IMERYS Pigments for Paper to increase Brazilian kaolin production capacity

Jun 06, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. In July, 2006 IMERYS Pigments for Paper announced that UK coating kaolin production would stop before the end of 2007. The paper operations in Cornwall will focus on the production of paper filler kaolins, for which the natural kaolin reserves are best suited. Working closely with customers, it is planned to transition existing UK coating kaolin business to Capim TM coating kaolins, with a corresponding increase in Brazilian kaolin production capacity. Since this announcement, rapid progress has been made with this capacity expansion and the project is expected to be completed on time, for customer transitions, in the latter part of 2007. An expansion of ‘tube press' capacity is also scheduled for completion before the end of 2007. This will provide additional capacity for the new ‘rotogravure' kaolin, Capim TM RG and Capim TM filler. Four product forms will now be available from Brazil for the European market; slurry, tube press, spray dried (for special applications) and a new ‘low dust' granulate form (a pre-dispersed kaolin), designed specifically to provide improved handling of the product, both during transportation and usage in the paper mill. Compared to the existing spray dried Capim TM, the innovative granulate shows much improved dusting characteristics, which provides benefits to the customer during product movement, handling and application. This development also supports the IMERYS environmental policy, through ease of make-down, improved handling and greater transportation efficiencies. Pilot plant production commenced at the start of April 2007, with the first product shipped to Europe for initial handling and customer trials. A complete schedule of further customer trials is being planned over the coming months. The transition of customers to the new granulate form is expected during the fourth quarter of 2007. The Pigments for Paper business group produces kaolin, ground calcium carbonate (GCC) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), mineral components that are essential for the paper industry. These products - white pigments - are essential mineral components, as they improve the physical characteristics of finished products and help to reduce their production cost. White pigments offer a wide variety of qualities in terms of gloss, brightness, opacity or viscosity.