Dow and Metso Paper sign co-operation agreement to develop and bring to market a new paper- and board-coating process
Published Oct 14, 2002 15.21.00 +2 GMT
The Emulsion Polymers global business unit of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow), a leading provider of latex products and services to the paper/paperboard and carpet markets, and Metso Paper have announced the signing of a co-operation agreement to develop and bring to market a new paper- and board-coating process. Dow will develop the coating chemicals and colors, while Metso will develop the coating station technology, including supply systems, drying and process automation.
“The development of this process, which is based on a patent pending multi-layer curtain coating application, is significant because several coating color layers can be applied at the same time to the paper web without any direct mechanical contact,” explains Ted Cosse, Vice President, Dow Emulsion Polymers. “This technology enables the significant improvement of coated paper and board quality and production efficiency.”
The agreement optimizes the resources of two market-leading companies, which feature state-of-the-art pilot coaters and technology centers – Dow’s in Midland, Michigan, USA and Horgen, Switzerland; and Metso Paper's in Järvenpää, Finland. Dow’s pilot coater in Horgen and Metso’s are equipped with the new coating stations.
“Both companies have thoroughly studied the new method,” says Kaj Lindroos, Vice President and General Manager, Metso Paper, Coaters and Reels. “This agreement will enable both companies to refine the technology and introduce it to the market in a fast and efficient manner. The pilot trial and research programs will include all main printing and writing grades, as well as coated paperboard.”
Metso Corporation is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems, as well as know-how and aftermarket services. The corporation's core businesses are fiber and paper technology (Metso Paper), rock and mineral processing (Metso Minerals) and automation and control technology (Metso Automation). In 2001, the net sales of Metso Corporation were EUR 4.3 billion and the personnel totaled approximately 30,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.
Dow is a leading science and technology company that provides innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of $28 billion, Dow serves customers in more than 170 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress, including food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. Committed to the principles of sustainable development, Dow and its approximately 50,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities.
More information: Mr. Kaj Lindroos, Vice President & General Manager Metso Paper, Inc., Coaters and Reels Tel. +358 20 482 7625, kaj.lindroos@metso.com
