LUCCA, Italy — DS Smith has successfully commissioned a new high-capacity stock preparation and reject treatment system at its containerboard mill in Porcari, Lucca, strengthening its recycled fiber processing capabilities and supporting the production of packaging papers made from 100% recovered fiber.

The new system, supplied by ANDRITZ, has a design capacity of 1,650 tonnes per day and is designed to process a broad range of recovered paper grades while improving operational efficiency and product quality.

New Drum Pulper Anchors Production Upgrade

At the center of the new stock preparation line is what ANDRITZ describes as the largest Drum Pulper of its type, weighing 235 tonnes, measuring 48 metres in length and featuring a diameter of 4.5 to 5.6 metres.

The pulping system is engineered to handle diverse recovered paper feedstocks while delivering consistent fiber quality for containerboard production.

According to DS Smith, the investment enables the Porcari mill to efficiently process mixed recovered paper grades and manufacture high-quality packaging papers using 100% recycled fiber.

Advanced Cleaning Improves Efficiency

The stock preparation line incorporates advanced screening systems and low-consistency (LC) cleaners designed to maintain high pulp quality while reducing energy consumption under varying raw material conditions.

The project also includes a reject treatment system equipped with shredders and reject compactors to improve the handling and processing of contaminants removed during pulping and coarse screening.

Supporting Sustainable Containerboard Production

ANDRITZ’s scope of supply included basic and detailed engineering, installation supervision, commissioning services and operator training.

The project reflects continued investment by paper manufacturers in modern stock preparation technologies that improve fiber utilization, lower operating costs and enhance the efficiency of recycled paper processing.

As demand for sustainable packaging continues to grow, high-capacity recycled fiber systems are becoming increasingly important in helping containerboard producers maximize recovered fiber use while maintaining product quality and operational performance.

Last Updated on 15/07/2026 by Jota Machinery