Valmet will supply board machine key technology and machine control systems in two new containerboard machines in China. The customer remains confidential. Valmet's delivery includes headbox and press section technology and a machine control system.

The order is included in Valmet's first quarter 2016 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed. Typically, an upgrade of two lines of this scope is valued at EUR 20-30 million. 

"In containerboard manufacturing, headbox and press section are one of the most important key technologies in order to secure high production quality. Our expertise and references convinced the customer to choose Valmet," comments Kari Räisänen, Area Sales Director from Valmet.

Technical information about the delivery

Valmet's delivery for the new containerboard machines will include all together five new OptiFlo Fourdrinier headboxes for improved product quality and increased productivity, two OptiPress Linear double-nip press sections with linear web run for excellent end product properties, high dewatering capacity and good runnability. All the delivered machinery will be equipped with machine control systems. 

For further information, please contact:

• Petri Paukkunen, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Paper Mills, Valmet, tel. +358 40 744 8182
• Fan Ze, Area Vice President, Sales, Valmet tel. +86 139 0133 6277

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 2015 were approximately EUR 2.9 billion. Our 12,000 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.

The paper mill in Hallstavik in Sweden is back to operating at full capacity after a major fire in November last year. ÅF was on site just days after the big fire to inspect and replace damaged equipment. Several of the plant’s machines for pulp production of book and magazine paper were damaged in the fire. Production stood completely still, but after two weeks production of book paper started up and now production of magazine paper is also up and running.

“Although the damage turned out to be more extensive than we first thought, we managed to keep to the schedule, thanks in large part to ÅF’s efforts,” says Daniel Peltonen, Mill Manager at Hallsta paper mill.

During the clean-up and reconstruction work, ÅF took the lead in project and assembly management along with the inspection and commissioning of the processing plant. At most, about 40 ÅF consultants were involved in the Project.

For more information contact Tomas Brink, Project Manager, +46 10 505 24 69, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ÅF is an engineering and consulting company for the energy, industrial and infrastructure markets, creating progress for our clients since 1895. By connecting technologies we provide profitable,  innovative and sustainable solutions to shape the future and improve people's lives. Building on our strong base in Europe, our business and clients are found all over the world.

ÅF – Innovation by experience.

Arjowiggins Graphic, the leading manufacturer of environmental paper solutions, today launches a new global collaboration with Un Enfant Par La Main, a partner of ChildFundInternational.This partnership directly champions women’s education by funding much-needed bicycles to provide safe transport to school for female students across India as well as raises awareness of Cyclus’ first-rate environmental and ethical credentials.

The campaign calls on designers, printers, print managers and corporate end users to watch the videos on the impactful campaign website (www.100bikes.cycluspaper.com). For every 50 video views Arjowiggins Graphic provides one bike for a female student in India, the basic transportation needed to get to school safely thus encouraging them to continue with their education. The aim is to provide 100 bikes by the end of the campaign, which runs from 1 April to the end of May 2016.

This latest Cyclus campaign will today be launched in 35 countries, including France, Australia, South Africa and the UK. 

When visiting the dedicated website customers can also request a set of three Cyclus 100% recycled notepads, which through design showcase Cyclus’ unique look and feel. Arjowiggins Graphic is supporting the campaign with mailings, e-mailings, web banners and social media.

A striking and innovative bicycle themed campaign mailer has been produced to raise awareness of the campaign.  It uses Arjowiggins Graphics’ CyclusOffset 300gsm and CyclusPrint 300gsm for the wheels, which are designed to appear turning. It is 190x190mm in size and is tied together with a natural latex band. The three notepads use CyclusPrint 300gsmfor the cover pages and CyclusOffset 90gsm for the internal text pages. CyclusPrint is a 100% recycled matt-coated natural white printing paper for use in both full colour and black and white printing and ideal for a variety of uses whilst Cyclus Offset is a 100% recycled uncoated natural white paper that accentuates the creative message, where touch and feel combine with and support – the visual image. 

Angela De Vorchik, Operational Marketing Manager at Arjowiggins Graphic UK, said: “Our partnership with the NGO ChildFund International enables us and our customers to make a genuine difference to the life of a child. Cyclus is rich in environmental and ethical principles including being manufactured to the most stringent environmental certifications therefore joining forces with ChildFund International is a natural fit.For this year’s Cyclus campaign we have chosen an impactful approach as we encourage our customers to view the insightful videos showcasing how important it is for children to have a safe passage to get to school.”

