To stay competitive, graphic and specialty paper producers must find new ways to reduce costs during the papermaking process. Substituting expensive fiber with lower-cost fillers or fiber can reduce a papermaker’s costs, but it can also result in paper quality or productivity issues.
The OptiFill program enables fiber-filler optimization that delivers significant cost reduction without compromising quality or productivity. Other benefits include:
- Fiber optimization
- Reduced fiber usage
- Reduce energy usage
- Improved sheet quality
Mode of Action
The OptiFill program is designed for use in coated and uncoated freesheet and mechanical grades. It employs the use of a novel dry-strength additive and/or an advanced retention and drainage aid.
The dry-strength additive enhances the bonding of filler and fiber to maintain sheet strength in the wet-end and in the finished sheet. The retention and drainage aid maintains first-pass ash retention, controls z-direction filler distribution and maximizes drainage without impacting sheet formation.
A modified calcium carbonate filler can be used as part of the OptiFill program to further increase filler use while maintaining bulk and stiffness.
Recorded Results
Paper mills that use the OptiFill program have realized significant cost savings. In one case study, a paper producer that converted to the program realized big benefits:
- Increased filler use from 20 to 25 percent
- Increased productivity, even on extended production runs
- Cost savings of over $1 million annually
More Information
To learn more about the OptiFill program or for free technical advice on fiber optimization, ask a Solenis expert today. Or discover more solutions for graphic and specialty papers.
