Valmet pilot trials unlock growth potential in tissue with integrated testing from feasibility analysis to sample trials
The tissue sector holds significant growth potential, which can be fully realized through an integrated approach. Combining tissue production and converting has become the key to increasing efficiency, quality, and innovation capacity. This is precisely where Valmet’s comprehensive vision comes into play: through unified testing conducted via Valmet Pilot Trials, clients can analyze paper, develop patterns, directly evaluate the performance of Valmet’s technologies, validate tested products and identify the most efficient configuration, all within a single pilot trial environment. The result is faster time-to-market, more reliable performance and stronger strategic decisions.
This approach offers clients an immediate competitive advantage: the ability to test machine configurations, materials, chemicals, and operational parameters under realistic conditions that reflect their own production environment. Valmet’s pilot lines faithfully replicate the typical process dynamics of industrial settings, allowing the development of products, prototypes, comparative trials of different solutions and optimization of every detail. This enables companies to develop new products while validating technical feasibility across the entire value chain, supported by reliable data that underpins investment decisions with full confidence in the expected outcomes.
Collaboration that sparks innovation
Collaboration drives innovation when expertise, trust, and shared vision converge within a structured framework. This is the context where ideas transform into unique products through an operational workflow co-designed step by step. Each project is guided by a dedicated contact, supported by a multidisciplinary team combining designers, engravers, process specialists and professional tissue makers. In this way, the combination of expertise, flexible technologies, and pilot lines reduces uncertainty and accelerates the market introduction of high-value-added products.
Valmet offers its clients a global network of pilot lines and specialized laboratories for tissue production and converting, strategically located across Europe and the Americas. This result-oriented approach has already proven effective in over 1,000 tissue making pilot trials conducted at the Tissue Technology Center in Sweden, for international clients.
From Green Bay (USA) to São Paulo and Joinville (Brazil), from Karlstad (Sweden) to Lucca (Italy), Valmet’s integrated and widespread presence ensures prompt and consistent technical support worldwide, guaranteeing the same high level of know-how and quality in every location.
Advanced technology and testing between Karlstad and Lucca
Valmet supports clients through two centers of excellence, highly specialized in developing tissue products and converting technologies. In Karlstad, Sweden, the Valmet Tissue Technology Center is entirely dedicated to tissue production. Here, all paper grades are produced and verified, from conventional tissue to structured and textured papers. The flexible pilot machine provides a number of different machine configurations and testing capabilities. In Lucca, Italy, Valmet operates a converting hub with advanced pilot lines including Constellation S6, Sincro Solid and the Pivot Solution. The facility replicates full industrial dynamics at speeds up to 700 m/min, offering testing, training and development. With customizable embossing patterns from Valmet Engraving Solutions, this hub provides clients a unique platform to trial tailored solutions in a realistic, controlled environment.
Three directions, one goal
This vision is realized through three complementary directions: the first allows ideas and concepts to be transformed into prototypes tested under real operational conditions; the second ensures the correct pairing of technologies and product characteristics, refining processes and training staff from the early stages; finally, the third opens access to new markets through dedicated production batches, expanding offerings in a flexible and scalable manner while enabling industrial-scale replication. This approach centers on a single objective: making innovation the driver that supports decision-making and unlocks new growth opportunities.
At Valmet, we view product R&D, production optimization and market analysis as the three pillars that turn testing into real, measurable value for our clients. This unified approach is driven by one fundamental goal: to make innovation the engine that supports better decisions and opens new growth opportunities.