Lisa Gaspar, Communication Manager of Un Enfant par la Main, a partner of ChildFund International, “Our action towards helping children, leads us to meet passionate men and women, as well as committed companies who want to participate into building a better world. Thanks to Arjowiggins Graphics’ support, whose vision and commitment enables associations such as ours to carry out our work, 100 young girls from isolated and remote villages in India will be able to receive much needed education transport. With Arjowiggins Graphic, we share common values based on respect, listening, careand humanity”.

Un Enfant par la Mainis very proud to count Arjowiggins Graphic amongst its generous donors , who through its Cyclus brand will increase awareness of our cause to their customer base.”

The campaign is being rolled out in the UK by Antalis a stockist of Cyclus.  Mike Bennett, Marketing Manager Antalis UK comments: “We are proud that this Cyclus campaign supports children across the globe. Through this partnership approach we are able to showcase to businesses the high-end shade and finish available for their printed communication as well as the first-rate green credentials of this innovative range. When compared to the manufacture of non-recycled papers the manufacturing process reduces energy consumption, uses less water, diverts waste from landfill and the CO2 emissions are substantially lower. This environmental story helps contribute to a business’s message and has been neatly included in the campaign mailer to assist customers.”

In January 2016, Smurfit Kappa signed another contract with PMP for a press part rebuild of PM#1 in its Mill in Barbosa (Colombia). PMP (Paper Machinery Producer) has been chosen again as a strategic partner supporting Smurfit Kappa’s development.

PM#1 currently produces Testliner & Fluting of daily capacity 270 t/d. PM#1 will be supplied with state-of-the-art new technological items provided by PMP. The project driving force is modern technology that ensures energy savings solutions following global trends. Additionally, excellent paper quality is expected.

Project goals are focused on generating energy savings, improving PM#1’s runnability, and increasing paper properties as well as its annual capacity by 31%. The main idea is to apply a state-of-the-art Intelli Tri-Nip® Press Section with an Intelli-Nip® Shoe Press. The shoe press technology is going to play a key role in the final success, bringing ultra-high dryness (from 44% before rebuild, up to 52% after press. It is important to mention that 1% more dryness after press brings 4% steam saving in the dryer section. The shoe press technology enables significant improvement of paper properties (especially bulk & bursting strength) and significantly supports PM#1’s runnability increase.

PMP’s scope of delivery includes the Intelli Tri-Nip® Press section with the Intelli-Nip® Shoe Module (design nip load 1400 kN/m, shoe press module type 1300). A compact design of a new press section Intelli Tri-Nip® will ensure reduction of open draws and significantly increase PM#1’s runnability. Intelli-Nip® shoe press has been already appreciated by paper mills worldwide (just to mention recent PMP projects in USA, Mexico, China, Russia and Poland), due to its reliable performance confirmed by patented solutions, top sheet dryness level (up to 53%) resulting in significant steam consumption savings and user-friendliness. Scope of delivery in the case of the Smurfit Kappa project also covers Intelli-DCR® (Deflection-Compensation Roll), PM auxiliaries systems such as PM controls & panels, mechanical drives, machine pulper, as well as base plates and spare parts. Structural machine components will be designed for a design speed of 1000 m/min. PMP will also be responsible for on-site services, including on-site erection and start-up supervision. The delivery is scheduled for November 2016, followed by erection on site and start-up by the turn of 2016/2017.

This particular project is an example where PMP’s technological knowledge combined with high-tech equipment can become a key factor to achieve common success. This project is also another step forward in partnership development between PMP and Smurfit Kappa.

About Smurfit Kappa:

Smurfit Kappa is one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging solutions in the world, with around 45,000 employees in approximately 370 production sites across 34 countries and with revenue of €8.1 billion in 2015. Smurfit Kappa is located in 21 countries in Europe, and 13 in The Americas. Company is the only large-scale pan-regional player in Latin America. With their pro-active team, they relentlessly use extensive experience and expertise, supported by their scale, to open up opportunities for customers. Smurfit Kappa collaborate with forward thinking customers by sharing superior product knowledge, market understanding and insights in packaging trends to ensure business success in their markets. Company has an unrivalled portfolio of paper-packaging solutions, which is constantly updated with our market-leading innovations. This is enhanced through the benefits of their integration, with optimal paper design, logistics, timeliness of service, and packaging plants sourcing most of their raw materials from their own paper mills. Smurfit Kappa products, which are 100% renewable and produced sustainably, improve the environmental footprint of their customers. (learn more: www.smurfitkappa.com)

About PMP:

PMP – a global provider of tissue, paper & board technology, has been supporting pulp and paper industry for over 160 years, executing projects on 6 continents, in 29 countries. Company with headquarters in Jelenia Góra, Poland, owns 6 facilities in 4 countries (Poland, USA, China, Italy). PMP is a recognized international player in both paper & tissue industry. At the end of December 2015, PMP introduced new branding initiative including launching a new logo & visual identity. (learn more: www.pmpgroup.com)

Swanline Paper & Board, the recently launched materials division of Swanline Print Ltd, will make its event debut with a stunning new range of sustainable substrates at Sign & Digital UK (19-21 April, NEC), the UK’s premier sign making, display solutions and digital printing event.

