Gold Hongye activates two ANDRITZ PrimeRefine systems to optimize fiber and reduce long fiber consumption in tissue

Strategic investment in fiber optimization

Gold Hongye Paper Group Co., Ltd., the tissue business unit of APP China, has successfully started up two ANDRITZ PrimeRefine HC T high-consistency refining systems at its Rudong mill in Nantong, Jiangsu, and its Xiaogan mill in Hubei, China. This move represents a significant step in optimizing raw material utilization while maintaining high tissue quality standards across its extensive manufacturing network.

Each PrimeRefine HC T system integrates a screw press and a high-consistency refiner. According to ANDRITZ, this technology significantly reduces fiber cutting and lowers the generation of fines compared to conventional low-consistency refining. By doing so, short fibers can contribute more effectively to sheet strength, allowing tissue producers to reduce their reliance on more expensive long fibers without compromising product quality.

Economic and operational impact

For a large-scale integrated producer like Gold Hongye, which operates 12 manufacturing plants across China and owns major brands such as Breeze and Virjoy, the economic implications of this technology are substantial. Tissue machines consume fiber continuously, meaning that even small reductions in the proportion of long fiber required in the furnish can translate into significant cost savings over hundreds of thousands of tonnes of production.

ANDRITZ notes that more than 50 PrimeRefine HC T systems are currently in operation or under execution globally, processing raw materials such as hardwood, bamboo, bagasse, and reed pulp. The ability to expand the usable operating window of short fibers gives mills greater flexibility in designing recipes for various tissue categories, from facial tissue to kitchen towels, balancing strength, softness, and cost.

As the tissue industry in 2026 continues to face fluctuating pulp costs and increasing demands for product differentiation, technologies that enhance fiber efficiency are becoming critical. The successful implementation of these systems by Gold Hongye underscores a broader industry trend towards maximizing the value of available raw materials through advanced stock preparation technologies.

The integration of high-consistency refining not only addresses immediate cost pressures but also aligns with sustainable production practices by optimizing resource use. This approach is particularly relevant in the Chinese market, where producers are increasingly seeking innovative solutions to maintain competitiveness while meeting stringent quality and environmental standards.

This investment by Gold Hongye highlights a proactive approach to managing furnish costs and improving operational flexibility. By leveraging advanced refining technology, the company is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the modern tissue market. How will other major producers respond to the growing need for fiber optimization in their operations? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai