Valmet upgrades Wuzhou special paper machine for expanded recycled containerboard output

CHINA – Valmet has secured a contract to rebuild a paper machine and install two winders at Wuzhou Special Paper’s facility in Hubei province, China. 

The project targets the conversion of a recently relocated unit to produce recycled fluting and liner grades, a move that extends the equipment’s operational life while ramping up output for sustainable packaging applications.

According to details from the agreement, startup operations are slated for early 2027. 

The order value remains confidential, but it builds on prior winder purchases by Wuzhou Special Paper in July 2024 and March 2025. 

This latest initiative focuses on enhancing efficiency through proven technology, allowing the mill to meet rising demand for eco-friendly board materials in the packaging sector.

Zhang Yanchen, deputy general manager at Wuzhou Special Paper, described the project in a statement as “a significant step forward in our strategy to expand capacity in the packaging market.” 

He noted that the machine’s relocation and upgrade utilize established systems to ensure high efficiency and product quality, while Valmet’s role as the original supplier helps control costs.

The rebuild encompasses a new layering headbox equipped with a dilution profiler, rebuilt forming and press sections, a film sizer, two extra-wide winders, and a comprehensive machine control system. 

Packages of spare parts and data connectivity features are included to maintain performance levels and streamline operations.

Pekka Tolvanen, sales manager for Valmet’s packaging and paper business area, highlighted the scale of the upgrade: “Once completed, the machine will be the widest containerboard unit in China, with a wire width of 11.3 meters.” 

This dimension supports larger-scale production of recycled grades essential for durable, lightweight packaging solutions.

In a related development, Valmet introduced an enhanced wet end analyzer in November 2025, as reported on industry platforms. 

The tool adds more measurement points and sampling capabilities to monitor key parameters, aiming to stabilize processes and reduce costs for producers of paper and board. 

Such advancements could integrate seamlessly into rebuilds like Wuzhou’s, further optimizing resource use in recycled material lines.

Wuzhou Special Paper, established in 2008 and headquartered in Quzhou City, China, concentrates on developing and manufacturing specialty papers such as food wrapping, glassine, and transfer printing varieties. 

The company continues to pivot toward sustainable options amid growing market needs.

Valmet, a global leader in pulp and paper technologies, recorded net sales of $6.26 billion in 2024. 

With over 19,000 employees across 40 countries and a listing on Nasdaq Helsinki, the firm maintains a strong footprint in automation and recovery systems that support circular economy goals in packaging.

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