UPM has introduced a recycling programme for used paper machine clothing (PMC) in collaboration with technology group ANDRITZ and German recycling specialist HolyPoly. The initiative aims to recover polymer materials from industrial fabrics used in paper manufacturing and return them to productive use.
Paper machine clothing consists of synthetic forming fabrics, press felts, and dryer fabrics used in paper production processes. These materials are typically made from polymers such as polyamide and polyester and require periodic replacement during mill operations. Historically, most used PMC has been disposed of through incineration or landfill.
Under the programme, used PMC from selected paper mills operated by UPM is collected and transported for processing. The materials are mechanically recycled and converted into polymer granulate that can be used in new manufacturing applications.
The recycling work is carried out by HolyPoly, which processes the recovered textiles and plastics into granulates suitable for injection moulding. The recycled material is currently being used in the production of industrial components for sectors including automotive and furniture manufacturing.
According to the companies, several thousand tonnes of paper machine clothing are discarded annually across Europe. Recycling these materials may reduce waste volumes and avoid emissions associated with incineration while decreasing demand for virgin polymers.
The programme has been implemented at selected UPM mills in Finland and Germany and has been operating at an industrial scale since early 2025. The companies indicated that further development work is ongoing to improve the quality and consistency of recycled polymers derived from PMC.
Future research is focused on evaluating whether recycled materials could eventually be used in the production of new paper machine clothing, which would support a more circular materials system for the paper manufacturing sector.