2025-11-05 World's widest release paper production line successfully started up
- Specialty paper production with a working width of more than eight meters
- Second complete production line for release paper in China
- Long-standing strategic partnership between Wuzhou Special Paper and Voith
First jumbo roll of Hanchuan PM 21
HANCHUAN, CHINA / HEIDENHEIM. Voith and Wuzhou Special Paper have successfully commissioned the new PM 21 specialty paper machine in Hanchuan, Hubei Province. It is the world's widest machine for the production of release paper. The machine, supplied entirely by Voith, demonstrates the technology group's leading role in the field of high-quality specialty papers. With a working width of 8.100 meters at the reel, the PM 21 produces around 300,000 tons of specialty paper per year with basis weights ranging from 35 to 120 g/m² – primarily lightweight glassine base paper.
Release paper is often used in everyday life to protect sticky surfaces, e.g., in separation applications. The base paper must meet specific requirements in terms of tear resistance, tensile strength, transparency, dense sheet structure, and low surface absorbency. It is characterized by a non-stick surface, which is achieved by coating it with silicone.
With the commissioning of PM 21, Voith and Wuzhou are continuing their successful strategic partnership. Within this framework, the two companies have already implemented several projects since 2008 and modernized seven paper machines.
The PM 21 achieves speeds of up to 1,400 meters per minute. A MasterJet Pro F headbox with ModuleJet control and the DuoFormer D II former also make a significant contribution to the performance of the PM 21. Voith technologies ensure uniform profiles, optimal moisture distribution, and precise fiber orientation. A tandem NipcoFlex shoe press with steam box increases dryness, reduces energy consumption and improves sheet density. This results in an optimal balance between strength and low basis weight.
The SpeedSizer AT film press ensures smooth surfaces and lower silicone consumption, which also improves reverse-side printability. MCB air dryers, combined with ModulePro nozzle humidifiers and a Sirius winding system with automatic tension control, ensure dimensional stability and prevent waviness.
About the company
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 & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 22,000 employees, sales of € 5.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
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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 holistic solutions from one source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and helps customers minimize their carbon footprint. With its leading automation products and digitalization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve plant availability and efficiency for all sections of the production process.