DS Smith adopts Valmet technology to improve its operations in Italy

ITALY – British multinational packaging business has selected Finnish developer of technologies Valmet to supply it with new containerboard machine to help improve its environmental footprint.

The new machine, which is scheduled for start-up in the middle of 2025, will be installed at DS Smith’s Porcari (Lucca) site in Italy.

The containerboard machine is said to have extensive packages of automation, services and industrial internet applications.

Valmet says that around 40% of all board produced in the world is made by Valmet machinery and it understands that containerboard-making to be an integrated process.

The delivery to DS Smith will include a recycled liner board-making line, the Valmet DNA automation system and the Valmet IQ quality management system.

Kari Räisänen, sales director, board and paper mills at Valmet, said: “Driven by increased demand in sustainable packaging solutions, the containerboard market is growing fast.

“Valmet as a market leader in innovative board-making technologies has developed a number of sustainable solutions to meet the market needs.

“Our unique offering, together with the production potential of the containerboard machine, were the decisive factors for DS Smith.”

Niels Flierman, DS Smith’s head of paper & recycling added: “We are pleased to be working with Valmet to install a new machine at our Porcari plant.

“Not only will the machine help us meet the demand for sustainable packaging innovation in Italy, but it will also help us to increase the plant’s environmental performance by reducing CO2 emissions and specific water use per ton of paper produced.”

In September last year, Flierman said that the machine upgrade follows DS Smith’s consistent growth in Italy over the past decade and that it will allow the company to meet the demand for sustainable packaging innovation.

Meanwhile, in January Valmet signed an agreement with Sappi North to supply an extensive rebuild for its Somerset PM2 paper manufacturing facility in Skowhegan, Maine, USA.

For the rebuilding, Valmet will deploy advanced packaging manufacturing technology that can produce a range of both packaging and coated paper products.

The company will modify existing machine parts and install new components to ensure the machine meets the requirements of new packaging grades.

In addition, Valmet will implement its industrial internet and automation solutions, including a Quality Measurement System, a Process Control System, web monitoring and web inspection systems.

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