Emtec Electronic targets wet-end efficiency at ABTCP 2026 in São Paulo

Precision in the wet-end drives profitability

As the global paper and board industry navigates a complex landscape of fluctuating raw material costs and stringent environmental targets in 2026, the focus on process optimization has never been sharper. The wet-end of the paper machine remains the critical zone where profitability is often decided. In this context, @emtec Electronic has confirmed its participation at the upcoming ABTCP 2026 International Pulp and Paper Congress, scheduled for October 6-8 at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo, Brazil. Alongside its regional partner Elof Hansson, the German manufacturer will deploy its latest diagnostic and control technologies aimed directly at resource efficiency.

The Latin American market, heavily anchored by Brazil's massive pulp and paper output, requires robust testing infrastructure to maintain global competitiveness. Emtec's strategy for ABTCP 2026 centers on providing actionable data to papermakers, moving away from reactive troubleshooting toward proactive process control. The core of their showcase revolves around a suite of specialized analyzers designed to decode the complex chemical and physical interactions within the pulp suspension.

Decoding fiber charge and filtration

At the heart of Emtec's technical offering are the CAS (Charge Analyzing System) and the FPA (Fiber Potential Analyzer). These two systems operate as a diagnostic tandem for the wet-end. The CAS measures the particle charge in the pulp suspension, allowing technicians to determine the exact cationic demand in the filtrate. This is crucial for the accurate dosing of anionic trash catchers (ATC). Meanwhile, the FPA measures the zeta potential of the fibers themselves, providing the necessary data to optimize the interaction between the fibers and functional chemical additives like starch, wet-strength agents, and optical brighteners.

Overdosing chemicals not only inflates operational expenditures but also leads to machine deposits, web breaks, and increased downtime. By utilizing the CAS and FPA, mills can achieve a stabilized wet-end chemistry, directly translating to improved runnability and reduced chemical consumption.

Beyond charge analysis, the company will present the DFA (Dynamic Filtration Analyzer). This equipment evaluates the influence of various chemicals on the filtration characteristics of fiber suspensions through automated drainage and retention analysis. Understanding these dynamics is essential for maximizing machine speed and minimizing energy consumption in the dryer section, a critical factor for mills looking to lower their carbon footprint in 2026.

Surface properties and tactile sensation

While wet-end stability ensures efficient production, the final product's market value is often dictated by its surface and tactile properties. To address this, Emtec is bringing the EST12 Surface & Sizing Tester and the TSA (Tactile Sensation Analyzer) to São Paulo.

• EST12 Surface & Sizing Tester: This device provides precise measurements of surface sizing and pore structure, parameters that directly impact printability and gluability in packaging grades.
• TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer: Widely recognized in the tissue sector, the TSA objectively measures softness, smoothness, and in-plane stiffness. Its inclusion highlights the ongoing demand for premiumization in consumer paper products.

The deployment of these technologies at ABTCP 2026 underscores a broader industry trend: the transition from subjective, manual testing to objective, digitized measurement. For mill managers and quality control directors attending the São Paulo event, the integration of such advanced diagnostic tools represents a tangible pathway to stabilizing production variables and protecting margins in a highly competitive global market.

The transition toward digitized, objective measurement in the wet-end is no longer a luxury but a baseline requirement for modern paper mills seeking to survive margin compressions. Will the Latin American paper sector accelerate its adoption of these advanced diagnostic tools to outpace its global competitors in the coming years? 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