#China #Rizhao #Valmet Technology #Century Sunshine #Shandong Province

Valmet's Advanced Technology and Its Impact on Pulp Production

Valmet, a global leader in providing technology for the process industries, has unveiled its latest delivery of essential technology to support the new pulp mill project by Century Sunshine in Rizhao, located in Shandong province, China. This initiative is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of pulp production, aligning with the growing demands in the paper industry.

The new mill, part of Century Sunshine's strategic investment program dubbed 'Paper-for-Plastic,' is designed to produce an impressive 2.65 million tonnes of paper annually, aimed at replacing plastic with environmentally-friendly paper alternatives. The facility will have the capability to manufacture up to 1.2 million tonnes of hardwood or softwood pulp and an additional 400,000 tonnes of softwood pulp. This bold move not only reflects a commitment to sustainability but also sets the bar for innovation in the pulp and paper sector.

Valmet's comprehensive delivery to the Rizhao mill includes state-of-the-art cooking and fiber lines, a high-performance evaporation plant, a recovery boiler equipped with smart optimizers, ash treatment technology, and a white liquor plant. The financial aspect of this project is noteworthy, with the order exceeding EUR 100 million, although the exact figure remains undisclosed.

Expected to commence operations in June 2028, this mill is a significant step towards Century Sunshine's goal to optimize their raw material supply while meeting the evolving demands of the Chinese market. Jeff Cheng, Vice President of Century Sunshine, emphasized the importance of this partnership with Valmet, citing previous positive experiences and Valmet's capacity to meet technological requirements and budget considerations as core reasons for their selection.

Valmet’s longstanding relationship with Century Sunshine is integral to this venture. By bolstering their collaboration with the latest pulp mill delivery, Valmet not only enhances its standing in the Chinese market but also demonstrates its competitive edge, primarily by increasing the use of locally manufactured components in the evaporation plant. Xiangdong Zhu, Executive Vice President at Valmet, noted that their local technology and service capabilities would provide lasting support throughout the lifecycle of the mill.

The technical specifications of the new mill are remarkable. It will produce various types of pulp, including fluff, dissolving, softwood, and hardwood. The mill's cooking technology is cutting-edge, featuring a recovery boiler that is equipped with leading safety and optimization features, as well as an electrostatic precipitator for effective dust emissions reduction.

Moreover, the cooking and fiber lines comprise two parallel systems, one of which is a continuous cooking swing line designed for bleached pulp production. This innovative approach will significantly enhance both the efficiency and safety of the production process. The recovery island, a crucial component of the technology delivery, incorporates Valmet's Tubel technology for evaporation, alongside a robust recovery boiler and advanced ash crystallization and recausticizing systems, which are designed with sustainability in mind.

Additionally, the lime kilns in operation will utilize biomass as fuel, ensuring that the entire mill operates without reliance on fossil fuels, which is consistent with modern sustainability goals.

Century Sunshine, headquartered in Weifang, is a well-established player in the pulp and paper industry, focusing on high-grade packaging papers. Since its inception in 2000, the company has been committed to innovative practices and processes that ensure quality and sustainability in production.

The collaboration between Valmet and Century Sunshine represents a significant stride toward a more sustainable future in the pulp and paper sector. As these two industry leaders work together, they reinforce their shared commitment to innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, setting a new standard for production practices in the region. In conclusion, as Valmet continues to lead in technological advancements and solutions, the success of the Century Sunshine Rizhao mill will be a testament to effective partnerships in achieving sustainability goals.