Advancing Enｓvironmental Harmony with Harima’s Latest Paper Strengthening System

Abstract

Paper companies are now setting targets to cut down CO₂ emissions across their operations, including activities beyond their direct control like raw material sourcing, logistics, product use, and disposal. At the same time, there’s a pressing 2024 logistics challenge in the transportation sector, focusing on improving working conditions. In this paper, Harima introduces our new Harmide, a PAM（polyacrylamide）-based paper strengthening agent. We highlight how it contributes to environmental goals and addresses social issues. Our innovation includes a system combining Harmide with a new fixing agent and an enzymatic fibrillation agent. We have developed a higher concentration Harmide, now at 25, up from the standard 20％. Field tests confirm its superior performance, reducing the need for transportation and thereby cutting CO₂ emissions. Additionally, SB-01, a novel fixing agent, and Refinase^®, an enzymatic fibrillation agent, were evaluated as part of a system to enhance paper strength, drainage, and pulp retention. This approach not only improves environmental impact but also reduces chemical usage and associated CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, it enhances drying efficiency, reduces steam energy consumption, and boosts productivity. In summary, our new Harmide-based system offers significant environmental benefits and contributes to solving pressing social challenges in the paper industry.