As Brian Smith, project director, Mpact explains: “With the technological solution proposed by Andritz, we can increase our mill’s performance and make our production more sustainable at the same time. In addition, we get everything from a single source – three good reasons for choosing Andritz as a partner.”

Andritz will upgrade the entire neutral sulphite semi-chemical pulping (NSSC) line, which processes eucalyptus and pine to provide fluting and linerboard for the production of containerboard. The comprehensive solution comprises key equipment for the wood processing, cooking, washing and refining sections to increase the line’s capacity from 225 bdmt/d to 365 bdmt/d and at the same time enhance product quality.

• A new chipping line will provide excellent chip size distribution to secure a homogenous cooking result with minimal amounts of fines for improved material efficiency.
• The conversion of the cooking system will maximize fiber quality and pulp cleanliness.
• The use of clean condensate to generate fresh steam for chip pre-steaming will provide clear environmental benefits in terms of fresh-water usage and primary steam utilization.
• Excellent washing results with the new generation Compact Press technology will lead to high humidity resistance of the product.
• Andritz TwinFlo Prime refiners will optimize the fiber quality prior to washing and thus the product quality. Using water-lubricated bearing technology, the latest LC refiner innovation allows a more environmentally friendly operation.
• Andritz PrimeFilter D will ensure superior preparation of clear and super clear filtrate.

Andritz will also provide the supervision over the erection, commissioning, and start-up as well as the training of the operating personnel. Start-up of the upgraded line is scheduled for the first half of 2025.

The upgrade to the pulping line is part of the bigger mill upgrade project where Mpact announced in December 2022 the approval of a R1.2 billion (~ EUR 60 million) capital investment project at its Mkhondo Paper Mill. It forms part of Mpact’s portfolio optimization and strategically positions the mill to meet the increasing demand for quality, sustainable, fresh produce packaging solutions driven by robust growth in the South African export fruit sector.

Image: Mpact