Smurfit Kappa (SKG) has revealed that its Roermond Paper Mill’s integrated steam system has reduced its CO2 footprint by a further 3% in 2018.
The steam project is part of an ongoing intensive energy and CO2 reduction programme at the mill which has achieved a specific CO2 emission reduction of 23% since 2005.
The mill runs three paper machines to produce recycled paper for corrugated packaging. Under the previous configuration, the residual steam of two of the machines was only partially reused.
Now, SKG has integrated the steam systems from all three paper machines by incorporating a sophisticated control system, despite the fact that the machines operate at different speeds using a variety of paperweights.
Sustainable Energy Consumption
“We started by carrying out an in-depth analysis of processes to figure out a way to reuse excess steam from two of the machines in the third machine,” Wim Janssen, energy and production technologist at the mill, said.
“This has reduced the mill’s gas consumption and slashed the 2018 CO2 emissions by an impressive 4,500 tonnes.”
The stream integration project was showcased at the European Parliament as part of the Confederation of European Paper Industries’ (CEPI) ‘To our roots and beyond - RE-INVEST 2050’ scheme.
The scheme aims to advance low-carbon innovation in the forest fibre and paper industry in Europe.
“What started as a pilot project has resulted in a modification of the mill’s steam system,” Wouter Lap, MD of the Roermond Paper Mill, added.
“This is a further example of how the Roermond Paper Mill is leading the paper industry in sustainable energy consumption.”
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
