Ian Melin-Jones

Ian Melin-Jones

Valmet introduces new control product called Valmet Stand-Alone Retention Control (Valmet RET) for retention and break-time headbox ash consistency management. It offers benefits for paper, board and tissue makers previously only available to the users of Valmet DNA process control and Valmet IQ quality control system. 

Utilizing the Valmet Retention Measurement (Valmet RM3), low consistency measurement and control hardware with state-of-art model predictive control, the product enables users to take control of the wet end to a new level.

valmet logo rgb"Both controls, based on the Valmet IQ MD Optimizer, already have a proven track record. We know that by stabilizing the wet end we can offer improved quality, chemical and energy savings as well as better runnability for virtually all grades," says Timo Rantala, Product Manager, Automation, Valmet.

Active wet end management for stability and runnability

Valmet Stand-Alone Retention Control improves paper quality in the machine direction by reducing variations in basis weight, paper ash and moisture. Additional advantages include fewer wet end breaks, savings in chemicals and drying steam as well as better control of grade changes and start-ups - all leading to higher productivity.

As the very first pilot user of Valmet Stand-Alone Retention Control mentioned: "Retention measurement and control are fully reliable solution, which both are used all the time. We can say they are standards at our paper machine."

Technical information about Valmet Stand-Alone Retention Control

The goal of Valmet Stand-Alone Retention Control is to minimize consistency variations within the short circulation and stabilize wet end operation. It stabilizes white water consistency by controlling retention aid flow.

The goal of breaktime headbox ash control is to keep paper web ash content stable and thus make web threading easier, breaktime shorter and paper ash on target right after sheet break. Breaktime headbox ash consistency control becomes automatically operational during sheet break.

Both controls reside in Valmet hardware installed in the cross-connection room. This enables fast deliver, short implementation and tuning time of the control product in the mill. A secure remote connection to Valmet RET allows a fast response and remote help from Valmet locations around the world. Connection to mill system can be made with standard 4.20 mA I/O signals or optional digital links.

Read more: https://www.valmet.com/retention-control

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

For further information, please contact:

Timo Rantala, Product Manager, Automation, Valmet, +358 40 512 8278, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jukka Nokelainen, Business Manager, Automation, Paper Analyzers, Valmet, +358 400 284 150, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A new management structure marks the beginning of an ambitious three-year programme for iT’s Tissue, the Italian Technology Experience.

After seven years and three editions of the unique live technology open-house event, Marco Dell’Osso has been appointed Chairman, leading an independent management team to take the brand forward.

“Our network of founding members represents the best of Italian technology in the field of tissue,” said Dell’Osso. “We have also benefited from the involvement of high-level partners who have brought complementary expertise to our initiative. We intend to extend this relationship more widely to a group of companies with shared values and standards of excellence. As such we can enhance the experience of our visitors and partners and ensure we are offering the best the world has in terms of tissue technology, networking and vision for the future.”

Left to right: Stefano Bortoletto, CFO; Maddalena Marcone, Events and PR Manager; Marco Dell'Osso, ChairmanLeft to right: Stefano Bortoletto, CFO; Maddalena Marcone, Events and PR Manager; Marco Dell'Osso, Chairman

The iT’s Tissue management team includes Stefano Bortoletto, CFO, Maddalena Marcone, Events and PR Manager, and other experienced professionals.

The next iT’s Tissue in the heart of Italy’s “Tissue Valley” has been confirmed for June 2021 with the founding network members and the participation of a wider group of global partners.

On behalf of the founding members, Past President Massimo Franzaroli said: “We are delighted to hand the torch to a new management team with the experience and ability to support the growth of iT’s Tissue. The network will continue to give its enthusiastic support to the brand and the unique experiences it offers.”

iT’s Tissue also intends to apply its visionary approach to a new event in 2020, details of which will be announced in due course.

Valmet will supply an extensive paper machine grade conversion rebuild for Stora Enso at its Oulu Mill in Finland. In the project, originally Valmet-supplied paper machine PM 7, which is currently producing fine papers, will be rebuilt to produce high-quality virgin-fiber-based kraftliner grades.

