Ian Melin-Jones

Ian Melin-Jones

The pulp, paper and supplier industry will meet also this year at the Zellcheming Expo 2019 in Frankfurt/Main, Germany. From June 25th to 27th the company emtec Electronic will present their innovative measuring devices in hall 4.1 at the booth no. G18, by which the complete production process can be controlled and guided in the right direction.

emtec zellAt the beginning of this year, emtec Electronic celebrated a great success: the 300th TSA Tissue Softness Analyzer has been sold. The device is now used in 48 countries, in each part of the world. Especially for tissue products, the TSA gives reliable and objective information about the three basic parameters, which determine the human feeling, the softness, roughness and stiffness. From these three, an overall hand feel value can be calculated.

New for hand sheet measurements: an updated version of the TSA and an improved measuring method for hand sheets (made in the lab) enables a reliable prediction of the final product quality in the lab without expensive machine trials.

2019 04 23 063745Two of the most-modern measuring systems for the wet-end are the CAS touch! to measure the particle charge, and the FPA touch! to measure the surface charge of fibers. The small and light devices help to optimize the utilization of chemicals with the target to stabilize the process, to improve the product quality and to reduce costs.

The ACA Ash Content Analyzer enables the determination of the mineral filler content without combustion, that means without destruction of the samples, within seconds. Both, the total mineral filler content, as well as the individual filler components (e.g. calcium carbonate, kaolin/talcum, titanium dioxide, iron oxide) and their percentage distribution are measured.

Besides this, the EST12 emtec Surface & Sizing Tester is shown. A device to determine important and for the converting relevant paper surface properties such as surface hydrophobia / sizing as well as the surface porosity, which influence printability, coatability and gluability of paper and board. The PDA.C02 Penetration Dynamics Analyzer as modular system is the equivalent, that delivers additional information by the use of different modules.

Saturday, 04 May 2019 22:59

Rottneros changes clothes after 47 years

Rottneros is now taking another step to meet the future. In conjunction with the Annual General Meeting on May 2 in Sunne, Värmland, the company’s new logo is presented. A symbol that clarifies the company’s focus on climate and environmentally smart products and equality.

”With our new graphic profile, we want to show the forward-looking Rottneros. Now we harvest the fruits of our investments in the facilities, focusing on efficiency and sustainability - both ecologically, socially and economically”, explains Lennart Eberleh, President and CEO of Rottneros AB.

2019 05 04 225725Rottneros was founded in 1887. Over the years, a number of logos have passed by. The existing one has been around for 47 years. In 2018, Rottneros had sales of SEK 2.3 billion with about 300 employees and the operating profit was record high of SEK 295 million.

Products that are smart for the planet

Rottneros has factories for high quality pulp in Rottneros, Värmland, and Vallvik, Hälsingland. Of sustainable and renewable forest raw materials, fibres are produced with specific properties that are demanded worldwide. The pulp is used, for example, for products such as air filters, transformers, tissue and cardboard.

The newcomer in the group is Rottneros Packaging, a newly-started factory in Sunne, which manufactures climate-smart packaging for primarily food. The packaging is made from pure forest raw material and replaces the traditional fossil-based plastic packaging.

”Much of our success depends on our ability to be innovative and develop in step with time. Our corporate culture is based on the fact that we respect everyone, are committed and are professionals. Rottneros can and wants to offer products that are smart for the planet. We also want to clarify this by renewing our logo”, explains Lennart Eberleh.

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 SIA Rottneros Baltic in Latvia. The Group has about 300 employees and had a turnover of approximately SEK 2.3 billion in the 2018 financial year.

Valmet has on May 1, 2019 completed the acquisition of J&L Fiber Services Inc., a manufacturer and provider of refiner segments to the pulp, paper and fiberboard industry. The company is located in Wisconsin, U.S. The enterprise value of the acquisition is approximately EUR 51 million on a cash and debt free basis subject to ordinary post-closing adjustments.

valmet logoJ&L Fiber Services manufactures and supplies low-consistency refiner segments that are important wear parts used in pulp and paper production, complementing Valmet's offering in refiner segments. It also supplies high-consistency refiner segments that are used in thermomechanical pulping and medium density fiberboard (MDF) refining.

In the last twelve months, the company had net sales of approximately EUR 30 million with an EBITA margin of around 15 percent. The acquired operations employ about 100 people, most of whom are located in Wisconsin, U.S. J&L Fiber Services operates globally through a sales representative and distribution network. Over 75 percent of its sales goes to North America. The acquired business becomes a part of Valmet's Services business line, as Waukesha Service Center.

