Oct 16, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. Wausau Paper has begun operating its new Voith tissue machine to meet demand in the conventional and premium away-from-home products segment. The equipment was installed at the company's plant located in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. The main highlight of this double-width (5,600 mm) machine supplied by Voith is the use of ATMOS technology, which was developed in Voith’s Innovation Center in São Paulo, Brazil. This technology enables the production of premium and ultra-premium tissue papers using up to 100% recycled fiber, and consumes up to 60% less energy when compared to similar existing technologies, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Apart from the economies of scale resulting from its energy savings, the ATMOS technology also yields high bulk, softness and absorption capacity, which are crucial attributes for the premium tissue segment, especially in the North American market, where Wausau Paper operates.

For optimum operation in both modes, key fabrics for the new machine are supplied by Voith including the forming fabric TissueForm ITY for best formation quality and dewatering maximization and all ATMOS-related fabrics such as: the AtmosFlex felt AX2, the various AtmosMax designs for highest sheet bulk, caliper and absorbency and the AtmosBelt BW2.

"Developed in a joint effort with Wausau Paper, this project is very important strategically for both companies, since the American market is the world's largest premium and ultra-premium tissue and towel paper consumer," points out Rogerio Berardi, Global Vice President – Tissue Product Management at Voith Paper.

Voith Paper is a division of the Voith Group and the leading partner to and pioneer in the paper industry.