Voith Unveils Three New MillOne Automation Modules for Smarter OCC Line Optimization

Voith Unveils Three New MillOne Automation Modules for Smarter OCC Line Optimization

(IN BRIEF) Voith has launched three new MillOne automation modules—SmartProtect for high-density cleaning, FineScreening for stock screening, and Pulping Detrashing for pulping—each leveraging real-time data and automated control to optimize fiber yield, reduce energy and raw-material waste, and boost operational stability. German papermaker Schoellershammer has already demonstrated significant cost and resource savings. Integrated within the MillOne ecosystem, these tools enable centralized data analysis, early issue detection, and streamlined interventions, marking a significant step toward autonomous papermaking.

(PRESS RELEASE) HEIDENHEIM/DUEREN, 11-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Voith is further enriching its MillOne ecosystem with three cutting-edge automation solutions—OnControl.SmartProtect, OnControl.FineScreening, and OnControl.Pulping Detrashing—to streamline pulping, fine screening, and high-density cleaning in papermaking. By consolidating vast data streams, automating real-time measurements, and delivering prescriptive adjustments, these tools enable more stable, efficient OCC line processes and pave the way toward autonomous mill operations. German paper producer Schoellershammer has already reported substantial production gains and resource savings.

OnControl.SmartProtect continuously measures reject levels in the high-density cleaning chamber, automatically optimizing flush water and purge cycles to minimize fiber and energy losses while extending wear-part life. Schoellershammer’s Düren mill has seen lower fiber loss, reduced valve wear, and markedly less waste in slot sorting since installation.

OnControl.FineScreening monitors stock quality and dynamically adjusts reject flow to keep fiber loss at a minimum. During pilot trials, customers saved up to four tonnes of raw material per day, thanks to the system’s real-time dirt-peak alerts and process parameter tweaks.

OnControl.Pulping Detrashing tackles fluctuating recovered-paper quality by analyzing feed composition and autonomously setting optimal detrashing cycles. Schoellershammer reports enhanced operational reliability, elimination of blockage-related downtime, and higher fiber yields with cleaner rejects.

Seamlessly integrated into the MillOne platform, these solutions aggregate all mill data for holistic, real-time analysis and rapid automatic or manual intervention. By reducing process complexity and saving operator time, Voith’s latest innovations represent a major advance toward fully autonomous stock preparation—and ultimately, the autonomous paper mill.

About Schoellershammer

Schoellershammer GmbH, based in Düren, has a long-standing tradition in the paper industry, with roots dating back to the 18th century. The company remains family-owned to this day. As early as 1950, Schoellershammer recognized the potential of the circular economy and commissioned its first paper machine for recycled paper. It aims to be one of the most sustainable manufacturers and partners in the European packaging market. As a non-integrated manufacturer, Schoellershammer does not compete with its customers and suppliers.

Schoellershammer produces over 540,000 tons of liner and fluting paper annually, using wastepaper sourced from the region. The company operates two paper machines, PM 5 and PM 6, the latter of which was commissioned in 2016 and is one of the most energy-efficient paper machines in Europe. Schoellershammer manufactures containerboard exclusively from secondary fibers. In addition to standard grades, which account for about three-quarters of production, the company also produces high-performance grades, including the proprietary containerboard brands Hammerliner and Hammerflute. Its high-performance Twinhammer brand is suitable for both testliner and fluting, simplifying raw material procurement and storage for its customers and enabling more sustainable, lighter packaging. All Schoellershammer products are FSC® certified (FSC® C109985).

About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 22,000 employees, sales of € 5.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

About Voith Paper
The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services and products on the market and offers paper manufacturers holistic solutions from one source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and helps customers minimize their carbon footprint. With its leading automation products and digitalization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve plant availability and efficiency for all sections of the production process.

Media Contact:

Naomi Voith
Global Communication Manager
Tel: +49 7321 37-2209

SOURCE: Voith