Eka invests in new research and development center at Bohus

At the new research center, in which Eka has invested 4, 4 mEUR, actual conditions in pulp and paper mills can be simulated on a laboratory scale. The combination of research outcomes, experience from inspections and remote control of chemical processes at customer sites enables Eka to build its expertise—creating a valuable resource for the paper industry.

Cost efficiency through increased productivity and the drive to reduce raw material and energy costs have become determining factors for the forest industry. Our efforts in these areas, alongside our continued improvement of chemicals for bleaching and paper manufacturing, have made Eka a valued partner of pulp and paper industries throughout the world. Enhanced control of chemical management and processes at mills, via remote monitoring and continuous access to expertise, is a key component of this.

Innovation through the development of new chemical products and systems, in combination with new industrial IT, is needed for us to maintain our leading position, but not just as a supplier. As an industry partner, we can provide support for key chemical-related operations at mills and thereby increase efficiency and lower production costs. Chemical Islands, where Eka runs the entire chemical operations at one mill, is an example of long-term partnership with key customers. Examples of new product innovation are Purate®—a chlorine dioxide-based system for slime and bacterial control in paper machines, and a newly-developed retention agent system that can markedly increase paper machine productivity.

The R&D center is primarily focused on bleaching and paper chemicals, but a significant part of its operations involves developing separation products for the chromatographic purification of active substances used for producing pharmaceuticals such as insulin. The laboratory provides us with the resources to develop specialty products even faster—strengthening our position within the industrial HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) area.