Visitors to Stand H54 will find themselves surrounded by a vista of market-leading graphics that represent the unique proposition from Swanline through its linked supply chain of Swanline Paper & Board, Swanline Print and the joint venture business Corrboard - a manufacturer of corrugated board. Swanline Paper & Board will be showcasing an impressive new range of products under the Cygnus banner, including single face corrugated, litho top liners, folding box boards, display boards, foam PVC, smooth twin-wall polypropylene and aluminium composite – amongst others.

The company is especially excited about the launch of its Cygnus Display Board which will be unveiled at the show. An FSC certified double sided coated product, the Cygnus board is ideal for digital printing since its unique manufacturing process gives it excellent stability, ensuring the board remains flat throughout the process. Cygnus is a lightweight alternative to similar available boards and is fully recyclable and biodegradable.

Swanline Paper & Board is particularly proud of its commitment to providing “cost neutral sustainability” across much of its product range. Managing director Ross Griffin explained: “Sustainability is becoming a massive focus for the printing and packaging sector and buy-in from customers is almost universal. However, environmentally friendly solutions have often proved to be more expensive than regular equivalents so companies have had to make a hard choice. That’s where we come in.

“Even as Swanline Paper & Board was being established we made the conscious decision to take a stand for sustainability by focusing on products that could meet industry demands not only in terms of performance, flexibility and innovation, but also from an eco-friendly angle – but for the same or lower cost as the traditional equivalents. The response so far has been incredible and we’re delighted that Sign & Digital will give us the opportunity to show many more organisations how they can make the most of cost neutral sustainability in substrates.”

Swanline Print is the specialist 100% trade-only services provider to the corrugated packaging and point-of-sale markets. The launch of its innovative new Paper & Board division created a linked supply chain offered by no other UK merchant, enabling customers to benefit from this synergy and multi-million pound investments in technology made by the group – including two class-leading wide format digital printers ideal for rapid turnaround projects.

Swanline Print offers an unrivalled portfolio of print, conversion and finishing services available under one roof. The company invests in specialist machinery so its customers don’t have to, and has a team of experts - including an award-winning constructional design team - on hand to advise every step of the way and help to enhance the quality and turnaround time of any POS or packaging project, from functional counter displays and shelf ready packaging to elaborate novelty packs and floor standing display units.

Visit Swanline Paper & Board at Sign & Digital UK, Stand H54

Birmingham NEC, 19-21 April

For more information:

• www.swanline-pb.co.uk
• www.swanlineprint.co.uk
• www.corrboarduk.com
• www.signuk.com

The market for chemicals for paper making industry has recently seen some difficult years with the closure of numerous production units and some major restructuring in the industry. Fine writing paper production has declined because of new “paperless” technologies. But, other papermaking sectors have developed and are expanding, for example papers used for hygiene and for packaging purposes. Also high the demand in emerging markets represents a good growth opportunity.  
It is this context and the multiplicity of different applications that brings PROTEX INTERNATIONAL, a French and industrial family group, to continue strategically and in a focused way into this niche area of chemicals of papermaking because of its strength in product development.

PROTEX INTERNATIONAL Group and has been active for more than 40 years in the paper making industry.  The Group invests 5% of sales turnover in R&D to develop innovative products for paper-making and paper pulp producers including sectors which produce specialty paper for “high-end” areas like bank notes which is a highly technical manufacturing “niche”. Innovation is the main driver of our growth and products stemming from the R&D section of PROTEX INTERNATIONAL have uses in all area of papermaking, such as paper pulp production, de-inking, wet-end production, size press applications and in paper coating.
The Company is a market leader in fireproofing agents, and sequestering agents for bleaching, products for making barriers and release agents, while also optimizing the efficiency of its traditional activities of chemicals for paper. PROTEX INTERNATIONAL works to “ecologises” its products so that they are “green-tech” with the aim to obtain the best possible certifications such as FDA and BFR.

