Humidification in the Paper and Pulp Industry

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Benefits

Learn the benefits of controlling humidity in paper and pulp manufacturing industries.

Stable production quality

Maintain 50–55%RH to keep paper flat, flexible and dimensionally stable.

Complete humidity control

Reliable humidity control keeping paper production efficient, stable and cost-effective.

Energy-efficient control

Low-energy humidifiers with minimal service needs for steady uptime.

Humidification in the paper and pulp industry

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Controlled humidity keeps paper stable and flexible

Paper and board are hygroscopic materials that absorb and release moisture depending on the surrounding air. When humidity falls below 50% RH, paper loses moisture and begins to shrink, curl or warp, causing dimensional instability, registration errors and packaging issues. The ideal humidity for paper production is around 50–55% RH at 20–25 °C, which keeps fibres balanced and paper dimensionally stable through all stages of production – from drying and cutting to winding and packing. Below 45% RH, static electricity builds up, resulting in misfeeds, jams and operator discomfort.

Condair’s humidity control systems automatically maintain the optimal RH through precise sensors and responsive regulation. This stabilises the production environment, reduces rejects, lowers waste and ensures consistent paper quality, while also supporting efficient, reliable operation and continuous uptime.

Hygienic and energy-efficient uptime

Condair’s humidification systems are designed to deliver both energy efficiency and hygienic performance. By combining precise humidity control with advanced water treatment and automatic cleaning functions, the systems operate cleanly and reliably over long periods. Effective water treatment prevents scale formation, protects equipment from wear and maintains consistent system performance with minimal maintenance.

These features support continuous operation and reduce overall energy consumption while ensuring high air quality. For the paper industry, this results in fewer production interruptions, lower operational costs and improved working conditions. By maintaining balanced humidity levels, Condair helps create a stable and efficient production environment where paper quality stays consistent, machinery runs smoothly and downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.

Reliable humidity control from design to service

Condair provides complete humidity control solutions covering consultancy, system design, installation, commissioning and lifetime maintenance. Every solution is tailored to the specific requirements of each paper or pulp facility, taking into account process temperature, water quality, air distribution and hygiene demands.

With global experience and strong local support, Condair ensures reliable performance under real production conditions. The design team assists consultants and plant engineers with system sizing, duct layout, technology selection and service planning. Built for low maintenance and long operational life, Condair systems keep production stable with fewer interruptions and reduced service costs. This allows manufacturers to maintain high productivity while Condair ensures consistent air quality and reliable humidity control throughout the plant.

Use cases

Anti-static and ESD prevention

Low humidity increases static build-up because dry air is an insulator, making electrostatic discharge (ESD) more likely. Maintaining 40–60% relative humidity helps dissipate charges and significantly reduces ESD risk.

Prevent evaporative losses

Organic materials have an internal moisture content and will lose moisture to the atmosphere when exposed to air with a low humidity. Humidifiers are used to create an environment with perfect balance between the material’s internal moisture content and the air’s relative humidity.

Discover Condair in action

Projects and references

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Wiesloch

At the Print Media Center (PMC) Commercial and Packaging, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG in Wiesloch-Walldorf, Germany, operates the world's largest demonstration center for commercial and packaging printing. Since 2015 Condair spray humidifiers have been proving how important optimal humidity is for performance and a trouble-free printing process. In the PMC Commercial, Condair spray humidifiers ensure an optimal climate for individual customer demonstrations. "Our demonstrations have to work exactly as planned: Edge curl, dishing or electrostatic charges on the paper must not occur," explains Roland Krapp, Head of the Print Media Center.

Print Media Center (PMC) in Germany

Khatema Fibres Ltd

Khatema Fibres Ltd manufacture a wide range of eco-friendly industrial papers to suit a variety of applications and requirements. A JetSpray humidification system from Condair is helping Khatema Fibres Ltd to maintain the ideal paper environment.

Quotes from our customers

Mondi Group, Sonneberg (Germany)

Frank Drews

Technical Coordinator

"Humidity is very important for us to ensure standardized conditions throughout the production process."

Frequently asked questions

Are Condair humidifiers energy-efficient and easy to maintain?

How can humidification improve paper quality and reduce waste?

How can humidity be effectively controlled in paper manufacturing?

How does low humidity cause static electricity in paper handling?

What is the ideal humidity level for paper and pulp production?

Why is humidity control important in paper manufacturing?

Get free expert advice

If you want to explore your options for humidity control, Condair's expert sales engineers will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.

Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team are always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.

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