Overview
VPK converted their Alizay paper mill, located in Normandy, into a recycled paper-based production site with long-term sustainable development in the circular economy. The machine has a net production width of 8.8m and an annual capacity of 450.000 tons of lightweight 80-135 g/m² recycled container board.
The revitalization of this historic site has contributed to the continued stability and development of specialized jobs and found new life for locally recovered raw materials.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ENABLING CIRCULARITY
To enable the conversion of the Alizay mill, ABB delivered paper machine sectional part revamping, replacing third-party drives and motors with modern motor and drive technologies. During the second phase of the project, ABB delivered Winder Performance Optimization, a fast-to-implement and cost-effective solution to improve production throughput.
This project has also served as a pilot for the customer for DC safety, which is something specific to ABB. The safety of the machines has been improved with the help of built-in safety features in ABB drives, such as SSM, SLS, SSE, SMS, and POUS. These DC safety measures help ensure that the drives meet machine safety standards, manage speed, and create a safer working environment for operators.
A customer of ABB for over 30 years, VPK Alizay once-again chose ABB to deliver this project thanks to our added value and competitive offering, as well as our long-standing and recognized expertise in the pulp and paper industry.
Significant achievements
Within days of the successful commissioning, VPK’s Alizay mill confirmed a 30-minute gain per day on its winder process because of ABB’s Winder Performance Optimization. This is a significant achievement for the mill and thanks to the team’s expertise and execution, the success was made possible without major equipment modifications or machine shutdown.
“This project demonstrates our Group's commitment to continuous investment to guarantee the performance, optimization and safety of our operations. ABB proved to be the most appropriate partner for this transformation, thanks to its expertise in pulp and paper and its commitment to sustainability," said Jamila Derraz, Site Manager, VPK Alizay.
“We are delighted to have collaborated with VPK Alizay on this significant project, illustrating our shared commitment to sustainable development. This modernization project aligns with contemporary standards, aiming to enhance the safety of operators' work. Thanks to our close relationship with the mill, we were able to respond as closely as possible to their needs," said Nicolas Chabanon, Project Manager, ABB France.
Paper winder performance is crucial to the profitability of a paper mill. Efficient winders reduce production bottlenecks, minimize paper breaks, and improve the overall quality of the final product. Monitoring systems that detect defects and provide real-time insights into winder performance help mills optimize efficiency, improve product quality, and cut costs. As the last step in paper production, optimizing the winder stage is essential for maximizing operational profitability and efficiency.
Our trusted technologies and end-to-end solutions make us the preferred partner for enhancing efficiency, improving operator safety, and helping customers achieve their sustainability goals.
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