Chemical solutions for a smart, green, and high-performance paper industry

During the presentation, after a brief update on the European legislative framework concerning chemicals — with particular focus on the forthcoming revision of the REACH Regulation and the growing role of sustainability-driven initiatives — the effects of these changes on the paper industry will be analysed. In particular, the impact of new restrictions and proposed regulations on chemical auxiliaries used in paper production and tissue converting will be examined in detail. Possible future developments will also be discussed in light of EU environmental policies and voluntary initiatives promoted within the industry to adopt safer and more efficient solutions.

Evonik is committed to advancing softener technology for the tissue industry through a collaborative approach that enhances customer product differentiation. This presentation reviews the parameters affecting softness and discusses the selection of chemistries to improve tissue quality. Evonik emphasizes its dedication to customer collaboration, leveraging its existing portfolio or developing tailored solutions. An introduction of two new chemistries: a wet end debonder/softener that reduces tensile impact and a surface treatment providing a distinctive hand feel. Evonik will present lab and pilot machine data demonstrating the enhancements achievable through chemistry. In a joint pilot study using Gambini’s AirMill technology, the Total Softness Analyzer (TSA) improved by approximately 10 points. Evonik’s strategic vision is to foster innovation and sustainability, ensuring that products not only meet performance expectations but also align with regulatory and environmental standards.

In the current economic context, tissue manufacturers strive to reduce operating costs. A common approach is to optimize fiber usage by lowering basis weight or increasing the ratio of recycled or short fiber. However, this often weakens the sheet, requiring more refining and consequently higher fines generation. Fines interact strongly with Yankee coating chemicals, creating hard coatings. The resulting issues, such as sheet breaks or lower stretch, often force manufacturers to increase the crepe ratio, cancelling some of the cost benefits. Solenis has developed an advanced suite of Yankee coating technologies specifically formulated for highly contaminated furnishes. This innovative chemical package combines a proprietary polymer blend with a next-generation release agent, designed to neutralize the adverse effects of fines while maintaining a softer coating. Case histories show that these new coating chemicals not only give a boost in stretch, but also enable up to a 15% reduction in refining energy. Through this technology, Solenis offers a robust solution for tissue producers to achieve cost reduction without compromising performance.

In today’s tissue industry where sustainability, energy efficiency, and cost competitiveness are becoming decisive success factors, Green Creping emerges as a transformative solution. This presentation outlines how increasing moisture levels at the Yankee dryer can unlock significant environmental and financial benefits – if managed correctly. However, working at higher moisture levels presents several operational challenges: increased risk of corrosion, instability due to moisture peaks, wash-off of coating materials, and an unpredictable rise in natural coating accumulation. These bottlenecks have traditionally limited broader adoption of high-moisture strategies. This session addresses how these obstacles can be overcome through optimized coating formulations. A key enabler is robust coating adhesion, smart moisture control systems, and strategic process adjustments. We will conclude with a real-world case study demonstrating how a tissue mill successfully implemented high moisture creping, achieving a major percentage in energy savings while maintaining product softness and machine stability. This case highlights that Green Creping is not just a concept – it’s a practical path toward future-ready tissue production.

As a paper manufacturer, you know how crucial accurate dosing is for effective microbiological control. Underdosing can allow harmful microorganisms to persist; overdosing can lead to residual toxicity in the product and equipment corrosion. Achieving the optimal balance becomes even more complex – and costly – when using increasing amounts of recycled or low-quality fibers, which are more prone to microbial growth, odor issues, and waste. All of this while being expected to reduce water consumption without compromising tissue quality. Buckman’s Ackumen MCA-i offers a concrete solution. This AI-based chem-digital system monitors microbiological water quality, anticipates changes, and automatically adjusts monochloramine dosing – even when working with variable fiber quality or reduced water usage. The result? Accurate dosing at the right points, from stock preparation to the machine. Fewer approximations, greater efficiency. Ackumen MCA-i integrates Buckman’s best-in-class monochloramine chemistry with advanced sensors, cloud analytics, continuous monitoring, and precise predictive models – simplifying microbiological control across the papermaking process.

Clean water circuits are essential for fast and reliable paper production. Microbiological contamination can lead to significant downtimes due to frequent cleaning intervals. It is therefore inevitable to implement a cost-effective water treatment program. Common biocides usually contain oxidizing agents, isothiazolinones, or DBNPA.
With BIOTIKOS CHT has recently developed a completely new concept of water treatment. This sustainable technology redefines conventional water treatment.
This presentation outlines the successful application of BIOTIKOS at Cartiera del Vignaletto. Since September 2024, PM 5 has been operating exclusively with this probiotic technology, eliminating the use of conventional biocides. The presentation will also include application details such as the dosing strategy and the monitoring of water quality.

Many pulp and paper producers are struggling to meet environmental limits due to increased production with higher load to the effluent treatment plant (ETP). Another challenge comes with changing conditions and wastewater characteristics. As the amount of pollutants varies, optimizing the treatment process is difficult. Many mills boost the performance with chemicals that are fed at a steady dosage flow This easily leads to under or over dosing causing unstable effluent quality. Effluent is monitored with daily lab analysis which causes delay for operator’s corrective actions. New solutions for optimizing the ETP are presented. A novel measurement device with advanced sample pre-treatment follows the effluent pollutants on-line (suspended solids, COD and P) and automatically controls the chemicals doses with sophisticated algorithms for optimum and cost-efficient chemical usage.