"We are continuously strengthening our stable business, meaning Services and Automation. The recent acquisition of North America -based GL&V is now followed by adding J&L Fiber Services' complementary refiner segment products to our services offering. This acquisition also further strengthens our local presence especially in North America. I warmly welcome the 100 new employees to become part of the Valmet team and into our strong, global Services organization," says Pasi Laine, President and CEO of Valmet.

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.

Saturday, 04 May 2019 22:40

Zanders Paper with new co‐investor

Production of all core poducts continues

JOOL Invest AB has become a co‐investor in Zanders Paper GmbH. The Swedish company with subsidiaries mainly within paper, wood products and finance industries, has a clear industrial mindset and will be an active partner bringing further experience and capital creating a strong foundation for the planned growth of Zanders Paper.

Zanders Paper: Chrome cylinder for Chromolux productionZanders Paper: Chrome cylinder for Chromolux production

Zanders Paper will continue with all core products Chromolux, Zanlabel, Zanbarrier, Zanpack, Zanjet, Silver Digital and RX Nature. In addition, it is planned to introduce further grades in the coming months.

About Zanders Paper

Zanders Paper is a German manufacturer of high‐quality specialty papers and cartons for labels, packaging and graphic applications. Founded in 1829 by Johann Wilhelm Zanders in Bergisch Gladbach, the company still operates the Gohrsmühle paper mill with about 310 employees.

The portfolio includes high‐gloss label papers and premium board qualities of the traditional brand Chromolux, one of the world's leading paper brands, as well as high quality variants with extra smooth or naturally napped surfaces. These include Zanlabel label papers and Zanpack packaging board qualities.

Especially designed for digital printing, Zanders Paper offers the premium range of Chromolux digital and Silver digital brands as well as Zanjet, a double‐sided coated paper for commercial high‐ speed inkjet printing.

The portfolio is rounded off by Zanbarrier, the barrier paper for flexible food packaging, which is available in the variants Zanbarrier OGR (Oil and Grease Resistant) and Zanbarrier NGR (Natural Grease Resistant – a barrier function completely without fluorocarbon or other chemicals).

The company's customers are manufacturers of beverages such as spirits; sparkling wine, wine, beer or water, food and luxury foods, tobacco products, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

Verso Corporation (NYSE: VRS) has just announced it will permanently close its paper mill in Luke, Maryland, in response to the continuing decline in customer demand for the grades of coated freesheet paper produced at the mill, along with rising input costs, a significant influx of imports, and rising compliance costs and infrastructure challenges associated with recent environmental regulation changes. The closure, which is expected to be complete by June 30, will reduce Verso's coated freesheet production capacity by approximately 450,000 tons, reducing total annual paper production capacity to approximately 2.7 million tons.

Verso Logo"It is unfortunate that we had to make the decision to close the Luke Mill, but the continuing decline in demand for the grades of paper manufactured there left us no choice but to close this facility that has struggled with profitability for a number of years," said Verso Interim Chief Executive Officer Leslie T. Lederer. "The company explored the possibility of producing alternate grades of paper products but the conclusion remained the same – we could not achieve profitability at the mill in today's market environment.  Consistently matching the supply of our graphic paper products with customer demand for these products, reducing our costs and rapidly diversifying our product portfolio into growing markets remain essential drivers for Verso's long-term success, and we continue to vigorously pursue these objectives."  

Most of the Luke Mill's paper grades are already qualified to be produced on other Verso paper machines, and the company is working to assure all customer needs are met, according to Verso President of Graphic and Specialty Papers Michael A. Weinhold.  "Because Verso is continually evaluating the best use of our highly flexible manufacturing system to assure we deliver the quality, reliability and value our customers depend on, our Luke Mill customers can remain confident in Verso's ability to meet their needs now and in the future," he said.  "We will be working closely with our customers to assure they continue to receive the high quality products and exceptional service they have come to expect from Verso."

Approximately 675 employees will be impacted by the closure of the Luke Mill.  Employees were notified in accordance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act that their last day of employment with Verso is expected to be June 30.  Eligible hourly employees will receive a severance allowance in accordance with local collective bargaining agreements, and the company will begin effects bargaining with the local unions soon.  Salaried employees will receive a severance allowance in accordance with Verso's established severance policy.  In compliance with the WARN Act, Verso sent notification of the decision to close the mill to the appropriate authorities in Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia, and will continue to work with state and local officials to help Luke Mill employees take full advantage of all available support resources.

