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Paper, Pulp and Board

Microwave consistency meters brought to greenfield pulp, paper mill

29th March 2024 Technology leader in electrification and automation ABB has completed the delivery of KPM KC7 microwave consistency sensors to a new paper mill in Pelasgia, Greece, owned by integrated paper and packaging company Unipak Hellas Central SA. This is the first time that a customer has chosen to use... →

Small growers achieve certification

29th March 2024 Five small timber growers in KwaZulu-Natal in December became the first participants to achieve forest certification through the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Sappi Group Scheme for small growers. The growers were part of Sappi’s Khulisa programme. →

The above image depicts the five small timber growers who participated in the Sappi Khulisa programme

Photo by Sappi
PEFC CERTIFIED Five small timber growers in KwaZulu-Natal are the first to participate in the Sappi Khulisa programme and achieve certification through the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification for small growers

Sustainability trend creates opportunities for paper producers

29th March 2024 The pulp and paper manufacturing industry holds a meaningful position in the landscape of South Africa's industrial sector, says industry association Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA). As the backbone of numerous sectors, “its vitality is paramount to South Africa’s economic... →

An image of a paper ream at a paper mill

THE CIRCLE OF FIBRE On average, the country recovers 1.1-million tonnes of paper and paper packaging each year, with 75% to 80% of the fibre going back into local production. More than half of the country’s locally manufactured paper is made from recycled paper fibre

Investments to help increase recycling in EU

29th March 2024 In February 2024, food processing and packaging solutions company Tetra Pak announced several strategic investments designed to improve the recycling capacity for carton packages in the European Union (EU). The move supports the goals of the proposed EU packaging and packaging waste regulation... →

The above image depicts the polyethylene and aluminium, or polyAl, a residue remaining after paper mills have recovered the paper fibres

Photo by Tetra Pak
RECYCLING ACHIEVEMENT The initiatives and investments by Tetra Pak are set to boost the European Union’s ability to recycle beverage cartons which includes the non-fibre protective layers of polyethylene and aluminium, residues remaining after paper mills have recovered the paper fibres

Major player moving to secure power purchase agreements

By: Tracy Hancock 31st March 2023 As South Africa’s energy crisis continues, global renewable resource company Sappi is actively engaging with independent renewable-energy producers to secure renewable energy as and when it becomes available, through power purchase agreements. Buying renewable energy is one of three investment... →

A worker in blue overalls throws material from a heap of wood chips into the air. Saiccor mill in the background

SUSTAINABLE SAICCOR An expansion project at Sappi's Saiccor mill has significantly reduced its reliance on coal-based power

Global demand for paper, pulp and board softens

By: Tracy Hancock 31st March 2023 Global demand for paper, pulp and board is expected to soften in the first half of this year, compared with the highs of last year, where severe supply chain constraints created paper shortages worldwide, says global renewable resource company Sappi. “This significantly boosted sales orders, as... →

A person in white Sappi coat holding two handfuls of white dissolving pulp

THE GREEN FACTOR The underlying demand for dissolving pulp, packaging, office paper and tissue, in South Africa, and speciality papers abroad, remains strong, driven by global sustainability trends

Local paper recycling has room to grow – association

By: Cameron Mackay 1st April 2022 Despite the local recycling rate of 70% being above the global paper recycling rate of 59.1%, South Africa can still improve in its treatment of paper waste, states industry body the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) executive director Jane Molony. Through Pamsa’s paper... →

Image of bales of recovered paper from Sappi

Photo by Sappi
STRONG BASE TO BUILD FROM South Africa average paper recovery rate of 70% makes paper the second-most recovered material in the country

Sequestration crucial for local forestry, paper industries

By: Cameron Mackay 1st April 2022 Industry body Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) executive director Jane Molony highlights that in the National Treasury’s Budget Review in February, sequestration was recognised to include carbon sequestered in the forest, and carbon stored in harvested wood products, such... →

An image of Mondi's wetland conservation in South Africa

FIBRE-BASED SOLUTIONS A key mitigation measure in local industry is to replace fossil fuels used at the mills with biofuels such as tree biomass residues from plantations

Expansion secures company’s position in growing market

By: Cameron Mackay 1st April 2022 With the global increase in the demand for dissolving pulp, paper and pulp company Sappi’s current business strategy for local growth is focused on the R7.7-billion expansion project at its Saiccor mill in KwaZulu-Natal called Project Vulindela, which is now responsible for more than 60% of its... →

PROJECT VULINDLELA The R7.7-billion project is aimed at increasing the capacity and global competitiveness of the Saiccor mill

Companies need to support pulp and paper industry

1st April 2022 The role of local pumps distributor AQS Liquid Transfer/Axflow’s support in the South African pulp and paper industry is not limited to the pumping or transfer of pulp, but to the full product range sold and supported by AQS Liquid Transfer/Axflow across its geographical footprint. The company... →

Image of an infographic showing the pulp production process

EXPANSIVE OFFERING AQS covers most of the pumping requirements of the paper and pulp industry

