Paraibuna Embalagens completes enzymatic starch plant upgrade

Brazilian papermaker Paraibuna Embalagens has completed installation of an automated enzymatic starch kitchen at its mill, converting native starch on site for use in the size press stage of paper production for packaging. The unit has capacity of up to 2,000 kg of starch per hour and is intended to improve process control, reduce reliance on externally purchased modified starch and cut input costs. The system is currently in an assisted operation phase, with the company expecting to assess performance gains in the coming months.

Why this mattersIn-house enzymatic starch conversion cuts a paper producer's dependence on purchased modified starch, a lever other packaging paper mills may follow to lower input costs.

• The new automated enzymatic starch conversion unit can produce up to 2,000 kg of starch per hour.
• The unit replaces conventional starch preparation for the size press stage of papermaking with enzymatic hydrolysis.
• The project is part of a wider industrial modernisation programme covering automation and resource optimisation.
• The unit is currently in an assisted operation phase, with performance results expected in coming months.
• The company states the change reduces reliance on externally sourced pre-modified starch.

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