"The decision to close this mill that has been in operation for more than 130 years was an extremely difficult one, and is in no way a reflection on the dedicated men and women who work there," Lederer said.  "We know that this will be an extraordinarily emotional and challenging time for our Luke Mill team, and Verso is committed to treating them with fairness, respect and dignity during this difficult time. We will also do our utmost to ensure employee safety during the transition. I want to thank each and every member of the Luke team for their hard work and dedicated service to the mill, to Verso and to our customers."

About Verso
Verso Corporation is the turn-to company for those looking to successfully navigate the complexities of paper sourcing and performance. A leading North American producer of specialty and graphic papers, packaging 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 versoco.com

From June 05th to 06th, the Paper & Biorefinery Conference 2019 takes place in Graz, Austria and people from the pulp, paper and biorefinery sector come together. The German developer and producer of innovative testing equipment, emtec Electronic GmbH, will showcase a variety of its instruments. From the wet end to the finished product, the application of the equipment enables an efficient process, to get the best possible quality with the lowest possible costs.

2019 03 29 083852The smallest, lightest and most-modern charge measuring systems for the wet-end in paper and board production are the CAS touch! and the FPA touch! The use of both instruments in the production process helps to optimize the utilization of chemicals with the target to stabilize the process, to improve the product quality and to reduce costs.

Besides this, the EST12 emtec Surface & Sizing Tester is shown. A useful tool to determine those surface properties of paper and board, that are relevant for the converting process, in particular the surface hydrophobia (sizing) as well as the surface porosity. Both parameters help to predict the converting behavior while printing, coating and gluing and enable the optimal runnability during the converting processes of paper and board.

2018 10 26 071855The ACA Ash Content Analyzer enables the determination of the mineral filler content of paper and board within seconds, and without combustion, that means without destruction of the samples. Both, the total mineral filler content, as well as the individual filler components (e.g. calcium carbonate, kaolin/talcum, titanium dioxide, iron oxide) and their percentage distribution are given.

Especially for tissue and nonwoven products, the popular TSA Tissue Softness Analyzer gives reliable and objective information about the three basic parameters, which determine the human feeling: the softness, roughness and stiffness. From these three, an overall hand feel value can be calculated. The availability of these values opens a huge amount of chances to optimize the tissue production and converting processes. New for hand sheet measurements: an updated version of the TSA and an improved measuring method for hand sheets (made in the lab) enables a reliable prediction of the final product quality in the lab without expensive trials at the tissue machine.

A Stream winder and Rapid rewinder have been installed with success!

A.Celli Nonwovens has proven once again to be a benchmark company in the global market of non-woven fabric with the installation of a winding and rewinding system for Spunlace products at the plants of Novita S.A. in Poland, and the commissioning of the system on February 7th.

Novita S.A. has operated on the non-woven fabrics market for over 40 years, offering high-quality hygiene, industrial, medical and home products created by applying the best technologies to its production processes of which A.Celli machines now form a part.

2019 05 03 142037

In detail, A.Celli supplied:

– a Stream winder of 3600 mm that handles reels up to 2500 mm in diameter, with basis weights from 25 to 100 gsm and designed specifically for carded products. It is highly reliable and requires minimum maintenance, and has a maximum operating speed of 350 m/min;

– a Rapid Rewinder of 3600 mm, calibrated for reels up to 1200 mm in diameter, with basis weights from 25 to 100 gsm and an operating speed of 800 m/min. It is equipped with the “DSS” (defect stop system) that monitors the reel and signals any defects to be removed. The system also has a second metal detector installed on the rewinder for the purpose of avoiding metallic contamination. An automatic shaft handling unit for management of the shafts and positioning of the cardboard cores was also supplied with the rewinder.

Metsä Board and its associated company Metsä Fibre, both part of Metsä Group, will launch pre-engineering phases for three major investments. All three investments will further develop the competitiveness of pulp and energy production for both companies, and move them towards fossil-free production.

