Material efficiency
Material efficiency is part of sustainable development, and taking it into account is now more important than ever due to the growing scarcity of natural resources. Material efficiency covers the minimization of raw materials used in the production process, selection of the most economical raw materials possible, and the reduction and recycling of waste to minimize the amount of unutilized material.
Why is material efficiency so important? Because it is a major cost factor for pulp and paper mills since raw materials represent about 50% of total operating costs. It also provides an opportunity to boost profitability by minimizing the amount of waste, and related costs. By minimizing waste and recycling waste material, producers are able to meet global agreements and environmental protection goals, and thus help to promote sustainability.
Minimized use, maximized lifetime
Metso’s material efficiency solutions help pulp and paper mills to save raw material costs by minimizing the use of expensive raw materials (e.g. bulk-saving solutions at the press and drying sections and calenders) and reducing the consumption of chemicals (e.g.
OptiCell flotation unit).
Maximizing the lifetime of consumables through optimized design (e.g.
AttackBar,
NimCat screen basket,
FlexSeal, or ceramic coater blades) and reusing reconditioned equipment (e.g. refiner reconditioning and refiner exchange program) helps to cut equipment costs. Recycling such consumables as doctor blades and rod beds also saves money.
Our new modular machine concept,
OptiConcept M, shows how all-around materials use optimization reduces construction costs and space needs, as well as saves energy and raw materials. This optimized compact paper machine design reduces frame weight and the environmental impact of the machine significantly.
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|  | Replacing raw materials with different ones: How about turning brown into white without using expensive bleached pulp with the help of an OptiLayer curtain coater? |
Material efficiency means producing the same end result with reduced amounts or lower grades of raw materials. This applies particularly to paper and board manufacturing, but also to certain aspects of machinery construction.
Read more about the importance of material efficiency
A new Metso-supplied automation infrastructure has paid off handsomely for the Vernon, California mill. Product quality variability is much improved. In fact, customers rate the quality as the best ever. Production levels are up significantly, and the costs of energy and raw materials have been reduced.
Read more about PABCO Paper rebuild in Vernon, CA, USA
