Global paper and packaging manufacturer Sappi has introduced advanced fiber measurement technology from ABB at its Maastricht facility in the Netherlands as part of a broader modernization initiative aimed at improving efficiency and product consistency. The deployment includes ABB’s L&W Fiber & Freeness Online system, an industrial solution designed to provide continuous measurement of fiber morphology and freeness during the wet end phase of paper production. Installed at the stock preparation and refining stage, the system enables tighter control of pulp quality, supporting improved machine performance and higher levels of on-specification output at reduced operating cost.
Operators at the Maastricht mill now have enhanced visibility into the batch production process for microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), enabling more precise control over fiber characteristics required by customers. The monitoring system provides improved predictability of material behavior during machine operation, helping maintain quality standards across paper and board production.
The Maastricht facility, which is marking 175 years of operations, has undergone several strategic transitions in recent years. Most recently, it shifted from graphic paper production to luxury packaging board in response to changing market demand. Its customer base now includes premium retailers, magazine publishers and packaging converters.
Wilson Monteiro, Global Business Line Manager for Pulp, Paper & Fiber at ABB’s Process Industries division, said that consistent fiber properties are essential for papermakers seeking predictable results that meet customer specifications. He noted that early-stage monitoring tools support optimized processing and quality control.
Jeroen Janssen, Process Technologist at Sappi Maastricht, said the company is committed to combining its long-standing heritage with forward-looking innovation. He added that the fiber measurement system forms part of a wider infrastructure upgrade that also includes electrification and sustainability improvements.
The Maastricht mill employs nearly 500 people and produces approximately 260,000 tons of coated woodfree paper and paperboard annually. ABB, which operates globally in electrification and automation technologies, provides industrial digitalization and process solutions across multiple sectors.
