Essity

Protecting Essity’s largest UK facility. 

Reliable fire detection for one of the world’s leading health and hygiene companies.  

With Essity on its safety journey. 

Innovating tomorrow, today. 

The challenge. 

Essity manufactures some of the best-known toilet paper, feminine care and paper towel brands. It’s Prudhoe plant covers 50 acres. Operates two papermaking machines. And seven converting lines. It produces more than 120,000 tonnes of finished tissue products annually. 

The recycling facility – an expansive, outdoor wastepaper yard – supports all UK operations. But its traditional fire detection system struggled to provide reliable early warnings. It was no longer fit-for-purpose.   

Essity needed a comprehensive flame and gas detection system upgrade. One with reliable early detection. Responsiveness to any fire event. Comprehensive coverage, even in challenging outdoor conditions. 

 The Micropack process.  

• Assessment and review. A comprehensive safety system overhaul. Identification of fire hazards.  

• Clear performance targets. And a detailed report of expected outcomes. To ensure delivery of safety and operational benefits.  

• 3D flame mapping technology. To plan the most effective detection coverage.  

• A systematic and expert approach. Developing a solution tailored to Prudhoe. Reviewed and refined until it met Essity’s stringent requirements. 

The Micropack solution. 

A complete safety system overhaul. 

Installing 25 FDS301 Intelligent Visual Flame Detectors.  

Advanced technology. 30 years of refined flame recognition algorithms. Rapid and reliable fire detection. Unmatched immunity to unwanted alarms. Installed by certified installation partner, Gas Detection International. Complemented by Consilium gas detectors in critical areas. 

Comprehensive coverage.  

More than 90% rapid and reliable coverage of protected areas. Far surpassing traditional detection system capabilities in a harsh environment like Prudhoe. 

 The highly successful results. 

• Zero false alarms: Maintenance teams can focus on production and site continuity. 

• Closed critical gaps in the site's fire risk assessment. Ensures compliance with the UK’s Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. 

• Reduced risk profile. Recognised by the plant’s global risk insurer. 

• Extended applications. The technology has benefited other areas on-site, such as the pallet repair and handling hub. 

• Positive feedback. The local fire and rescue authority positively reviewed the system.