The order is included in Valmet's orders received of the second quarter 2019. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

Happy faces after shaking hands after the deal (from left): Teemu Houhala, Kari Räisänen (both from Valmet), Ari-Pekka Määttänen, Rickard Arnqvist (both from Stora Enso), Jari Vähäpesola (Valmet), Ari Saarnio, Harri Metsärinne (both from Stora Enso), Kirsi Peltola, Marko Oinonen, Pasi Ronkainen (all three from Valmet), Janne Myllykangas (Stora Enso) and Kimmo Kyllönen (Valmet).Happy faces after shaking hands after the deal (from left): Teemu Houhala, Kari Räisänen (both from Valmet), Ari-Pekka Määttänen, Rickard Arnqvist (both from Stora Enso), Jari Vähäpesola (Valmet), Ari Saarnio, Harri Metsärinne (both from Stora Enso), Kirsi Peltola, Marko Oinonen, Pasi Ronkainen (all three from Valmet), Janne Myllykangas (Stora Enso) and Kimmo Kyllönen (Valmet).

The project is part of Stora Enso's investment plan to transform to higher profitability business with grade conversion projects. Oulu Mill will cease to produce wood-free coated papers by the end of 2020. The start-up of the rebuilt PM 7 is scheduled for the end of 2020.

"The conversion of Oulu Mill will enable Stora Enso to further improve its position in the growing packaging business and we are taking a major step forward in our transformation," says Project Director Ari Saarnio from Stora Enso. 

"Valmet and Stora Enso have had a long and successful cooperation over the years at all of Stora Enso's mills. Our strong experience in complicated projects and grade conversions is essential for this project. It is also an advantage that the paper machine was originally supplied by Valmet in 1997. It will smoothen the project execution further. The selected technology will enable high end-product quality and production capacity in a sustainable way," says Jari Vähäpesola, President of Paper Business Line, Valmet.

Technical details about the delivery

Valmet's delivery will include a new world-class production line for virgin-fiber based kraftliner (both brown and white-top). All the equipment will be delivered with installation.

The 9,000-mm-wide (wire) PM 7 will be producing kraftliner and white top liner grades with a basis weight range of 80-225 g/m2. The design speed of the new parts will be 1,300 m/min. The annual capacity will be 450,000 tonnes.

Information about the customer Stora Enso

Part of the bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading global provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wooden constructions and paper. The company employs some 26,000 people in more than 30 countries. The Oulu Mill in northern Finland currently produces wood-free coated paper and bleached softwood pulp.

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

For further information, please contact:

Jari Vähäpesola, President, Paper Business Line, Valmet, tel. +358 40 558 6555

Kari Räisänen, Sales Director, EMEA and NA, Board and Paper Mills, Valmet, tel. +358 40 518 0567

It is with great satisfaction that A.Celli Paper announces to have signed another contract with the Chinese customer for the purchase of a Paper Rewinder E-WIND® P-100, whose delivery is scheduled for the end of January 2020.

The new rewinder is destined to the Hangzhou City plant, Zhejiang province, an important district, known for the production of decorative and printing paper.

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The rewinder has been designed for a speed of 2300 mpm, with the mother roll paper width of 3860 mm and will be dedicated to the production process of Special Decorative Paper, with a basis weight range between 50 and 120 gsm.

A further confirmation for A.Celli Paper technology, which is increasingly present on the Asian territory and capable to meet the needs of different customers, promptly answering to multiple production variables with flexibility and promptness.

Valmet will supply a forming section rebuild introducing a novel Sleeve Roll technology to Ajin P&P's Dalseong mill in Korea. The rebuild of the paper machine PM 3 targets production increase and improved end-product quality. The start-up of the rebuilt machine is scheduled for 2020.  

The orders are included in Valmet's orders received of the second quarter 2019. The value of the orders will not be disclosed.

"Ajin highly appreciates Valmet's know-how and strong focus on customer-centric research and development. Valmet has been continuously providing new and innovative solutions to the market targeting for example improved energy, water and raw material efficiency. The Sleeve Roll is an excellent example of this," says Dr. Jin-Doo Kim, Vice President of Ajin P&P.

Shaking hands over the deal (from left): Timo Saresvuo (Valmet), Jin-Doo Kim, Yeon-Wook Jung (both from Ajin), Hannu T Pietilä, Sami Anttilainen and Tae-Yeon Kwon (all three from Valmet)Shaking hands over the deal (from left): Timo Saresvuo (Valmet), Jin-Doo Kim, Yeon-Wook Jung (both from Ajin), Hannu T Pietilä, Sami Anttilainen and Tae-Yeon Kwon (all three from Valmet)

Technical details about the delivery

The delivery for PM 3 will include modifications to forming section. The existing fourdrinier forming section will be rebuilt into OptiFormer Hybrid by adding a top forming unit that utilizes a novel and innovative Sleeve Roll technology. Sleeve Roll is a specially designed roll, which has a sleeve-like outer layer where dewatering pressure is created with a shoe. Because of Sleeve Roll, the top forming unit is vacuumless. This makes the technology especially suited for rebuilds as it enables unrivalled dewatering capacity and energy savings. All the rebuilt machinery will be automated with Valmet DNA Machine Control System.  

