Paper out of birch porridge

These researchers were carried out by the order of Russian Holding “Investlesprom” and were financed by it, after that “Investlesprom” ‘s management made decision to start implementation of this large -scale «LWC-Kama» project. According to last scientific facts a painfully familiar to all of us birch may serve not only as source for a tasty juice and material for making bunch and firewood for Russian baths. As it was recently found out it is possible to manufacture high quality paper - high-tech prototype of old Russian writings on birch bark - out of birch semi-processed materials. It was convincingly proved by laboratory studies that were carried out at the University in Helsinki and KCL centre in Finland in January 2008. Later, tests of such birch paper were conducted on pilot “Voith”( Germany) coating unit . And an important conclusion was made: paper has enough strength to be coated at high speed, i.e. it is quite possible to manufacture paper on this new substrate commercially. Today pulp-and-paper mill “Kama” is one of the largest paper producers in Ural region. Its team’s thirst for innovations has always been known. The enterprise’s constant development and improvement were secured by its close contact with research and planning and design institutes . For example, as far back as 10 years ago, in 1994, a new method of pulp cooking was introduced at the Mill- modified bisulfite on mixed sodic magnesium base. It allowed to increase pulp output considerably and, what is of no small importance,- to reduce substantially air pollution. One of the latest achievements of Kama paper manufacturers- is mastering of the technology of using deciduous wood for CTMP production. Adding of this modern semi-processed material instead of cellulose to paper pulp formula leads to improvement of paper strength characteristics and to environmentally safe production. Quality of the paper produced at the Mill has been accepted since 1995 in the global market , that was confirmed by prestigious prize “Gold Star” in Madrid (Spain). Taking this all into consideration Investlesprom’s management chose this enterprise for introducing new manufacturing method of paper produced out of birch semi-processed material. In 2008–2009 within «LWC-Kama» project large-scale tests of the whole production string were made. Produced light-weight coated paper was tested at Printing plant “Pushkin square” in spring, 2009.Opinions were positive in general, but there were some defects in comparison with paper produced by global leaders. Probable reasons for these defects were analyzed and corrections of the manufacturing method were made with the goal to reach all target quality characteristics. Thus, PPM “Kama” specialists not only introduced new manufacturing method but created unique composition of paper, for which production BCTMP out of birch pulpwood serves as main raw material . Innovative technology will let produce semi-processed material of wide range of characteristics and meet customer’s different requirements in respect of quality. One also shouldn’t forget that «LWC-Kama» – the first in the world coated paper production out of birch semi-processed material. There is an integrated effect here: the “ monopoly” of traditional paper manufacture method is ruined –basis for coating out of coniferous wood, besides, new perspectives for hardwood raw materials usage are opened, which so far were processed not enough at Russian enterprises while reserves are great. This is strategic break for this country pulp-and-paper industry, without exaggeration . In May, last year at printing plant ”Pushkin square’ ( part of Investlesprom Group) next in turn tests of coated paper , produced within the frames of “Vologda paper manufacture” and «LWC-Кama» projects, were carried out. Paper manufactured according to unique method and by pilot “Metso”(Finland) PMM successfully stood trial printing and stitching tests. These tests also proved: this manufacturing method will be of competitive advantage in respect of cost and quality. In September, 2010 patent application for manufacture of developed composition for coated paper was sent to Rospatent. Patent application purity , by the way, was checked in cooperation with Rosnano spacialists- as impartially the process of composition production may be considered as nanotechnology by some characteristics. It should be mentioned that coated paper is not manufactured in Russia. The first mill is being under construction at PPM “Kama” production facility in Perm’skiy krai. Investments equal to 85 mln Euro. The Mill will produce up to 80 thous t of LWC per year : that is almost a quarter of Russian printing industry demand. At the moment about 70% of Russian magazines are printed abroad, it promotes a thousand working places foundation and considerable tax deductions but unfortunately not to Russian state treasury. After «LWC-Кama» project realization the situation is to change revolutionally to our favour. Even now we already have a rather distinctive picture of the situation thanks to direct investments and loans of Bank of Moscow- “Investlesprom”s old partner. While many investors were just talking profusely about necessity of modernization and introduction of nanotechnologies, Bank’s of Moscow former management was investing perspective technologies which potentially could bring hundreds percents of profits. Today somebody call these investments “questionable”, but only not in Krasnokams, city of many thousands of citizens who connect their own and their children’s and grandchildren’s future with PPM renovation. Start-up of a new LWC plant at JSC PPM “Kama” is scheduled quite soon. At the moment initial adjustment of equipment of BCTMP department is being done. After that setup of paper-making machine will be done and the first lot of paper produced. New water-treatment and cleaning unit is already operating , it was designed and assembled by KIWI (Austria) company specialists. After treatment water by some key characteristics excels norms established by SunPiN for drinkable needs! What is of the most importance is the fact that Krasnokamsk project is totally directed towards Russian market and replacement of import : nobody produces coated paper in this country. Whereas in 2008 before the crisis domestic market capacity was 300 thous t, out of which 150 thous t went to LWC . According to analytics’ estimations the demand is to increase by 15% annually and will reach the level of 600 thous t by 2015. The first paper was produced at the largest enterprise of soviet Russia- Kamskiy pulp-and-paper mill- at about 8 o’clock in the evening in February, 3, 1936. To mark this event one of the issues of the plant’s large-circulation paper was printed on that first paper. On the first page of it was written “ This issue is printed on new kamskaja paper!». By present enterprise’s management decision celebration of the 75-th anniversary is postponed. PPM “Kama” glorious anniversary will be combined with campaign on the occasion of the startup of the first in Russia production of light-weight coated paper made of birch wood. We would like to believe that everything will be O’K in the long run, – both for printing workers ( they will be supplied with paper of proper quality and by low price ) , for this country production( it will start successfully and manage to become competitive in respect of quality, price and terms) and for all of us, readers and “writers” , who will not have to spend additional money for repaying imported coated paper of books and magazines.