Cargill

HemiForce® – an Innovative Papermaking Tool

Cargill developed the line of HemiForce® enhanced fiber additives to increase strength in papers, improving quality and the manufacturing process.

Utilizing recovered fibers found in the outer shell of grain kernels, the high level of hemicellulose in HemiForce® additives enhances the cellulose fiber in the paper furnish, increasing bonding sites and strengthening the fiber matrix. Increased product strength and softness are gained.

Cargill’s innovation is based on the patented process which allows for maximum flexibility in the usage of the enhanced fiber additives and the renewable source in which they are created.

HemiForce® benefits are derived from its:

  • patented process
  • manufacturing advantage
  • environmental/renewable benefits

To learn more details about the HemiForce® technology, read the HemiForce® technical article (PDF)

HemiForce® – A Patented Process Innovation

With the knowledge that hemicellulose has a positive impact on the cellulose fiber in paper furnish, Cargill’s innovative team created HemiForce® enhanced fiber additives.

Created from natural sources of recovered fibers from the outer shell of grain kernels, HemiForce® enhanced fibers are renewable and sustainable. Developed in a totally chlorine free (TCF) environment, the high level of hemicellulose improves bonding of fibers for increased strength and improved hydration rates. When lignins are minimized and the hemicellulose/cellulose combination in fibers is maximized, papers gain strength and softness.

Manufacturing Efficiency
The HemiForce® product line is easily implemented into manufacturing processes due to its flexibility of being added in multiple locations to the paper production process. No additional equipment is needed, no downtime is required for process control - HemiForce® enhanced fiber additives, in a cake form, are added directly to the paper mix.

Stronger papers with increased fiber bonding promote quicker manufacturing speeds and less downtime to due paper breaks.

Manufacturing Advantage

Created for strength in fiber-to-fiber bonding, the line of HemiForce® enhanced fiber additives also deliver manufacturing performance advantages for paper making producers. From energy savings to better machining, HemiForce® allows for increased margins and stronger papers from the fiber furnish.

Operations Improvement and Increased Margins

  • Displaces raw material fiber, lowering overall pulp/furnish costs
  • Increases machine and converting line productivity
  • Selectively increases retention of fiber fines
  • Increases strength and quality in lower strength recycled furnishes
  • Basis weight reduction with equivalent strength
  • Reduces refiner energy costs and/or increases refining throughout

Manufacturing Performance

  • Increases fiber-to-fiber bonding by making hemicellulose accessible to the fiber surfaces
  • Improves critical sheet strength properties in virgin and recycled pulp furnishes
  • Enhances water affinity and fiber flexibility in papermaking fibers
  • Manufactured in a Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) process
  • Complies with the requirements of the toxics in packaging law(s) including certification that the product meets the specifications for heavy metals content set forth by CONEG

HemiForce® – A Renewable Source

Developed to improve papermaking production and strength in papers, HemiForce® enhanced fiber additives also address the consumer demand for renewable and sustainable products through a patented process invented by Cargill from using recovered fibers.

The HemiForce® product line is created from agricultural seeds such as corn, soy, oats or other grain kernels. Fiber that is found in the outer covering of the seed is used to make the line of HemiForce® enhanced fiber additives.

Created with a totally chlorine-free (TCF) process, HemiForce® enhanced fiber additives are a natural alternative to costly chemical/synthetic additives. The stronger fiber-to-fiber bonding produced by HemiForce® enhanced fiber additives allows paper producers the ability to increase recycled fiber content, reduce softwood fiber usage and eliminate or reduce refining, all with a positive impact on raw material consumption and energy usage.

Environmental Benefits

  • Made with renewable and sustainable materials demanded by consumers that reflect positively on environmental impact concerns
  • Displaces wood fiber from virgin sources
  • Reduces or eliminates need for synthetic additives typically used
  • Increases the quality of recycled products
  • Complies with industry renewable and sustainability initiative