Smart Paper Mills: How Digital Twins Are Transforming Tissue and Containerboard Production
Introduction
Digital transformation in paper mills is moving beyond basic automation. Leading tissue and containerboard producers are now adopting digital twin technology—virtual replicas of machines and processes—to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimise production in real time.
What Is a Digital Twin in a Paper Mill?
A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical asset or process.
In paper mills, this can include:
- Paper machines
- Pulping systems
- Energy systems
These models use real-time data to simulate performance and predict outcomes.
How Mills Are Using Digital Twins
- Simulating production changes before implementation
- Predicting equipment failures
- Optimising energy consumption
- Improving product quality consistency
Impact on Production Roles
Operators and engineers now:
- Work with data dashboards and predictive models
- Make decisions based on simulations
- Collaborate more closely with IT and data teams
Benefits for Tissue vs Containerboard Mills
Tissue mills: Focus on quality, consistency, and speed optimisation
Containerboard mills: Focus on energy efficiency and machine uptime
Recruitment Insight
There is a growing demand for Engineers and Operators who understand both process engineering and data systems. This hybrid skill set is still rare, creating a major hiring challenge.
Explore advanced, tech-driven roles in modern mills on Mill Talent.