Aalst, Belgium 20 July 2017 -- VPK's Paper Machine 6 in Oudegem has undergone an extensive upgrade. Stock preparation, production speed and the winder have all been updated, resulting in lots of benefits for Belgian paper production.

Three phases completed: better stock preparation, higher production speed, new winder

The PM6 upgrade started with the first step in the production process: stock preparation. Residual pieces are now separated more efficiently after pulping the raw material, which leads to an increased number of fibres and allows us to make purer paper, making us more sustainable when it comes to handling our raw materials. As well as the PM6, the other two paper machines on site also benefit from this improvement.

In a second phase, the paper machine itself was upgraded. New drive motors have been installed in in the drying section, the sieve table has been extended and the guide system has been automated, leading to an increase in production speed without any effect on the drying capacity. This has resulted in additional output and a maximum speed of 900m per minute.

The third phase of the project has also recently been completed: installation of the new winder. It has now been placed in front of the paper machine rather than next to it, making handling safer and more efficient. The new winder does take up extra space, however, so its installation required structural renovations on the site. The existing production hall has been expanded by 750m², and the new winder is currently being put into operation.

Investing in the future

Paper Machine 6 produces approximately 180,000 tonnes of fluting and test liner between 110g/m² and 215g/m² every year. Since the upgrade, we are now aiming for a capacity of 200,000 tonnes. An investment with competitive benefits for the environment, our employees and our customers: