Sodra launches paper tape for baling pulp

VAXJO, Sweden, Nov. 5, 2009 (Press Release) - Södra Cell has launched FiberSafe, a paper tape for baling pulp which eliminates the potentially dangerous process in paper mills of removing traditional wire straps from a bale before pulping. Because it's made of paper, FiberSafe can be tipped directly into the pulper, minimising the risk of injury.

"Today there's always the chance an accident or near-accident may occur when the wire is cut and removed. This step disappears with FiberSafe, making the working environment safer and simplifying handling," says Dag Benestad who headed up the project.

FiberSafe is a response to customer demands for an alternative to wire strapping. Almost 80 per cent of customers surveyed by Södra said they wanted to see an end to wire straps, and this led to Södra Cell's decision to develop the new product.

Södra Cell Mörrum can already produce bales strapped with paper tape, and Södra Cell Mönsterås is following its example. If the programme proves successful and demand is strong, similar investments will be made at other Södra pulp mills.

As well as contributing to a safer working environment, FiberSafe helps improve paper mill profitability. Customers that previously removed wire straps manually can free up resources, while customers with automatic de-wiring can reduce their equipment and maintenance costs, and there is no scrap wire to dispose of.

"We have great hopes for FiberSafe," said Dag Benestad. "Södra Cell is the first producer in Europe to use paper tape, and with a successful market launch it's not out of the question that the concept will become the industry standard in a few years. This would increase safety across the board which is something we would all benefit from."