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Kemira introduces new technology to address stickies challenge in recycled paper and board

Kemira has introduced a new quick inversion polymer technology that can help address a key challenge for recycled paper and board producers: stickies from tapes, glues and labels used in recovered and recycled packaging material.

There is an increase in the use of recycled fibres in paper and board production. However, contaminants, like the stickies, can reduce production efficiency and product quality.

Kemira’s new quick inversion polymers provide high hydrophobic particle fixation. They have been successful in improving machine cleanliness and with it, machine runnability and efficiency in both recycled linerboard and tissue grades.

“Our customers need solutions that are cost-efficient, easy to apply and compliant with modern regulations, e.g. suitable to be used in food contact. These products are the result of significant research into the right molecular weight and charge to find the optimal fixation performance to control the stickies,” says Michael Wallace, senior manager, wet end applications at Kemira.

The quick inversion polymers are multipurpose products. In addition to being a fixative for stickies control, they work as retention and drainage boosters. This helps in improving dewatering performance, for example in high-grammage paperboard grades. It also helps in improving the efficiency of other chemicals, such as sizing, in the papermaking process.

“Improved machine cleanliness enables an increase in machine speed even on lightweight grades, helps significantly reduce product defects, and extends, for example, forming fabric and dryer felt lifetime. Improved retention and drainage performance at the wet end of the machine further improve production efficiency and productivity for our customers,” explained Wallace.

Kemira’s quick inversion polymers are part of its KemForm Retention and Drainage concept. The products are available under the FennoPol tradename globally. They do not require complicated or costly polymer make-down equipment at the mill site.

“Efficient use of recycled raw materials requires particular chemistry expertise. By combining the high-performing polymer products with our advanced chemical injection technologies and digital solutions for monitoring hydrophobic particles and process performance in real-time, we enable optimized processes for our customers in the challenging recycled grades production,” concluded Wallace.