Partnership to pursue new technology that allows higher filler content in papers

Pointe-Claire, QC – Paprican, the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada, and BASF have reached a four-year agreement for the further development and testing of a new patent-pending technology aimed at maximizing the filler content in papers made from chemical or mechanical pulps. Both companies says they expect that the commercialization of this new technology will have significant economic benefits for the industry.

Paprican scientists have been engaged in this research project for the past five years, and have already completed extensive laboratory and pilot testing. By increasing the filler content, papermakers should be in a position to reduce production costs, maximize use of the fibre supply, and enhance end-product performance. The new technology will allow paper producers to achieve these benefits without negative impacts on production and print quality of paper. The first commercial trial of this new technology took place in 2005 at a Paprican member company site.

“Paprican is committed to delivering economical and innovative solutions through research development and we are delighted to partner with BASF for this project,” says Chris Kanters, Paprican’s director of patents, contracts, and licensing.

“Finding more economical methods to make paper is of critical importance to the industry,” says Craig Leavitt, business manager for BASF’s Paper Chemicals business in North America. “Toward that end, we’re very optimistic about the role that chemical advances could play in reducing production costs for the North American paper producer. As a result of Paprican’s proven ability to innovate, BASF is confident that this collaboration will lead to significant discoveries that will reduce papermaking costs.”