Breakthrough in papermaking resource efficiency with foam forming

Foam forming technology introduces new and exciting opportunities for manufacturing paper, board and other fiber based products. Foam forming enables production of very even and high porosity structures from less valuable materials. High porosity decreases the use of raw material and enables production of lighter weight products. A change in fibre foam flocculation enables a use of novel combination of natural and synthetic fibers which leads to significant increase in production efficiency. Especially, high bulk together with a superior formation gives new tools for papermakers to tailor product properties. Foam forming changes many of the traditional papermaking principles. Evaluation of foam forming potential requires research from basic phenomena's to value chain evaluation, life cycle analysis and cost structure analysis. This paper highlights VTT's foam forming research environments, gives research result and end product examples. In this paper the emphasis is in showing the potential of this technology compared to traditional paper and board making.