The 5,900 mm-wide (wire) PM 3 produces recycled fluting grades in the design speed of 1,300 m/min and a basis weight range of 90-120 g/m².

Information about the customer Ajin P&P

Ajin P&P Co., Ltd. is a Korean corrugated board and packaging manufacturer founded in 1975. It values highly the importance of R&D and sustainability and wants to be the leader in recycling business.

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

For further information, please contact:

Hannu T Pietilä, Vice President, Corporate Sales, Asia Pacific, Valmet, tel. +358 40 5034085

Sami Anttilainen, Director, Product Sales, Board and Paper Mills, Valmet, tel. +358 407687854

Verso Corporation has just announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board") has unanimously adopted a limited duration stockholder rights plan (the "Rights Plan"), following the Board's evaluation and consultation with the Company's advisors, and has declared a dividend distribution of one right ("Right") for each outstanding share of common stock. The record date for such dividend distribution is June 27, 2019. Unless and until a triggering event occurs and these Rights become exercisable, the Rights will trade with the shares of the Company's common stock.

verso logo 2018The adoption of the Rights Plan is intended to protect Verso and its stockholders from the actions of third-parties that the Board determines are not in the best interests of Verso and its stockholders, and to enable all stockholders to realize the long-term value of their investment. The Rights Plan also protects Verso from any efforts to obtain control while it is conducting its strategic alternatives process so that it can maximize the likelihood of a successful outcome.

The Rights Plan is similar to other rights plans adopted by publicly-traded companies. The Rights Plan has the following specific terms:

(1) The rights will generally become exercisable only if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of Verso's common stock in a transaction not approved by the Board;

(2) The Rights Plan expires on the earlier of (a) one year, (b) the redemption or exchange of the Rights, (c) the Board's determination to not pursue any strategic alternatives and (d) upon the approval by the Company's stockholders of any strategic transaction recommended by the Board;

(3) The rights will not be issued if there is a "qualifying transaction" which satisfies the following criteria: (a) the offer is a fully financed, all-cash tender offer or an exchange offer offering shares of the offeror traded on a national securities exchange (or a combination thereof); (b) for any and all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company; and (c) at the same per-share consideration for all such shares; and

(4) Each holder of a right (other than the acquiring person or group, whose rights will become void and will not be exercisable) will have the right to receive for 50% of the market value (determined pursuant to the terms of the Rights Plan) a certain number of shares of Verso's common stock, calculated in accordance with terms of Rights Plan. In addition, if Verso is acquired in a merger or other business combination after an acquiring person acquires 15% or more of Verso' common stock, each holder of the right would thereafter have the right to receive for a purchase price equal to 50% of the then current market value a certain number of shares of common equity interest of the acquiring person that is a party to such transaction. The acquiring person or group would not be entitled to exercise these Rights.

In the Rights Plan, the definition of "beneficial ownership" includes derivative securities.

Further details of the Rights Plan will be contained in a Current Report on Form 8-K and a Registration Statement on Form 8-A that Verso will be filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP is serving as legal advisor to Verso and Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. is serving as financial advisor to Verso.

About Verso
Verso Corporation is the turn-to company for those looking to successfully navigate the complexities of paper sourcing and performance. The leading North American producer of printing and specialty papers and pulp, Verso provides insightful solutions that help drive improved customer efficiency, productivity, brand awareness and business results. Verso's long-standing reputation for quality and reliability is directly tied to our vision to be a company with passion that is respected and trusted by all. Verso's passion is rooted in ethical business practices that demand safe workplaces for our employees and sustainable wood sourcing for our products. This passion, combined with our flexible manufacturing capabilities and an unmatched commitment to product performance, delivery and service, make Verso a preferred choice among commercial printers, paper merchants and brokers, converters, publishers and other end users. For more information, visit us online at
www.versoco.com 

Replace plastic packaging with a new eco-friendly, combined paper and bio-plastic material on Casmatic packaging machines.

Plastics are the most used materials in the world of packaging, but they need to be limited in light of recent restrictions of the European Commission concerning disposable products. In response, Fabio Perini has developed a "green" primary and secondary packaging solution that can easily adapt to current systems and existing equipment. This provides cost efficiencies for Fabio Perini customers and helps them actively contribute to safeguarding the environment while keeping up with technology and productivity.

To accomplish this, Fabio Perini had to identify the most suitable alternative to plastic for primary packaging. This material had to be not only eco-sustainable, recyclable and/or compostable, but also as versatile as the polyethylene in terms of abundant availability, product protection, packaging options, printability, and resistance to production-related mechanical stress.