With this in mind, a new insolubilizing agent containing melamine and also a very low concentration of formaldehyde has recently been developed. The content of formaldehyde is less than 0.1% and consequently, the product is not labelled under CMR.

The paper activity of PROTEX INTERNATIONAL has been enhanced via the recruitment of new salesmen and the Group is preparing for the future by recruiting engineers who specialized in the field of paper Chemistry.
An ambitious programmers of Capital Investments under the “SYNTHRON 2020” Project has been launched and the programme with continue over a number of years based on the industrial site of SYNTHRON in France with prime objectives based on modernization and upgrading existing installations and increasing  production capacity.
On its site of in Saint-Avold in France, PROTELOR – a Group subsidiary – produces sequestering agents which are used in paper manufacturing.
PROTEX INTERNATIONAL has subsidiary Companies in the United States and China, which are the area continents with the forecast for dynamic growth potential.
The international Structure of the Protex Group allows the Subsidiary Companies of the group to share their know-how in paper chemistry, between their individual laboratories, in order to conceive new successful products based on our ecological and environmental plan and also allows them to get closer to local customers.
The Group has a desire to increase its presence at the big international fairs and shows by participating at PaperCon in Cincinnati next May, which is the biggest show globally for paper and pulp.

The US subsidiary Northern Specialty Chemicals will exhibit during the next PaperCon2016 and introduce the range of flame proof agents used to slow down or interrupt the combustion process and applied for coated papers for publicity posters, kraft paper for insulation, paper filters for paint, oils, air, internal honey combs structures for building…

«We aim at developing a business with sustainable solutions for the paper-making industry, by positioning ourselves in markets from fibers to papers, from packaging and cardboards up to covers, from adhesives up to specialist papers in our local French market and in the countries where we are located. In this field, the formation of scientific partnerships on relevant subjects and the completion of small acquisitions are our daily objectives and we are open to all the changes and developments of the market with the emphasis being more and more on green products” declares Robert Moor, CEO of PROTEX INTERNATIONAL.

To be THE preferred supplier, is the ambition on-going of PROTEX INTERNATIONAL today…

At the 109th Annual General Meeting of ANDRITZ AG, the shareholders agreed to raise the dividend to 1.35 euros per share for the 2015 business year. This is an increase of 35% compared to the previous year (2014 business year: 1.00 euros). The ex-dividend date is April 1, 2016, and the date of dividend payment is April 5, 2016.

Jürgen Fechter and Alexander Isola were newly elected to the Supervisory Board for the maximum period stipulated in the Articles of Association (i.e. until the end of the Annual General Meeting that will decide on the discharge for 2020).

All items on the agenda were approved by the shareholders present at the Meeting.

For further information, please contact:
Michael Buchbauer
Head of Corporate Communications
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The ANDRITZ GROUP
ANDRITZ is a globally leading supplier of plants, equipment, and services for hydropower stations, the pulp and paper industry, the metalworking and steel industries, and for solid/liquid separation in the municipal and industrial sectors. The publicly listed technology Group is headquartered in Graz, Austria, and has a staff of approximately 24,500 employees. ANDRITZ operates over 250 sites worldwide.

Leading Ruislip paper merchant AM Trading is targeting further growth following agreement on a new £850,000 funding package with Clydesdale Bank.

The firm trades in paper stock lots including surplus stock and downgraded paper which it purchases from mills and other suppliers and then exports primarily for use in the Indian market.

The £850,000 funding from Clydesdale Bank which comprises trade import, overdraft and foreign exchange facilities for buying and selling currency, will support AM Trading’s plans for further growth in overseas markets.

The deal was facilitated by David Manlove, Relationship Manager - Small and Emerging Business and Adrian Goode, Manager - International Trade, at Clydesdale Bank’s St Albans Business and Private Banking Centre.

AM Trading, which was founded in 2009 and has six employees, had a turnover of nearly £5 million last year.

The business is headed by managing director Arun Monga. He commented: “We see real potential to grow the business further, particularly within the Indian market, and we are targeting turnover of £7 million in the year ahead.

“The flexible nature of the facilities which Clydesdale Bank has been able to offer us, their specialist knowledge of international trade and their focus on creating a strong personal relationship with us in order to understand our business has been extremely welcome.”

David Clarke, Head of Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in St Albans, said: “Under Arun’s leadership, AM Trading has enjoyed consistent growth and we look forward to supporting the firm further as they embark on this latest phase of expansion.

“Clydesdale Bank remains focused on investing in the growth ambitions of the local business community.”

