Our research project FOMOP
Pioneering the paper production of tomorrow
Under the roof of the Modellfabrik Papier, the FOMOP project, short for: Forschungscluster Modellfabrik Papier, is jointly pioneering disruptive innovations for industrial paper production. The research and industry partners involved are researching and developing various new approaches in the stages of the manufacturing process along the paper machine. Together, they are pursuing one goal: to reduce energy consumption in manufacturing by 80% by 2045 and to make production more climate-neutral.
Rethinking paper production
Whether paper, cardboard, or paperboard, paper bags or toilet paper – the production requires a lot of energy to provide steam and electricity for the production process around the clock. Paper production is one of the most energy-intensive industries in Germany. Disruptive solutions are needed to reduce primary energy consumption and help companies achieve tomorrow’s climate targets. The research partners are exploring new avenues to achieve this. Their task is to research and evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of innovative manufacturing concepts and new approaches to process optimization for the production of fiber-based papers using completely new technologies.
Four main areas of research
The joint research project considers the entire production process along the paper machine, from the use of raw materials to the paper laying and winding of the paper web, divided into four main areas of research.
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Tailor-made raw materials
Paper production requires a variety of raw materials: fibers, which form the basic structure of the paper, as well as fillers and additives. The properties of these materials influence how much water and energy are needed to produce the paper. Scientists are researching how these materials can be modified chemically or enzymatically so that they consume less energy and fewer resources in the subsequent process. They are also investigating which raw material formulations would enable dry paper production, using no or considerably less water than is currently required.
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Innovative systems in aequeous media
To this day, water is used in paper production as a means of transport to swell, compact and evenly lay down recycled and fresh fibers. In the further process, it must be removed from the paper web again – first mechanically, then thermally. New process technology concepts are being developed to reduce the energy required to dry a moist paper web. Approaches include the stock preparation, the forming and the press section and the thermal drying in the dryer section.
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Systemchange in fluid
A considerable 60% of the total energy consumed during the paper manufacturing process is needed just for the drying process. Could paper be made without the use of water to transport the fibers? Research is being conducted into the potential uses of alternative carrier media such as air and various non-aqueous liquids, with the aim of producing paper in a dry state or with significantly lower energy consumption.
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Systemic integration
New technologies developed and successfully implemented as individual innovations on a test stand must be scalable to the entire paper production system and improve energy efficiency. An evaluation system is being developed that holistically assesses the technological innovations from the three research areas. External influences such as fluctuating energy prices and raw material availability are also taken into account.
FOMOP –
Forschungscluster Modellfabrik Papier
Sustainable paper as the key to climate-neutral production
The research partners involved
Contact person at Modellfabrik Papier
Dr. Jan-Lukas Schäfer
Research Group Leader SP1
Dr. Johannes Lunewski
Research Group Leader SP2
Steffen Flaischlen
Research Group Leader SP3
Jimena Martinez Diaz
Research Group Leader SP 4
Funding organisations
Funding Code: 03STG011A
Project duration: 01.08.2023-31.07.2027
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
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News about FOMOP
If you are interested in finding out more about our FOMOP research project, you can find the latest news and articles here.
