ZELLCHEMING
ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2025 brought the international paper and pulp industry to the RheinMain CongressCenter (RMCC) in Wiesbaden. From July 1 to 3, this important industry event offered around 3,000 visitors (nearly 20% more than last year) opportunities to exchange information and network informally. More than 140 sponsors and partner companies presented themselves in nearly 2,000 square meters of expo space. The North Hall of the RMCC was fully booked.
With the introduction of three automation solutions – OnControl.SmartProtect, OnControl.FineScreening and OnControl.Pulping Detrashing – Voith is expanding its MillOne ecosystem and driving forward the digital transformation of papermaking. Designed to solve daily challenges of operators in pulping, fine screening and high-density cleaning, the solutions consolidate excessive amounts of data, complex decision-making processes and inefficient manual interventions through real-time measurements, data analysis and automated adjustments or recommendations. Companies such as German papermaker Schoellershammer are benefitting by significantly optimizing their production output and resource utilization.
Norske Skog Skogn is preparing to enter the European book paper market supported by a comprehensive technology package developed in collaboration with international technology group Andritz. This solution will enable the conversion of Paper Machine 1 (PM1) to flexibly produce both newsprint and the new NOR Book grade. Norske Skog aims to become one of the top three suppliers of wood-containing book paper in Europe. Start-up is planned for the second quarter of 2026.
Sappi Europe today announced the initiation of a consultation process at its Alfeld Mill in Germany as part of a proposed partial asset restructure. This step is being taken in response to sustained financial challenges and a structural decline in demand across Europe. Over recent years, Sappi has taken considerable steps to improve the financial performance of its Alfeld Mill. However, despite reducing losses significantly, the complexity of the current product and asset portfolio has limited the mill’s ability to operate sustainably under current and foreseeable market conditions.
Toscotec announces the acquisition of the brand and intellectual property of the company formerly known as Recard, a long-established company in the sector specializing in the production of Tissue paper machinery. This includes the acquisition of know-how, technical drawings, and any other intangible assets.
UPM Adhesive Materials, formerly known as UPM Raflatac, will be showcasing high-quality label solutions that demonstrate its adhesive material performance on its stand at Labelexpo Europe 2025. UPM Adhesive Materials has an array of label materials designed for specific end-uses including FMCG, pharmaceuticals, logistics and industrials. It will be using Labelexpo Europe 2025 as a platform to showcase these solutions that deliver reliable performance and a high level of sustainability, that connect with customer ambitions.
Alfa Laval launches Clariot™, a next generation, AI-based condition monitoring solution, precision-built for hygienic process equipment to deliver more accurate analysis and support. Clariot™ monitors equipment and processes, providing actionable insights that enhance uptime and optimize resource efficiency.
Full-line supplier Voith announces the successful completion of the rebuilt Norske Skog PM 1 production line in Golbey, France. The machine is designed to produce 550,000 tons per year of recycled packaging paper at a wire width of 9,300 mm to meet the growing demand in the European market. With a design speed of 1,700 m/min, PM 1 will focus on lightweight packaging papers between 70 and 135 g/m2.
AFRY has been tasked by Arctic Sisu, a Finnish e-fuel company, to conduct a feasibility study for a large-scale e-methane production facility in Kotka, Finland. The project, planned in three phases, aims to produce 900–950 GWh of renewable e-methane annually, using CO2 from nearby pulp production as a raw material.
Voith, full-line supplier to the paper industry, announces a rebuild agreement with GDT Paper Joint Stock Company in Vietnam. Voith will integrate its state-of-the-art MasterJet 4Tec headbox technology into GDT's new paper production line, setting a new benchmark for paper quality and sustainability in the industry.
Archroma unveiled a fully redesigned website (www.archroma.com), aimed at enhancing customer experience and accelerating the transition to more sustainable practices across the textiles, packaging, and paper value chains. Rooted in Archroma’s sustainability-driven mission, the new digital platform is designed to help manufacturers and brands make smarter, science-based decisions that reduce environmental impact. With this launch, Archroma reinforces its commitment to enabling a more sustainable future—through innovation, transparency, and accessible technology.
Toscotec will supply an Ahead 2.2 tissue line to the multi-latin company GrandBay Group at its production base in Pereira, Colombia. This marks a repeat order for Toscotec, following the successful start-up of a tissue machine at GrandBay's Guatemala site in 2023. The start-up of the new machine is planned for second semester 2025.