Celebrating shared successes with recent Valmet tissue start-ups

Expanding operational capacity

The start-up of a Valmet Advantage DCT 200 tissue machine and two state-of-the-art Perini Constellation S8 lines at Suzano Aracruz in Brazil showcases how working closely together leads to meaningful results. By combining Valmet’s expertise and the customer’s vision, Suzano now has a new production line that sets a high standard for quality, resource efficiency, and environmental responsibility. This project’s success reflects the unique strengths each partner brings to the table. Together, we are more than ready to meet the growing global demand.

A new chapter

“It’s a new chapter in our history with Aracruz. We’ve been producing pulp in the state for almost 50 years, and we’re now expanding our operational capacity. The unit ensures high-quality production, strengthens logistics between our plants, and allows us to deliver our products faster and more consistently to our customers,” says Claudinei Matos, Director of Industrial Operations for Consumer Goods at Suzano.

One of the highlights is the performance of Valmet’s Perini Constellation S8 converting lines, which began operating ahead of schedule. Line 01 started up 65 days earlier than planned, reaching a productivity rate of 72.3 percent within just a few hours of operation (producing 2,982 bundles in eight hours). Line 02 started operating shortly thereafter, demonstrating both the efficiency of the technology and the strong synergy in planning and execution between Valmet and Suzano.

Driving efficiency and productivity

“Seeing the Aracruz tissue mill in operation is a great source of pride for us. This project’s success – especially the early start-up of the converting lines and the tissue machine – demonstrates Valmet’s commitment to delivering not only equipment but complete solutions that drive efficiency and productivity for our customers. Contributing to Suzano’s growth and its consolidation in the consumer goods market further strengthens our partnership,” says Rogério Berardi, Paper, Packaging and Tissue Business Director in Latin America.

The mill was able to start up both Perini Constellation S8 converting lines ahead of schedule.

With this new mill, Suzano will have the capacity to produce 60,000 tonnes of tissue per year, which will feed two converting lines, each producing 30,000 tonnes per year. Valmet technology is at the heart of this process, ensuring production meets the highest standards of quality and efficiency, from paper manufacturing to its conversion and packaging for the end consumer.

Sofidel America’s commitment to sustainable high-quality production

The team at Sofidel America’s Circleville mill in front of the first roll.

Sofidel America’s new tissue line at their Circleville mill in Ohio, USA, is a proud achievement on their journey to expanding capacity and strengthening their commitment to sustainable high-quality tissue production. The project has been a genuine collaboration, and Sofidel underlines that Valmet’s strong support, long-standing partnership, and expertise have been key to the smooth start-up.

“Working with Valmet feels like working with an extension of our own team,” says Antonio Cuccarese at Sofidel America. “Their expertise and support during the design and start-up phases made a huge difference, and we’re already seeing the benefits of the new line in operation.”

Energy and commitment

From Valmet’s side, the collaboration is equally valued. Johan Björn, Director, Tissue Lifecycle Agreements and Corporate Accounts at Valmet, reflects: “Every start-up is unique, but this one was truly special, as we had such a short preparation time. The energy and commitment at Circleville were inspiring. It’s rewarding to see our technology in action when you know it will support Sofidel’s efficiency and sustainability goals.”

We’re already seeing the benefits of the new line in operation.

The successful start-up not only increases Sofidel’s production capacity but also strengthens their ambition to lead the way in environmentally responsible tissue production. With the new Advantage DCT 200 line, the Circleville mill is now home to some of the world’s most advanced tissue-making technology.

Yusen: A new horizon in China

The team at Yusen Gansu in front of one of the new lines.

Yusen Group achieved a major milestone by successfully launching three Valmet IntelliTissue 1600 production lines at their Gansu facility in China, completing the first phase of their 360,000-tonne tissue project. All three lines started up smoothly within six hours, demonstrating Valmet machinery’s reliability and performance. The new lines produce ultra-low and regular basis weight tissue at high speeds with low energy use, strengthening Yusen’s market presence and supporting their goal of delivering high-quality cost-effective tissue products.

All three lines started up smoothly within six hours.

“The collaboration with Valmet has been going very well. The three new lines started smoothly within just six hours on the same day. This achievement highlights Valmet machinery’s perfect performance and stability. We’re confident that it will strengthen Yusen’s regional brand advantage and provide consumers with high-quality cost-effective household tissue products,” says Zhao Zhancheng, General Manager of Yusen Factory.

Text Anna Bostrom Mora