Zinc Nacional boosts recycled paperboard production with new AFT MaxEdge refiner

Upgrading fiber processing in Monterrey

Mexican paperboard manufacturer Zinc Nacional has successfully started up a new AFT MaxEdge refiner at its Monterrey facility. The installation marks a significant technical upgrade for the mill, which relies entirely on recovered paper and board as its primary raw material. Processing over 95,000 tonnes of recycled fiber annually, the plant maintains a production capacity of approximately 7,000 tonnes per month, supplying both domestic and international markets with specialty grades, including drywall paper, grayback, and semi-kraft liner.

The integration of the new MaxEdge refiner expands the existing footprint of AFT technologies at the mill. Zinc Nacional already operates AFT systems across its stock preparation line, including pulping, screening, and cleaning equipment for recycled fiber. This latest addition targets the critical refining stage, where fiber development directly impacts both the mechanical properties of the final paperboard and the overall energy consumption of the machine.

Focus on energy efficiency and fiber development

In the current 2026 market environment, where energy costs and raw material variability pose constant challenges for recycled board producers, optimizing low-consistency refining is a strategic priority. The MaxEdge technology utilizes custom Finebar patterns designed to achieve optimal fiber treatment at lower energy intensities. This approach not only reduces power consumption but also extends the operational life of the refiner plates compared to conventional designs.

Furthermore, the equipment's architecture facilitates quicker segment changes, minimizing downtime during maintenance stops. For a mill operating at a 7,000-tonne monthly capacity, maximizing machine availability is essential to maintaining competitive lead times in the packaging and construction materials supply chain.

Sustainable operations in recycled board

Zinc Nacional's investment in advanced stock preparation aligns with its established environmental operational framework. The Monterrey mill is notable within the Latin American sector for operating a 100% closed-loop water system, eliminating sewage discharges. By combining zero-effluent operations with highly efficient fiber recovery and refining technologies, the company reinforces its position as a sustainable supplier in the heavy-duty and specialty paperboard segments.

The successful commissioning of the refiner underscores the importance of long-term supplier partnerships in the pulp and paper industry. AFT's continued involvement in Zinc Nacional's stock preparation process highlights a trend where mills prefer integrated technology ecosystems to ensure seamless operation from the pulper to the approach flow system.

The integration of advanced refining technologies in 100% recycled mills like Zinc Nacional proves that high-yield fiber recovery and energy efficiency can go hand in hand. Will we see more independent Latin American mills adopting advanced refining to stay competitive against global packaging giants? 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