ANDRITZ successfully starts up new recycled fiber line at Heinzelpaper Laakirchen, Austria
ANDRITZ has successfully started up a newly converted stock preparation system at Heinzelpaper Laakirchen, Austria. This significant upgrade represents a key transition for the PM11 paper machine, which will now produce high-quality packaging board from 100% recycled wastepaper.
The conversion process involved transforming the stock preparation system from a deinked pulp line to an old corrugated containers (OCC) line. Heinzelpaper Laakirchen chose a combination of the ANDRITZ FibreFlow drum Prime (FFD) for pulping and ANDRITZ ADuro shredders for reject treatment. This innovative setup ensures superior fiber quality for the company´s high-end products while optimizing resource usage and reducing waste.
Thomas Welt, CEO of Heinzelpaper Laakirchen, commented: “The successful start-up of the new recycled fiber line marks an important milestone. ANDRITZ’s advanced technology and expertise have played a key role in meeting our sustainability and efficiency targets.”
ANDRITZ’s scope of supply included the FFD, key equipment for screening, cleaning, and reject handling, as well as the rebuild of certain individual components. Additionally, ANDRITZ provided comprehensive engineering services, supervision of the erection process, the start-up, and training.
The FFD pulper, with a feed capacity of up to 2,000 admt/d, is now the largest ANDRITZ FFD in operation in Europe. It features a drum with a diameter of 4.5 meters and an overall length of 46 meters. The drum was delivered in five parts, with the final assembly and integration into the existing infrastructure carried out by skilled ANDRITZ personnel using specialized on-site tools. The integrated recycled fiber (RCF) line, in combination with the FFD 450, can produce an impressive 1,600 tons of high-quality fiber per day, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and sustainability in fiber production.
With this major investment, HEINZEL GROUP once again demonstrates its commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, further solidifying its role as a key player in the European pulp and paper industry. ANDRITZ is proud to be part of this exceptional project and looks forward to shaping the future of fiber technology together.
About Heinzelpaper
Heinzelpaper comprises the mills Laakirchen and Steyrermühl in Upper Austria, which are located only a few kilometers apart. As part of the HEINZEL GROUP, Heinzelpaper stands for a strong combination of tradition, innovation, and sustainability in paper production.
The Laakirchen mill specializes in the production of environmentally friendly, lightweight corrugated base paper based on recycled paper for the European market. Production takes place on the PM10 paper machine – and since April 2025 also on the new PM11.
