2025-07-10 New automation tools for stock preparation expand Voith’s MillOne ecosystem for more process autonomy in OCC lines

OnControl.SmartProtect improves high-density cleaning performance by continuously monitoring the reject level in the high-density chamber, automatically adjusting the flushing water quantity accordingly and adapting the emptying process in real time to the current reject quantities. This ensures that rejects are rinsed as thoroughly as possible, and cycle times are optimized to save fiber and energy costs and increase wear parts lifetime.

Schoellershammer is already using the solution at its German site in Düren and is seeing savings in operating costs:

OnControl.FineScreening controls the reject flow based on real-time information about stock quality. Depending on the quality of the fine screening accept, the process parameters are automatically adjusted to keep fiber loss as low as possible, resulting in optimized resource utilization and cost savings.

The tool is applied in the pulping and detrashing module of the stock preparation, where the frequently fluctuating raw material quality presents paper manufacturers with challenges. To optimize plant operation, OnControl.Pulping Detrashing monitors parameters that are influenced by the composition of the recovered paper fed to the pulper and automatically adjusts the process parameters in real time based on this analysis.

The three tools can be integrated seamlessly into Voith’s MillOne ecosystem, which brings together all mill data in one system. Its direct communication with individual modules enables machines and processes to be monitored more efficiently, as individual data sets are consolidated and analyzed holistically in real time. This supports early detection of potential issues and allows for immediate automatic or manual intervention when necessary. As a result, complexity is reduced, and operators save time. The new solutions are another big step toward autonomous stock preparation and, ultimately, toward the autonomous paper mill.

Find more information on the website: https://voith.com/corp-en/industry-solutions/papermaking/autonomous-paper-mill/millone.html

Schoellershammer GmbH, based in Düren, has a long-standing tradition in the paper industry, with roots dating back to the 18th century. The company remains family-owned to this day. As early as 1950, Schoellershammer recognized the potential of the circular economy and commissioned its first paper machine for recycled paper. It aims to be one of the most sustainable manufacturers and partners in the European packaging market. As a non-integrated manufacturer, Schoellershammer does not compete with its customers and suppliers.

Schoellershammer produces over 540,000 tons of liner and fluting paper annually, using wastepaper sourced from the region. The company operates two paper machines, PM 5 and PM 6, the latter of which was commissioned in 2016 and is one of the most energy-efficient paper machines in Europe. Schoellershammer manufactures containerboard exclusively from secondary fibers. In addition to standard grades, which account for about three-quarters of production, the company also produces high-performance grades, including the proprietary containerboard brands Hammerliner and Hammerflute. Its high-performance Twinhammer brand is suitable for both testliner and fluting, simplifying raw material procurement and storage for its customers and enabling more sustainable, lighter packaging. All Schoellershammer products are FSC® certified (FSC® C109985).