Development of Metsä Board Husum mill in Sweden

2014 01 30 083551Metsä Board has carried out a prefeasibility study on renewing the Husum pulp mill in phases. In the first phase, the existing two old recovery boilers would be replaced with one new recovery boiler, and the old turbines replaced with one new turbine. Metsä Board will launch a pre-engineering phase for the investment in recovery boiler, which includes, among other things, the necessary regulatory processes, the technical design and a competitive tender for the main equipment. The timing of the final investment decision depends on the duration of the regulatory processes. The investment decision is expected to be made in the fourth quarter of 2019, at the earliest. The capacity of the planned recovery boiler would correspond to an annual production of up to 750,000 tonnes of pulp, in accordance with the current environmental permit. If realized, the size of the investment would be approximately EUR 300 million, divided between years 2019-2022. The recovery boiler would be in operation roughly two years after the final investment decision.

The planned investment in the recovery boiler will reduce the energy costs of the mill, improve the reliability of production and decrease the duration of the annual maintenance shutdown. Own electricity generation, entirely based on renewable biomass, will double and increase the self-sufficiency in electricity of the integrate to over 80 per cent. In addition, the use of fossil oil in the integrate will reduce by approximately 5,000 tonnes per year.  

The investment in the recovery boiler would enable the long-term development of the Husum integrated mill. In the second phase, during the 2020’s, the existing two fibre lines of the mill would be replaced by one new. During that period, potential investments to increase paperboard capacity can be based on a cost efficient long-term energy production solution.

Metsä Fibre’s bioproduct mill in Kemi, Finland

Metsä Board’s associated company Metsä Fibre, of which Metsä Board owns 24.9 per cent, will launch a pre-engineering phase for the construction of a bioproduct mill in Kemi, Finland. When realised, the size of the investment would be approximately EUR 1.5 billion and the annual pulp capacity of the mill approximately 1.5 million tonnes. In addition to pulp, the mill would produce several other bioproducts. The new bioproduct mill would replace the existing pulp mill in Kemi of approximately 0.6 million tonnes in annual capacity. The financing structure of the project will be specified during the pre-engineering phase. Metsä Board produces white kraftliner in Kemi. In connection with the construction of Metsä Fibre’s planned bioproduct mill, Metsä Board would make certain own investments in order to ensure the prerequisites for profitable kraftliner production in the long-term.

The final investment decision by Metsä Fibre is estimated to be made in the summer of 2020, at the earliest.

Metsä Fibre’s sawmill in Rauma, Finland

Metsä Fibre will launch a pre-engineering phase for the construction of a new pine sawmill with approximately 750,000 cubic meters of annual capacity in connection with Rauma pulp mill. The size of the investment would be approximately EUR 200 million and the sawmill line, when realised, would be the most modern and efficient in the world. The aim is to increase the utilisation of new technology and data of the sawmill to a clearly higher level compared to existing sawmills. The investment would enable Metsä Fibre to significantly increase the amount of products that store carbon dioxide for a long time.

The final decision on Metsä Fibre’s investment is estimated to be made in the beginning of 2020.

Metsä Board

www.metsaboard.com

Metsä Board is a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards including folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners. Our lightweight paperboards are developed to provide better, safer and more sustainable solutions for consumer goods as well as retail-ready and food service applications. We work together with our customers on a global scale to innovate solutions for better consumer experiences with less environmental impact. The pure fresh fibres Metsä Board uses are a renewable resource, traceable to origin in sustainably managed northern forests.

The global sales network of Metsä Board supports customers worldwide, including brand owners, retailers, converters and merchants. In 2018, the company’s sales totalled EUR 1.9 billion, and it has approximately 2,400 employees. Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

Workers in the pulp, paper, graphical and packaging sectors, represented globally by IndustriALL Global Union and UNI, are using this 2019 Workers Memorial Day to kick off a yearlong campaign around the three fundamental worker rights needed to make work safe: (1) The Right to Know – workers must know the hazards and risks in their workplace; (2) The Right to Act (commonly known as the Right to Refuse Unsafe Work Without Punishment) ; and (3) the Right to Participate in the safety programs and structures that manage safety in the workplace.  Each of these Rights will be highlighted with action by workers across the global pulp, paper, graphical and packaging sectors.

uni global europa logoMay and June 2019 will focus on a Worker’s Right to Know. Right to Know know laws typically focus on a workers right to know the hazardous substances and dangerous chemicals they work with but workers require information on so much more that that could endanger us at work.  Workers require:

  • Information on all workplace hazard information, including dangerous chemicals and materials but also hazardous tools, equipment, work processes and the way work is organized;
  • An accurate evaluation of hazards.  Where gaps in knowledge exist they should be filled.
  • Hazard and risk assessment done with workers participation:  the only people with the moral authority to assess a risk are those who must face it.
  • This means industrial hygiene surveys belong to workers.  Toxicology studies belong to workers.  Ergonomic surveys belong to workers.

