“In the coming decade, paper mills will increasingly look for partners capable of delivering not only equipment, but also process intelligence, automation, and long-term operational support” -CEO, Ali Raheem, AFT

“In the coming decade, paper mills will increasingly look for partners capable of delivering not only equipment, but also process intelligence, automation, and long-term operational support” -CEO, Ali Raheem, AFT

Completing a decade of industry-focused journalism, The Pulp and Paper Times proudly presents this special anniversary feature exploring the future of paper manufacturing. With the theme “Smart, Sustainable, Scalable: How Paper Machine & Technology Suppliers Will Shape the Paper Industry 2036,” we invited some of the world's leading machine builders and technology suppliers to share their vision for the next ten years. From intelligent automation and energy efficiency to next-generation production technologies, their perspectives reveal how the industry is preparing for a new era of growth and sustainability. Here is perspective of Mr. Ali Raheem, CEO - AFT

Building Mill Performance Through Trusted Partnership 

The Pulp and Paper Times

Navigating Increasing Operational Challenges

In today’s volatile and unpredictable business environment, pulp and paper producers face increasing pressure to do more with less. Mills are challenged by rising energy costs, tightening operational budgets, reduced staffing, aging equipment, and growing demands for efficiency and sustainability. Capital investments are often frozen or reduced to only the most critical projects, while experienced personnel are becoming harder to find.

In this VUCA world — characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity — having the right technology partner matters more than ever.

Whether the objective is to increase production capacity, improve paper quality, reduce energy consumption, recover more usable fiber, minimize chemical usage, or reduce water consumption, mills are looking for practical solutions that improve operational efficiency while lowering total cost of ownership. This is especially important for sites operating with recycled fibers, where raw material variability and process efficiency directly impact profitability.

From Equipment Supplier to Strategic Process Partner

With more than 120 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry, AFT brings deep application expertise, strong process understanding, and practical mill knowledge to every customer relationship. We understand papermaking processes not only from an equipment perspective, but from the operational realities mills face every day. This enables us to act as a trusted advisor, helping customers identify the smartest and most sustainable path forward.

What differentiates AFT is our ability to combine process expertise with customized engineering. Every mill is different. Existing equipment, fiber sources, production targets, operating conditions, and budget limitations all influence the optimal solution. Rather than offering standardized approaches, we work closely with customers to understand their specific challenges and goals before designing the best solution.

AFT portfolio comprises solutions from pulping to headbox, including wear parts and lifecycle services. Our specialists evaluate the complete process and help configure solutions ranging from individual equipment upgrades and rebuilds to fully integrated systems for new lines. Whether it is refining, screening, stock preparation, pulping, or approach flow systems, AFT technologies are designed to integrate seamlessly into diverse mill environments while delivering measurable improvements in process stability, fiber performance, and energy efficiency.

As many suppliers continue reducing their mill-level service and technical support, the value of a knowledgeable and accessible partner becomes even more critical. At AFT, we see this as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with customers by providing the expertise and support needed throughout the entire project lifecycle — from initial audits and process evaluations to design, engineering, erection, commissioning, optimization, and rebuilding.

AFT process audits play a key role in identifying opportunities for improvement. By analyzing existing operations, process bottlenecks, fiber losses, and energy consumption, our experts help mills uncover practical ways to optimize performance and reduce operating costs.

Enabling Smarter and More Sustainable Mills

The role of machinery suppliers is evolving rapidly. In the coming decade, paper mills will increasingly look for partners capable of delivering not only equipment, but also process intelligence, automation, and long-term operational support.

AFT’s technology portfolio is designed to help mills respond to these evolving demands. To mention some of the latest developments, the MaxEdge™ refining series, combined with Finebar® technology, enables highly efficient fiber development with lower specific energy consumption and improved fiber quality. Complementing this offering, the AFTLinx™ diagnostic service provides advanced monitoring and diagnostics capabilities that help mills reduce downtime, improve reliability, and optimize equipment performance. AFT’s new MaxPulping™ system supports more efficient and sustainable pulping processes, while POM® approach-flow technology helps optimize process stability, mixing performance, and overall machine efficiency.

Looking ahead, future papermaking systems will increasingly combine intelligent controls, automation, digital diagnostics, and energy-efficient technologies to help mills operate more efficiently with leaner organizations. Sustainability will continue driving innovation, requiring process systems that consume less energy and water, recover more usable fiber, and support circular production models.

Building Long-Term Performance

Successful projects require more than reliable equipment. They require process knowledge, operational understanding, and a partner capable of translating mill objectives into practical and achievable solutions. From targeted rebuilds to complete system installations, AFT combines global experience with local support to help customers reduce risk, improve efficiency, and achieve sustainable long-term results.

In uncertain times, mills need more than a supplier — they need a trusted partner capable of helping them adapt, optimize, and succeed long term.
 

Published at : Aug 19, 2026 06:17 AM (IST)

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