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Fabio Perini and a partner company conducted numerous materials tests on the latest generation packaging machines such as the CMW1000 and Carbon T, and ultimately developed an innovative, totally ecological material that combines paper and bioplastic to form properties that can be interchanged with normal polyethylene.

The new Paper Packaging Solution addresses the facts that paper alone is not strong enough and water-repellent for primary packaging and that bioplastic alone is not economically viable for use on an industrial scale. Paper Packaging Solution is a paper coupled with Mater-Bi, a totally ecological bioplastic having the same properties as plastic polymers, but with the added benefits of being recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.

Two different types of Paper Packaging Solution products are available: a low-weight paper, 25 gm2, and a thicker paper, 40 gm2. Both are FSC-certified and are laminated or extruded with bioplastics with thicknesses ranging from 7 to 9 microns to ensure high pack weldability and an excellent product hygroscopic barrier.

Further, Paper Packaging Solution products are available in virgin paper or recycled paper. The 100% biodegradable virgin paper is certified "Vinicotte OK compost," which has the fibers closely joined to accommodate the higher heat needed for bioplastic fusion and perfect packaging seals, as well as being more resistant. The 100% recyclable and compostable paper has looser fibers. The

heat passes through it more easily to create package seals, but the looser fibers affect its resistance.

Paper Packaging Solution products are fully compatible with Casmatic's latest generation packaging machines — such as Casmatic A6T, CMW1000 and the new Carbon T — thanks to the "bio-pack kit." This innovative device makes it is possible to select the desired type of packaging material from the control panel and the Casmatic packaging machine automatically sets various parameters, including heat and time, required to perfectly seal the packages according to the packaging composition.

CEPI, the European association representing the forest fibre and paper industry, announces that Jori Ringman has unanimously been appointed by the CEPI Board as successor to Sylvain Lhôte at the helm of the Brussels-based organisation.

“I am honoured to be entrusted the role of leading a team of great professionals, representing a sector with fascinating potential. The growing demand for sustainable, recyclable products is increasing the importance of fibre-based products in a wide range of sectors. The European paper industry will enable the EU economy to transform itself and become a more sustainable and resilient society” said Jori Ringman, newly appointed Director General of CEPI.
He added “I am proud to take on this challenge and look forward to helping advance sustainability, innovation and opportunities for pulp and paper sector companies and workers across Europe.”
Kalle Sundström, CEPI Chairman and CEO of Stora Enso: “In this challenging time, with the sudden and unexpected death of Sylvain Lhôte, I am glad to be able to count on the experience and competence of Jori Ringman to efficiently deliver on what has been prepared by the CEPI team over the last months, and continue to shape the strategic presence of our industry at EU level.”

jrwpJori Ringman is an expert in sustainability, environment, circular economy and consumer protection. In 2016, he was appointed Deputy Director General of CEPI.

Prior to joining CEPI as Recycling Director in February 2005, he was a civil servant in the European Commission. He has also worked in the European Parliament Environment Committee as a political advisor (1999 – 2004), as a journalist and editor in Finland, and as Secretary General of a parliamentary group in the Finnish National Parliament in Helsinki.

Mr. Ringman has a background in Economics, Econometrics and Business Management and broad experience in communications, public administration and politics. He also holds an MSc in Environmental Decision-making.

Walki offers solutions made of 100 percent renewable raw materials and soon also made of circular polymers

Walki, a leading manufacturer of packaging solutions, offers cardboard-based laminate constructions for washing powders and other hygroscopic products that are particularly sustainable – while at the same time providing optimum product protection and allowing perfect processing. Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, the company uses tall oil-based barriers instead of petroleum-based barriers and is already developing laminates with certified circular polymers to market readiness so as to close the material cycle.

walkilogoWalki®Pack D is a solution developed especially for packaging washing powders. "D" stands for detergent. It consists of a strong grey cardboard as the base material, a barrier layer for protection from water vapour and a thin, coated paper for printing and finishing. Conventionally, this type of water vapour barrier is manufactured from petroleum-based polymers. As an innovator and pioneer in the field of sustainability, Walki has also developed an even more sustainable concept called Walki®Wood Pack-D, which uses alternatives made from tall oil for the barrier. Tall oil is a by-product of pulp production. As such, it is obtained from vegetable raw materials, but it does not compete with food production. Tall oil can be used to produce coatings with the same properties and barrier levels as those produced from crude oil.

