PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL 2026, The next decade of paper converting: Automation, AI and flexibility. Carlos Muriel, Sales & Marketing Director, Pasaban S.A.

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
Artificial Intelligence: From Data to Value
If automation defines how machines operate, artificial
intelligence defines how they learn, adapt, and improve.
Modern converting lines generate vast amounts of data.
Every aspect of the process—speed, tension, temperature,
vibration, cutting parameters, and more—is continuously
monitored. Historically, much of this data has been used only for
basic monitoring or troubleshooting purposes.
Today, AI technologies are enabling a much more advanced
use of this information.
One of the most immediate and impactful applications
of AI is predictive maintenance. By analysing historical data and
identifying patterns associated with wear or failure, AI systems
can anticipate potential issues before they occur. This allows
maintenance activities to be planned proactively, reducing
unplanned downtime and improving overall equipment effectiveness.
Beyond maintenance, AI can signi昀椀cantly enhance
process optimisation. For example:
•
Identifying optimal operating conditions for diferent
substrates
•
Detecting subtle deviations that may afect product
quality
•
Recommending parameter adjustments to improve
e昀椀ciency
•
Reducing waste through better process control
In sheeting operations, AI can be used to optimize cutting
strategies, minimize trim loss, and improve stack quality. By
analyzing production data over time, systems can learn which
con昀椀gurations deliver the best results under speci昀椀c conditions.
In winding processes, AI can improve tension control
strategies, ensuring more consistent reel structure and reducing
defects such as wrinkles, telescoping, or edge damage.
Perhaps most importantly, AI enables a shift from reactive to
predictive and even prescriptive operations. Instead of responding
to problems after they occur, systems can anticipate them and either
recommend or automatically implement corrective actions.
Muriel highlights this transformation: “The real value of AI
is not just in analyzing data, but in transforming it into actionable
knowledge. It allows us to move towards more intelligent, datadriven operations that improve both e昀椀ciency and reliability.”
However, the adoption of AI also presents challenges.
Data standardisation, system integration, and cybersecurity are
key considerations. Additionally, companies must ensure that AI
applications deliver clear and measurable bene昀椀ts.
Flexibility: The Core Requirement of Modern Converting
While automation and AI are powerful enablers, 昀氀exibility
is arguably the most critical requirement in today’s converting
environment.
Market dynamics are evolving rapidly. The growth of
e-commerce, changes in packaging formats, and increasing
demand for customised products are driving a shift towards
shorter production runs and greater variability. At the same time,
sustainability trends are introducing new materials, including
recycled and lightweight substrates, which can be more
challenging to process.
Image 4: Electric cabinets for automation control.
In this context, converting lines must be capable of:
•
Processing a wide range of materials with different
characteristics
•
Switching quickly between production orders
•
Maintaining consistent quality across varying conditions
•
Adapting to future requirements without major
modi昀椀cations
Flexibility must be built into every aspect of the system—
from mechanical design to control architecture.
In sheeting lines, this may involve modular con昀椀gurations
that allow diferent cutting and stacking options, as well as fast and
automated format change systems. In winders,
昀氀exibility may require adaptable slitting systems and
advanced control strategies capable of handling diferent substrate
behaviors.
A key enabler of 昀氀exibility is the use of open and scalable
systems. Rather than relying on closed, proprietary solutions,
converters increasingly demand equipment that can be integrated
into broader production environments and adapted over time.
At Pasaban, this philosophy is central to our approach.
As Muriel explains: “Flexibility is not just about handling different
products—it is about being prepared for the future. Our systems are
designed to evolve with our customers’ needs.”
Integration: Connecting Machines, Data, and Processes
While automation, AI, and 昀氀exibility are essential, their true
value can only be realized through integration.
The converting line of the future is part of a connected
ecosystem in which machines, software systems, and human
operators interact seamlessly.
Image 5: Slitting section with automatic positioning.
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