<p>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.</p>
<p>The OptiFill program enables fiber-filler optimization that delivers significant cost reduction without compromising quality or productivity. Other benefits include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Fiber optimization</li>
<li>Reduced fiber usage</li>
<li>Reduce energy usage</li>
<li>Improved sheet quality</li>
</ul>
<h2>Mode of Action</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>A modified calcium carbonate filler can be used as part of the OptiFill program to further increase filler use while maintaining bulk and stiffness.</p>
<h2>Recorded Results</h2>
<p>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:</p>
<ul>
<li>Increased filler use from 20 to 25 percent</li>
<li>Increased productivity, even on extended production runs</li>
<li>Cost savings of over $1 million annually</li>
</ul>
<h2>More Information</h2>
<p>To learn more about the OptiFill program or for free technical advice on fiber optimization, <a href="/en/contact/ask-expert/">ask a Solenis expert today</a>. Or discover more solutions for <a href="/en/markets/pulp-paper/graphic-specialty-papers/">graphic and specialty papers</a>. </p>