Identical properties to conventional coatings

The tall oil-based barrier protects the product just as effectively against clumping, keeps it dry and free-flowing and responds identically in the course of further processing. "The laminate construction with the alternative barrier layer is exactly the same as the previous one and can be replaced without having to adapt packaging production or filling lines. It consists of 100 percent renewable raw materials and is completely recyclable," says Stefan Erdmann, Technical Service & Development Manager Barrier Board at Walki. Walki®Wood Pack D can be used to package any type of powdery, hygroscopic product, such as wallpaper paste or tile adhesive.

Certified circular polymers for a zero-waste future

One step further is a concept that is currently close to market maturity and is expected to be available on an industrial scale from 2020: Walki is a pioneer in the use of certified circular polymers, which allow the material cycle to be closed. This is because they are produced in an innovative process from low-value, mixed plastic household waste that would otherwise be incinerated or landfilled. They are manufactured by SABIC, a long-term Walki partner. “Walki is a pioneer when it comes to sustainability. Today, more than 80 percent of our products are made from renewable or recycled raw materials. Our goal is to increase this to 100 per cent by 2030," says Leif Frilund, President and CEO Walki Group. "We have already taken an important step with our tall oil based barrier solutions. Another step will be the introduction of products with circular polymers.”

For additional information, please contact:
Stefan Erdmann
Technical Service & Development Manager Barrier Board
Tel. +49 2551 6863

Provider of premium grooming products adapts its packaging to reflect sustainable values and customer expectations

The Modern Man has been sending luxury male grooming products to customers around the world since 2009 and as an e-commerce business, robust and impactful packaging has always been crucial. The company began collaborating with DS Smith in 2014 and, as a result, developed an eye-catching e-commerce pack, which guaranteed its high-end products arrived in perfect condition, no matter the destination.

The original e-commerce pack had a real “wow” factor when opened as the inner liner of the box was printed with a striking design. While The Modern Man was delighted with the packaging, over time, it became more concerned about whether the packaging aligned with its green credentials.

Matt Crowson, founder of The Modern Man, explains: “We were increasingly distributing a number of vegan and sustainable grooming products and it seemed incongruous for us to be using additional resources to print on the inside of the box. While telling our brand story has always been crucial, our approach to this narrative changed. Recyclable packaging, made with recycled materials, and resulting in minimal waste became a top priority. We got in touch with DS Smith and together began work on a new design.

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“Once again, it was essential that the packaging solution secured and protected the products – many of our items are bottles and if they break in transit, our brand and sales will naturally suffer. Over the last few years, our customers’ average order value has grown and we have moved towards even higher-end products, so it’s crucial that the packaging looks good and reflects the quality of the products we sell. Finally, from an operational point of view, we wanted the boxes to be quick and easy to assemble for our teams in the warehouse.”

DS Smith’s expert design team worked closely with The Modern Man to create a more sustainable e-commerce pack, made from recycled materials. It took the printing out of the inside and incorporated a recyclable, corrugated pad which secures the product without any need for void fill or packing materials. There is hardly any empty space so the company is not paying to ship air and the product is protected and safe. The box is self-locking, easy to assemble and tamper proof. The addition of an easy opening strip also ensures there is a seamless opening process for customers when receiving their package.

Rob Carle, UK head of e-commerce sales, DS Smith comments: “Many of The Modern Man’s products are being shipped across the world. Therefore, Matt and the team needed to have 100 per cent confidence that its packaging could withstand the rigours of the supply chain. We were able to provide this peace of mind as the design was tested on our unique DISCS™ equipment.”

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Named after the types of testing (Drop, Impact, Shock, Crush, Shake), DISCS™ is an industry leading process, which assesses whether packaging can survive the average e-commerce supply chain. Each piece of equipment replicates a part of the product journey and therefore provides real world testing.

Matt Crowson adds: “The final piece of the puzzle for us is that DS Smith also takes away our waste cardboard and recycles it. This closed loop model means that old packaging is being turned into strong, high quality, recycled papers by DS Smith rather than going to landfill. We feel that this greener approach is vital for our brand integrity – it matters to us and it matters to our customers.”

Speaking about his experience of working with DS Smith, Matt concludes: “Over the last five years, we have enjoyed a truly collaborative relationship with DS Smith, which has grown over time to include our two newer brands Calissa.com and salonwholesale.com. DS Smith are easy to work with and flexible. It has been such an encouragement that a large, international packaging company has been willing to work with us, a relatively small e-commerce start-up. We have a genuine, personal connection with the DS Smith team and share a deep passion for working sustainably and stewarding the earth’s resources effectively.”

For more information on DS Smith, please visit https://www.dssmith.com/packaging

For more information on The Modern Man, please visit https://www.themodernman.co.uk/