Paper, wood products vital to lower carbon footprint

26th March 2021 Developed centuries ago, paper has a fascinating history as it has been through the mill – literally and figuratively – in terms of what it is made from, says paper and pulp industry association the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA). It also has many interesting side... →

TREE PLANTING By growing more trees, quality of life can improve and make the world sustainable

Sappi maps way forward in pandemic aftermath

26th March 2021 Paper and packaging manufacturer Sappi notes that there has been a pronounced recovery of pricing and demand in dissolving pulp (DP) markets. As of January 29, 2021, the Chinese market price had improved to $895/t, driven by a number of positive factors including low inventory levels,... →

PULP RECOVERY The full benefit of the rising dissolving pulp prices will be phased through future quarters owing to the quarterly lag in contract pricing

Mass timber has competitive building-material qualities

By: Mamaili Mamaila 26th March 2021 As the construction industry is moving towards modular construction, University of Pretoria (UP) Graduate School of Technology Management senior lecturer Schalk Grobbelaar says mass timber is one of the few building materials that ticks the boxes in terms of being cost effective, reliable,... →

SCHALK GROBBELAAR South Africa is lagging in the current race

Tough trading conditions reported by manufacturer

27th March 2020 Paper and plastic packaging manufacturer Mpact says it experienced tough trading conditions in the year that ended on December 31, 2019. “Trading over the past year across most of our businesses has been very challenging from a demand perspective. →

Wastepaper R&D receives R2m from local industry body

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 27th March 2020 Fibre Circle, the producer responsibility organisation (PRO) for the paper and paper packaging sectors, has earmarked R2-million for research and development (R&D) in the areas of alternate and innovative uses for recovered paper as well as the provision of recycling equipment for micropreneurs... →

Correct pumping solutions assist in efficiency, cost savings

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 27th March 2020 Owing to the complexities of having to negotiate the technical obstacles in selecting the right pumping solutions for specific applications, pump manufacturer Verder Pumps South Africa MD Darryl Macdougall says paper and pulp manufacturers need to look to a trusted and reputable brand that not... →

Trucks allow for efficient handling of paper and timber

29th March 2019 South Africa-based equipment supplier BLTWORLD’s extensive range of materials handling equipment encompasses Meclift variable reach trucks, which are equipped with paper clamps for the efficient handling and loading of paper rolls and sawn timber in and out of trucks and railway carriages. The... →

MULTIPURPOSE FORKLIFT TRUCK The Meclift ML1812R increases efficiency and safety during paper and timber handling

Packaging sector is growing, needs recyclable material

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 29th March 2019 The local packaging sector is growing, and to make it as resource conserving as possible the market requires more packaging material that is recyclable and biodegradable. Paper, as a renewable resource, offers such an alternative by adhering to quality and environmental specifications, says paper... →

LINERBOARD MANUFACTURING Containerboard packaging – boxes made from fluting and linerboard – is in high demand, particularly in the agriculture sector

Companies investigating steam system at paper mill

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 29th March 2019 Valve supplier Bilfinger Intervalve Africa (BIA), in conjunction with engineering, construction and maintenance services provider Steinmüller Africa, both of which are subsidiaries of Bilfinger Power Africa, is investigating the steam systems of a paper mill to allow for possible improvements to... →

PETER UNDERHILL Top performers in the paper and pulp industry are constantly striving to increase productivity and quality while minimising costs

Paper recycling flourishing; separation at source important

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 29th March 2019 Paper recycling in South Africa is thriving, owing to the efforts of industry, collectors and conscientious businesses and consumers, says South African paper recycling association RecyclePaperZA GM Anele Sololo. The country reached its paper recycling 2020 target of 70% in 2017, with... →

FIRST STEP Awareness must be created that separation at source rather than landfill and bin waste picking results in a cleaner product for mills

Paper, pulp and board industry will grow

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 29th March 2019 The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) is optimistic that the paper, pulp and board industry is sustainable and will continue to provide South Africa with several paper products, says Pamsa executive director Jane Molony. She also notes that while the industry has had to... →

JANE MOLONY Those industries that can support environmental sustainability through product offerings have a good chance of withstanding disruption, and perhaps causing some themselves

Renewability driving forest and paper industry

By: Victor Moolman 30th March 2018 Renewable commercial forests that supply the pulp, paper and board industry with wood fibre provide key environmental services and conserve our indigenous forests, says Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) executive director Jane Molony. “Commercially grown trees have helped to... →

Lack of carton collection reduces recycling processes

By: Victor Moolman 30th March 2018 Although paper and plastics packaging company Mpact has been processing liquid packaging successfully, not enough cartons are being collected to use for recycling. “Consumers don’t realise that liquid packaging, such as juice and milk cartons, are actually recyclable. We need to put in an effort... →

Safety solution provided for contractor at Sappi mill

30th March 2018 Rope-access specialist Skyriders has provided a working at height safety solution for a contractor undertaking maintenance at paper and pulp manufacturer Sappi’s Ngodwana pulp and paper mill, in Mpumalanga. The company explains that this follows an earlier successful project in 2016 where it... →

Paper producer to upgrade Mpumalanga mill

By: Victor Moolman 30th March 2018 Pulp and paper producer Sappi will shut down its Ngodwana mill, in Mpumalanga, for four weeks in May, to install new equipment that will decrease bottlenecking. The company will install new machines, and upgrade the wood chipper, fibre line and pulp dryer, says Sappi Southern Africa CEO Alex... →

SAPPI southern Africa CEO Alex Thiel explains what the company is doing and how the paper industry has changed. Camerawork: Nicholas Boyd. Editing: Christo Greyling.

Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa

By: Creamer Media Reporter 29th March 2018 Boxes. Labels. Books. Biochemicals. It’s paper – a renewable, recyclable material that is an inextricable, often invisible, part of daily life. Much is done with paper, and the world would be at a loss without it. The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) has been actively... →

Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa executive director Jane Molony discusses why paper is here to stay.

Success abounds in paper recycling and recovery

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 31st March 2017 Despite South Africa having less easily accessible recycling initiatives in place than in developed countries, such as recycling bins in every park or street, or systematic waste recovery at household level, the Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (Prasa) says the country’s paper... →

Sustainable industry dispels misconceptions

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 31st March 2017 Contrary to the misconceptions about the paper industry being detrimental to the environment, Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) executive director Jane Molony posits that the sector is “incredibly sustainable” and shows a circular economy in action. Whether made from virgin... →

Contraction of paper industry unlikely despite challenges

By: Robyn Wilkinson 25th March 2016 Despite the difficult economic climate, Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) executive director Jane Molony believes that it is unlikely that there will be significant contraction in the paper industry this year. →

FORESTRY The paper industry aims to stimulate rural development and improve timber yield through forestry initiatives

Mill upgrade set to increase capacity by 60 000 t/y

By: Robyn Wilkinson 25th March 2016 The R765-million expansion to paper and plastic packaging manufacturer Mpact’s Felixton mill will increase capacity by 60 000 t/y to 215 000 t/y upon completion, says Mpact CEO Bruce Strong. →

Association sets 2020 target

By: Robyn Wilkinson 25th March 2016 The Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (Prasa) aims to increase the recovery of recyclable paper products to 70% by 2020 through raising awareness about the importance of keeping paper products in a recyclable state throughout their life cycles. →

RECYCLING IMPERATIVE Prasa urges businesses and individuals alike to maximise opportunities for paper recycling

Plan in motion to manage carbon tax uncertainties

By: Robyn Wilkinson 25th March 2016 Through education, lobbying and research, the paper industry will manage policy uncertainties regarding the inception of carbon tax, says Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) executive director Jane Molony. →

Sappi envisions growth in renewable resources

By: Robyn Wilkinson 25th March 2016 Despite the challenges in South Africa’s economic and political landscapes, international pulp and paper company Sappi’s Southern Africa regional CEO Alex Thiel claims that it is an exciting time for the industry, as there is opportunity for growth in renewable resources. →

ALEX THIEL Sappi is excited about upgrades to the Ngodwana and Saiccor mills, in line with the company’s new vision for itself

New tax mooted by DEA could impact negatively on paper industry

By: Kimberley Smuts 27th March 2015 Currently the paper industry is largely responsible for its own collections of recyclable paper needed as a raw material. Owing to transport and labour costs, collection is an expensive exercise, a situation manufacturers can do little to improve, says Paper Manufacturers Association of South... →

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES There is no guarantee that an EPR tax will feed money back into developing the paper and packaging sector

Rope-access specialist continues with repair services for Sappi mills

By: Kimberley Smuts 27th March 2015 Rope access specialist Skyriders completed hard-to-reach inspection and repair work on time and within budget early last year for South African pulp and paper producer Sappi’s Ngodwana mill, in Mpumalanga, Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn tells Engineering News. Zinn explains that, rather... →

Skyriders technicians use ropes to abseil down into confined spaces as a means of moving from point A to point B.

Paper industry doing well, despite struggling economy

By: Kimberley Smuts 27th March 2015 While the South African economy has been relatively stagnant over the past two years and is not expected to grow much this year – with 2% being an optimistic upward growth projection – the pulp and paper industry is “doing well under extremely difficult circumstances”, says Paper Manufacturers... →

Photo by Sappi
GROWTH PROJECTION The paper industry’s energy-saving initiatives are paying off amidst South Africa's stagnant economy

Mpact revenue rises to R8.6bn in tough 2014

By: Megan van Wyngaardt 27th March 2015 JSE-listed packaging company Mpact’s basic underlying earnings a share, for the year ended December 31, increased by 15.3% to 269.2c, while revenue increased by 11.9% year-on-year to R8.6-billion, owing to a drop in the oil price, capital expenditure investments and higher average selling prices.... →

Zest WEG signs long-term deal with paper mill

By: Jonathan Rodin 27th March 2015 Following the successful installation of a steam turbo generator set for packaging and paper group Mondi’s Richards Bay facility, motors, controls, electrical products and solutions provider Zest WEG Group, through its subsidiary Zest Energy, on November 14, 2014 signed a five-year long-term... →

INCREASED EFFICIENCY The 48 MW TGM multiextraction condensing steam turbine rotor, which is designed to maximise efficiency and power generation capability

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