief executive officer of WestRock. “Reducing the production of linerboard at this mill will help balance our supply with customer demand across our system.”

The company anticipates that the reconfiguration will increase WestRock’s annual EBITDA by approximately $40 million, primarily due to the reduction in operating costs from the shutdown of the paper machine and its associated infrastructure. This reconfiguration includes an anticipated workforce reduction of approximately 260 positions at this mill over a five-month period, starting in January 2020.

“We understand that this reconfiguration will impact our employees, their families and the community,” continued Voorhees. “Our teams are working to provide support and resources to our employees and their families as we move forward.”

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com