Plant And Equipment Investment At Mondi Paper

The new PM31 paper machine and integrated reel winder at Mondi Business Paper's South African site has been commissioned.

The new PM31 paper machine and integrated reel winder at Mondi Business Paper's South African site has been commissioned.

It is enabling production to be switched from supercalendered and magazine grade papers to high-quality uncoated wood free (UCWF) office papers.

A large percentage of the 260,000 tons per year capacity is destined for export.

The project costs were US$175 million, said Mondi.

The technology and configuration of the PM31 are similar to Mondi's PM18, commissioned in Ruzomberok (Slovakia) in 2003.

Like PM18, the machine features a single Voith Nipcoflex press, meaning that the web runs through only one press zone, making the plant energy efficient.

The new PM31 and A4 cutting line form part of the wider Blue Sky emission reduction programme.

The 14-pocket Cut Size 5 cutting line is said to be one of the largest and fastest of its kind in the world, with a capacity of 210 reams per minute.

A major advantage is its flying splice reel changing capability, said Mondi.

The integrated palletiser can pack boxes on 13 different pallet types, giving the mill a competitive edge in its main export market in Europe.

Modern shrink-wrap technology, using thinner wrapping films than conventional equipment, results in a better-looking finished product, added the company.

Mondi Business Paper South Africa's main export brands are IQ appeal and Maestro bulky.

Both are said to be top-quality, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified products, and are asaid to have outstanding volume, thanks to the eucalyptus pulp used to make them.

The pulp for PM31 comes from Mondi's own forestry operations in South Africa and is produced at the recently expanded Richards Bay operation.

In line with the company's commitment to sustainability, all of its 520,000 hectares of plantations are certified according to FSC standards.

Some 190,000 hectares of the land consists of unplanted nature reserves, including wetlands.

The award-winning biodiversity and sustainable wetland management policies have won Mondi widespread recognition, said the company.

All the investments connected with the new PM31 will contribute to further improvements in environmental performance in Merebank, and best available technology has been applied throughout the Blue Sky project, added Mondi.

That also applies to the new flue gas de-sulphurisation plant and biomass fired multi-fuel boiler - improvements that will result in a reduction in emissions and waste, as well as water and energy consumption.

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