- PluraMaze reduces no-load energy consumption by over 25%, while significantly extending service life or improving refining results
- The patented innovative design optimizes flow and reduces energy loss
- The product is available in three customized models to meet customer needs in various refining applications
Heidenheim, GermanyJune 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Voith has launched PluraMaze, a new generation of refiner plates designed to significantly enhance energy efficiency and service life in the refining process. This innovative solution directly addresses key challenges faced by paper manufacturers worldwide, including rising energy costs, increasing pressure for energy efficiency, and changes in raw material quality.
Initial customer installations have already demonstrated remarkable results. For example, Progroup, a corrugated board packaging paper producer in Germany, selected the PluraMaze 5.6 model, focusing on energy efficiency and process stability under similar operating conditions. Kevin Zilm, Deputy Production Manager at Progroup, stated: “Compared to our previous refiner plates, using PluraMaze reduced our no-load power by over 30%, which has a direct impact on our energy consumption. Additionally, the process runs more stably, resulting in more consistent final paper quality.”
These energy savings stem from a newly developed refiner plate geometry based on a labyrinth structure. This patented application design reduces internal recirculation, significantly lowering no-load power.
Additional customer installations have validated the energy-saving potential of PluraMaze across different refining applications. In a long-fiber application at Pfleiderer Spezialpapiere, a specialty paper manufacturer using virgin fiber in Taisnach, Germany, the PluraMaze 5.3 was evaluated against the previous Voith Pluralis refiner plates under similar operating conditions, with a focus on energy savings. Reinhold Walter, Head of Research and Development at Pfleiderer Spezialpapiere, noted: “With PluraMaze, we observed a significant improvement in energy efficiency, with a 27% reduction in no-load power.”
The new PluraMaze 5.6 model, optimized for OCC pulp in Europe and Asia, enhances fiber treatment and extends service life. At a specialty paper mill in Japan, PluraMaze achieved a 70% to 80% longer service life compared to Voith’s previous generation Pluralis refiner plates under similar operating conditions. This performance directly reduces annual wear part costs and the frequency of refiner plate changes.
In China, a leading corrugated board producer tested the PluraMaze 6.5 on an OCC pulp line, focusing on improving refining efficiency. Compared to Voith Pluralis refiner plates, PluraMaze achieved a higher degree of refining under similar operating conditions, indicating more efficient fiber treatment.
PluraMaze is available in three models to meet different needs: PluraMaze 5.3 is designed for customers primarily focused on refining results and energy efficiency; PluraMaze 5.6 balances energy efficiency and service life for optimal performance; PluraMaze 6.5 is engineered for maximum service life. This modular approach allows paper manufacturers to select the most suitable configuration based on their operational priorities.