Lean cores: cores manufactured JIT at the paper mill with a minimum impact on the environment.

Important results from the project

The LEAN concept is a unique machine for manufacturing cores "Just in Time" directly at the paper mill. The core can be used immediately after it has been manufactured. The paper industry does not have to purchase cores from external suppliers, there will be less truck transports, less need for storage space, reduced costs and a lower climate impact. A test machine has been developed showing the advantages. Patent has been applied. The project will now be presented to selected partners with the target to install the first reference machine at a potential customer.

Expected long term effects

With a unique machine line, the LEAN concept, we would like to show that it is possible to manufacture cores "Just in Time" directly at the paper mills. The core can be used directly in the winder without intermediate storage or drying. The concept has the potential to contribute to both reduced costs and a better working environment in the paper industry as well as a lower environmental impact.

Approach and implementation

At the start of the project, a test unit was designed and used to manufacture test cores and have these cores tested at two different paper mills who have verified the process. The second step was to start building a second prototype to verify that the manufacturing process can be done automatically with approved results. This prototype is now used to test different types of paper qualities, glues and process properties in order to further develop the process.