Sappi Implements ABB Fiber Measurement Technology For Dutch Paper Mill

Sappi has implemented ABB’s L&W Fiber & Freeness Online system at its Maastricht mill in the Netherlands to transition from standard graphic paper to high-end luxury packaging cardboard. The primary differentiator of this technology compared to conventional manual sampling is its ability to provide continuous, real-time fiber morphology and freeness measurements at the wet end of the production process. While traditional mills often rely on periodic lab testing that results in delayed process adjustments, this industrial hardware allows for immediate stabilization of pulp quality during the stock preparation and refining stages. This level of precision ensures that the final product meets the rigorous consistency requirements of luxury retailers and packaging converters without the inefficiencies of over-processing.

Optimization of Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC) Processing
A significant competitive advantage of this system is its role in the production of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), a specialized material used to enhance paper properties. The technology provides operators with granular visibility into the batch process, allowing for more accurate control over the specific material behaviors requested by end-customers. By reliably predicting how fibers will behave when they reach the paper machine, the mill can maintain high-quality specifications for the pulp mix. This capability is a departure from older systems that struggle to manage the complex properties of MFC, resulting in better runnability and a higher yield of on-specification product at a lower operational cost.




Strategic Transition and Operational Sustainability
The adoption of online fiber measurement is a central component of a broader infrastructure upgrade at the Maastricht mill aimed at improving electrification and resource productivity. By automating the monitoring of fiber freeness, the mill minimizes energy waste associated with unnecessary refining and reduces the volume of off-specification material. This data-driven approach allows Sappi to navigate shrinking markets by pivoting toward high-margin sectors with a more sustainable and predictable manufacturing framework. The integration of such advanced diagnostics effectively bridges the gap between raw material variability and the precise demands of the modern luxury packaging market.

www.abb.com