StickieStop - Enzymatic control of stickies and pitch

During the production of paper and pulp, sticky contaminants (stickies) and resin deposits (pitch) lead to significant machine downtimes due to damage or the need for extensive cleaning of all machine components. The StickieStop project focuses on the use of enzymes to address issues associated with the formation of stickies and pitch during recycling and pulp production. The application of enzymes to remove or neutralize stickies and pitch provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical treatment methods, which can potentially harm the environment. However, commercial enzyme formulations designed for the removal of stickies and pitch have shown mixed results in various trials conducted in paper mills. Some enzyme products even proved entirely ineffective, which has hindered the industrial adoption of enzymatic solutions despite their high potential for improvement. The 3-year StickieStop project aims to elucidate the enzymatic mechanisms critical for the removal of stickies and pitch. Comprehensive analytical methods will be employed to understand the composition of deposits and improve the predictive capability for enzyme applications. The resulting detailed understanding will enhance the predictability and efficiency of enzymatic solutions, accelerating their industrial implementation.