25 years of PM 9: Voith and Saica set standards in paper production also in news Voith achieves Final Acceptance Certificate for Ecowipes WLM 2 in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki.

25 years of PM 9: Voith and Saica set standards in paper production

• PM 9 was initially launched as the fastest paper machine for lightweight containerboard and increased Saica’s production capacity by 350,000 tons per year.
• Successful collaboration between Voith and Saica set new benchmarks in the paper industry and today maintains PM 9’s leadership position in operational efficiency and product quality.

On October 12, Voith and Saica Group will celebrate 25 years of the PM 9 production line at Saica in El Burgo de Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain. Today, the board and packaging machine is regarded as a true benchmark and leader in terms of operational efficiency and product quality.

PM 9 started up on October 12, 2000. The production line was designed to meet Saica’s goal of producing a basis weight range of 75 to 110 gsm with operational speeds from 975 to 1,450 m/min and a production capacity of 350,000 tons per year. These speeds were totally unknown in those times for board and packaging grades. The line set new standards in the production of high-performance lightweight containerboard and has since reached annual production outputs well above its original design.

“When Saica’s board of directors decided to invest in a new facility for the production of lightweight corrugating medium grades, we knew we needed a machine that didn’t yet exist,” recalls Roberto Arnaiz, Mill Manager at Saica Paper El Burgo de Ebro. “Voith supported us from the beginning, and together we developed a facility that exceeded all our expectations.”

“The PM 9 at Saica is a prime example of innovation and technical excellence,” says Ralf Sorg, President Projects at Voith Paper. “Since its commissioning, it has not only significantly increased Saica’s production capacity but also set new standards for efficiency and quality in paper production. The PM 9 is a symbol of the success of the long-standing and trusting partnership between Voith and Saica.”

“The successful commissioning and smooth operation of the PM 9 are the results of long-lasting and close collaboration and high commitment from both teams,” Arnaiz continues. “We are proud that the PM 9 remains a significant element of our production line even 25 years later.”

Voith and Saica have made history together and look back on a quarter-century of innovation and success. The PM 9 remains a symbol of technological excellence and partnership in the paper industry. Voith looks forward to continuing to participate in the optimization and further development of the facility in the coming years. 

To mark this milestone, Saica and Voith will collaborate on an innovative project to further increase the efficiency and sustainability of the production line. The upgrade is scheduled for March 2026.

About the Saica Group

The Saica Group offers sustainable paper solutions for the manufacturing of corrugated cardboard and packaging, promoting circularity in waste management. With more than 12,000 employees and a presence in Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and the United States, the Saica Group has four business divisions: the manufacturing of recycled paper for corrugated cardboard (Saica Paper), waste management and environmental services (Saica Natur), the production of corrugated cardboard packaging (Saica Pack) and flexible packaging (Saica Flex). The group’s turnover is 3,662 million euros (consolidated sales on 31 December 2024).

Voith achieves Final Acceptance Certificate for Ecowipes WLM 2 in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki

• Ecowipes and Voith announce the achievement of Final Acceptance Certificate for Ecowipes’ WLM 2.
• The project showcases the first-ever application of the FloatLip Former for baby wipes.
• The line now produces 100 percent plastic-free, biodegradable CP wipes with a yearly capacity of about 20,000 tons.
• Strong partnership and innovative technology drove project success and sustainability.

With the successful commissioning of the WLM 2 line by Ecowipes, a leading manufacturer of nonwoven wipes, and the receipt of the Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC), Voith reports another project success in the field of nonwoven production. This milestone marks the pinnacle of a collaborative effort to advance sustainable production in the nonwovens industry.

The WLM 2 line, located in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Poland, is designed with a wire width of 3,750 mm and a design speed of 300 m/min, enabling an impressive yearly capacity of about 20,000 tons. The line produces carded/pulp (CP) wipes made from 60 percent pulp and 40 percent viscose, specifically tailored for baby wipes applications. These wipes are 100 percent plastic-free and biodegradable, meeting the rising demand for environmentally friendly hygiene products. CP wipes offer a unique blend of softness and strength, making them ideal for sensitive skin while ensuring effective cleaning.

“The successful production on the WLM 2 line is a testament to the long and trusting partnership between Ecowipes and Voith,” said Artur Gałwiaczek, Head of Technology of Ecowipes. “Voith’s innovative technology and our shared commitment to sustainability have allowed us to produce high-quality, biodegradable wipes efficiently. This collaboration has exceeded our expectations and sets a new standard in the industry.”

A key highlight of the project is the implementation of the FloatLip Former, utilized for the first time in this application. The FloatLip Former is an innovative machine concept that offers a compact, cost-effective and space-saving solution for the production of CP wipes. It can be substituted for the traditional HydroFormer, providing a more efficient and tailored solution for Ecowipes’ specific needs.

“Working alongside Ecowipes on the WLM 2 project has been a remarkable experience,” stated Oliver Crasser, Sales Manager at Voith Paper. “The implementation of the FloatLip Former on the WLM 2 demonstrates our commitment to delivering energy-efficient, space-saving and highly effective solutions. We are proud to contribute to Ecowipes’ vision of sustainable production.”

The collaboration between Ecowipes and Voith has been characterized by an open and pragmatic approach, leveraging the extensive experience of both parties in the nonwovens sector. This synergy has consistently enhanced line performance and availability, paving the way for future innovations in the industry.

Voith’s involvement extends beyond the initial project phase, with a service contract ensuring ongoing support and optimization of the WLM 2. As both companies look to the future, this partnership promises to further drive advancements in sustainable nonwoven products.

About Ecowipes
Ecowipes is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of eco-friendly hygiene, cosmetic, and household products. Ecowipes specializes in producing dry and wet wipes, cosmetic pads, and cotton buds. Founded in 2011, Ecowipes has consistently focused on innovative solutions and a broad portfolio of natural, biodegradable products that are both environmentally friendly and meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Their competitive advantage lies in integrated production – they are both a nonwoven fabric manufacturer and a converter, supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and modern warehousing facilities. Ecowipes’ manufacturing operations are carried out in three modern facilities: in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki and Nowy Modlin, Poland, as well as in Moosch, France. 

Contact: Niklas Dworschak, Voith Group, Manager Global Communication Voith Paper, Global Communications Voith Paper – zc, Group Division Paper, Division VP Other, niklas.dworschak@voith.com – www.voith.com

About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport. Founded in 1867, Voith today has around 22,000 employees, sales of € 5.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and thus is one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services and products on the market, and offers paper manufacturers integrated solutions from a single source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and supports customers in significantly reducing their carbon footprint. With its comprehensive automation products and leading digitalization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve the availability and efficiency of their systems in all sections of the production process.

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