Advanced solutions improve sustainability in producing lightweight packaging paper

Pratt Industries has chosen a large automation package from Metso for its new PM 16 packaging paper production line, which will be located at the 100% recycled paper mill currently under construction in Valparaiso, Indiana, US. Once completed in the first quarter of 2015, this mill will be the world's most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly mill.

Metso's delivery scope to the site includes the Metso DNA automation system and a Metso IQ quality control system equipped with a Metso IQ Dilution Profiler for a dilution headbox and a Metso IQ Moisturizer system for moisture profiling.

Automation plays a significant role in improving the sustainable performance in papermaking. With advanced solutions, it is possible to increase the energy and materials efficiency as well as reduce water consumption through process stabilization and optimization. Metso has a solid track record in these areas.

"This mill will be a showcase of 21st century recycling technology, resulting in the best performing recycled paper on the market," says Anthony Pratt, Chairman of Pratt Industries. "At capacity, the mill will save the equivalent of some 20,000 trees and divert up to 3,500 cubic yards of waste from landfills every day. That's enough trees to cover almost 15 football fields and enough waste to fill 90 garbage trucks every 24 hours."

The deliveries will take place in 2014.

Metso - strong in the pulp and paper sector

The global pulp and paper industry is one of Metso's main customer industries. "We are a leading process performance improver, whether it is pulp and paper, mining, construction or oil and gas. We are extremely well known for our installed base within the pulp and paper industry," points out Phil Warren, Director Product Management and Support, Metso Automation USA Inc. "Today, we are number one in quality control systems, analyzers and measurements, number three in pulp & paper control systems, and number one in pulp & paper control valves. We are dedicated to maintaining and strengthening these positions."

Metso continually develops its Metso IQ quality control system to include new innovative features that improve the papermaking process and guarantee optimal end product quality. Some of the latest additions to the product family include, for example, a tool to increase profile controllability, the Metso IQ Induction Profiler with features for cross-machine caliper/gloss control, and a new online paper quality sensor, IQ Surface Measurement, to measure paper surface topography from the moving part on the paper machine.

Other newcomers in Metso's extensive portfolio include mobile phone applications in the Metso DNA automation system, intelligent maintenance services as well as new wastewater monitoring solutions.

Pratt Industries, Inc. is America's fifth largest corrugated packaging company and the world's largest privately-held 100% recycled paper and packaging company, with more than 4,400 highly-skilled, green-collar employees. Pratt was founded in the USA some 25 years ago and has today manufacturing facilities in more than 20 states. www.prattindustries.com