“We invite the global pulp, paper and packaging sectors to work with workers and their representatives to fully facilitate the right to know and by doing so build safer and healthier workplaces,“ said Joaquina Rodriguez, President, UNI Graphical and Packaging.

“All health and safety standards exist because of trade union action and we invite the pulp, paper, graphical and packaging industries to share information and build safety programs together with their workers who know the work and its hazards better than anyone one else, “ said Leeann Foster, IndustriALL Pulp and Paper Working Group Co-Chair.

Similar international mobilizations will be conducted in September/October 2019 around the Right to Act (commonly known as the Right to Refuse Unsafe Work Without Punishment);  and focusing March/April 2020 on the Right to Participate, culminating with Workers Memorial Day 2020.

Workers Memorial Day, observed by unions across the globe on April 28 of each year, is a day dedicated to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the struggle for safe jobs.  Worldwide, each year more than 380,000 workers die tragically at work and another 2.4 million die from work-related illness.  The pulp, paper, graphical and packaging sectors are extremely dangerous, with a number of fatalities and even more life altering injuries occurring across the globe annually. Transparency with workers on information relating to their health and safety and employer engagement with workers and their unions is fundamental to address loss of life and limb in the industry.

The two international unions, IndustriALL Global Union and UNI Global Union bring together unions on all continents across these four industries. See more on the two global union websites: www.industriall-union.org and www.uniglobalunion.org.

James Cropper based in the English Lake District is celebrating after being named as a finalist for Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Awards, the UK’s longest running and most prestigious awards programme, championing responsible business in the UK and abroad.  

The awards champion the most inspiring businesses who are making a difference by taking action to build more inclusive workplaces, stronger communities and tackle our biggest environmental challenges.  

James Cropper has been named as a finalist for The UPS Environmental Sustainability Award for it’s CupCycling innovation – the world’s first method of upcycling used coffee cups.  

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Steve Adams, James Cropper managing director said:  

“We’re proud that our coffee cup recycling process, CupCycling, has been recognised by the BITC. We believe in helping brands introduce circular design, and we continually innovate to make sure they can do that, without compromising on high quality, beautiful packaging. We have worked tirelessly in collaboration with brands such as Selfridges, Costa and MacDonald’s, as well as waste management companies to create the infrastructure needed for circular design when it comes to coffee cups.  

“With 60million coffee cups upcycled into beautiful paper and packaging to date, and the capacity to do the same with 500million cups annually, we’re focussed on scaling our ability to create value from waste.”

Amanda Mackenzie, chief executive of Business in the Community, said:  

“Organisations which acknowledge their responsibility to society by evolving their business to be a sustainable one for the long term should be recognised and celebrated. We are proud of James Cropper who have been selected as a Responsible Business Awards 2019 finalist. Together, all the finalists are helping to make the UK the world leader in responsible business.” 

Today’s announcement coincides with the launch of Responsible Business in Action where Business in the Community will be sharing the very best insight and recognising great examples of impact in responsible business from 29 April right up until the Responsible Business Gala Dinner on 9 July. 

The winners of all ten categories, including the Responsible Business of the Year will be announced at the Responsible Business Gala Dinner at the Royal Albert Hall on 9 July, in front of 1,200 business leaders. The headline sponsors of the 2019 Responsible Business Awards are Barclays, Bupa, Fujitsu, Unipart, UPS, and Hogan Lovells as well as Lloyds Banking Group, the winner of the 2018 Responsible Business of the Year.  

To find out more about Responsible Business in Action visit https://www.bitc.org.uk/awards-events/responsiblebusinessinaction or search for the hashtag #ResponsibleBusinessInAction. 

For more information on the Awards visit www.bitc.org.uk/awards and follow @BITC on Twitter #BITCAwards.

About James Cropper  

James Cropper is a prestige paper innovator based in the English Lake District, supplying distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, art galleries and designers.  

Throughout 173 years of high-quality paper production, the business has been carefully stewarded and nurtured by six generations of the Cropper family and is renowned globally for individual expertise in colour, dedicated responses to the most challenging custom projects and award-winning commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.   

James Cropper is a member of the Paper Cup Recovery & Recycling Group (PCRRG), a cross-industry group that exists to develop collection and recycling opportunities for paper cups and identify and support solutions that sustainably transform used paper cups into a valuable resource. For more information, visit www.pcrrg.uk