Grupo Gondi and WestRock (NYSE:WRK) have been authorized by COFECE to implement the agreement which will allow them to combine their operations in Mexico to form a strategic alliance, creating the leading packaging company in the country.  The parties expect to close the transaction in early April.

After the closing, Grupo Gondi will have 13 plants including three WestRock corrugated packaging facilities in Mexico.

WestRock, is a leader in the paper and packaging industry, and will contribute three plants located in Mexicali, Monterrey and Queretaro, and a cash contribution in exchange for a 25% equity participation in Grupo Gondi.

As the majority shareholder in this joint venture, Gondi’s management team, led by Eduardo Posada, will be responsible for the management of the joint venture. WestRock will offer technical and commercial support, and will work with Gondi to support multinational customers located in Mexico. With this integration Gondi Group will employ approximately 6,800 people.

"With this authorization Gondi expands its presence in the Mexican market by offering better alternatives to our customers with advanced technology and an expanded portfolio of solutions for paper packaging. We have a proven ability to provide our customers with an excellent service level and innovation. Through this partnership, we will continue our growth and expand our national presence,” said Eduardo Posada, chief executive officer of Grupo Gondi.  

“Grupo Gondi offers packaging solutions through a balance of robust and structural design and high graphics, combined with constant innovation that helps to highlight the brands of our customers. In Mexico, we are the packaging company that goes beyond a traditional box to a packaging solution that helps sell the product it contains,” continued Posada.

“We are pleased to join our WestRock paperboard packaging operations in Mexico with Grupo Gondi," said Steve Voorhees, chief executive officer of WestRock. “With this new joint venture, WestRock will accelerate the expansion of our business in this region with a partner that shares our commitment to providing innovative, high-quality packaging solutions for our customers.”

"With this step Grupo Gondi reaches one of its main goals in establishing this strategic alliance with WestRock and continues to strengthen its value as the best choice of packaging in Mexico. Every day we are more confident and optimistic about the opportunities to grow this business together," said Alejandro González Cimadevilla, Grupo Gondi’s chairman of the board.

About Gondi

Gondi is the main leader in the paper and packaging industry in the Mexican market. With this integration, the company has 13 plants in the country and offers innovative paper packaging solutions to more than 650 customers.

Learn more about Gondi in www.grupogondi.com

About WestRock

WestRock Company (NYSE:WRK) aspires to be the premier partner and unrivaled provider of paper and packaging solutions in consumer and corrugated markets. WestRock's 41,000 team members support customers around the world from approximately 250 operating and business locations spanning North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at www.westrock.com.

Some 80 persons within the Swedish forest-based industry gathered for the winter meeting with PPT, Swedish Pulp & Paper Technology Group, on March 17, 2016 at the SWECO headquarters in Stockholm.

A full-day program focused on current issues and questions within the pulp & paper industry.

The president and CEO of Holmen, Henrik Sjölund and Ulf Larsson, president of SCA Forest Products, presented measures taken to meet challenges of today, while Johan Engström, Andritz Pulp & Paper elaborated  on technical developments in view of increased demand for  sustainable production. A panel discussion, led by PPT chairman Ulf Frölander, with panellists Holmen, SCA and Andritz, focused on challenges for the industry in view of the present massive capital investment projects in the Nordic countries.

Business Sweden’s chief economist Mauro Gozzo gave its most recent business forecast including the Export Managers’ Index for Q1, 2016. Chief economist Petter Lundvik, Handelsbanken, pointed at reasons behind fluctuations in the world economy and the importance of taking that into account when forecasting. Sten B Nilsson, Forest Sector Insights, with experience from North America talked about today’s tendencies in the pulp & paper industry there. Finally, Kacper Pierzynowski, Business Sweden’s office in Kuala Lumpur, gave an introduction to the ASEAN region in view of PPT’s plans to invite a delegation of mill and production managers to Sweden from Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia at the beginning of October 2016.

Rounding up the program, a formal annual meeting of PPT was held, followed by the traditional boule tournament with dinner at Prince Bertil’s Hall of Boule at Djurgården, Stockholm.  

For further information, please contact:
Ulf Frölander, Chairman of PPT, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Åke Ryhagen, Project Manager, PPT, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PPT, Swedish Pulp & Paper Technology Group, is an association formed in 1989 by the Swedish Trade Council (now Business Sweden) along with member companies. Emphasising environmental concerns, energy conservation, productivity increases and quality control, they are all dedicated to promoting Swedish technology for the forest-based industry around the world, www.pptgroup.se