Alongside paper quality and coating color, the EasySplice® technology is thus becoming a central factor in the success of this production unit. At the same time, the tape is also subjected to high standards: In addition to high temperature resistance for its passage through the machines, a firm hold in split seconds and high tensile strength are also called for – requirements that are actually mutually exclusive.

tesa EasySplice® FastLine

Firm hold is primarily achieved with adhesives that are capable of flowing, while hard adhesives show high shear adhesion. “We succeeded in developing one tape that meets all these requirements,” says Böttcher. The tape consists of high-quality acrylate adhesive produced without any solvents at all. This makes it “repulpable,” meaning that it does not leave any residue if it goes into the paper factory’s recycling process – another main requirement for the product.

EasySplice® FastLine from tesa is used at Stora Enso Kabel on two coaters, which are used to coat the raw paper. Additional tapes are used on other machines and for other purposes, for instance to splice the ends of rolls. The cooperation between the two companies has proven its worth. Hans-Jürgen Schubert and Ulrich Böttcher have grown into a good team. And that pays off when, despite every precaution, a problem arises from time to time: “Then I just have to call Böttcher – he always comes up with something,” Schubert says.