Toscotec will supply a technological upgrade of Paper Prime's PM1 at their Vila Velha de Rodão mill in Portugal. Planned for mid-2024, the project aims to achieve substantial energy savings and production increase.

Toscotec will rebuild the press section of the AHEAD 2.0 tissue line it supplied on a turnkey basis to Paper Prime in 2017. Originally equipped with a suction press roll with the possibility to upgrade to a shoe press configuration, the machine will install Toscotec's latest generation shoe press TT NextPress to enhance drying efficiency in combination with the existing TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer.

The supply also includes a TT TurboDryer, which uses the heat recovered from the air system to strengthen the shoe press de-watering action and increase post-press dryness. The rebuild will be supplied on a turnkey basis, including dismantling and erection operations, erection supervision, commissioning, training, and start-up assistance.

The project aims to achieve two targets. Firstly, it will slash PM1's thermal energy consumptions by 25% and consequently significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with its operation. Secondly, Toscotec will perform a machine speed increase from 2,000 to 2,100 m/min with associated capacity increase.

Paper Prime, Socigene Group's tissue mill located in Vila Velha de Rodão, which supplies tissue reels to converting manufacturers in Portugal and other markets.

Toscotec designs and manufactures machines, systems and components for the production of tissue and paper & board.