Graz, Austria 03 February 2011 -- International technology Group Andritz has been awarded an order by Graphic Packaging International to supply a 350,000 lb/h (160 tons/h) steam boiler using woody biomass and primary clarifier sludge as fuels for the company’s mill in Macon, Georgia, USA. Start-up of the boiler is scheduled for summer 2013.

Andritz will supply a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) steam boiler, fuel and bottom ash handling systems, and the boiler safety system. Andritz’s well-proven BFB technology combines high fuel efficiency with excellent environmental performance. The biomass boiler is expected to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 200,000 tons/year (180,000 metric tons/year). The new biomass boiler is expected to make the Macon mill energy self-sufficient (electrical power and steam generation), which will reduce Graphic Packaging’s energy costs and dependency on fossil-fuel based alternatives. The mill expects to become a net producer of electricity.

Biomass-based electricity generation is playing an increasingly important role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. With state-of-the-art steam boilers, energy producers can produce “green energy” in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.

The Andritz Group is a globally leading supplier of plants and services for the hydropower, pulp and paper, metals, and other specialized industries (solid/liquid separation, feed and biofuel). The Group is headquartered in Graz, Austria, and has a staff of approximately 14,300 employees worldwide. Andritz operates over 120 production sites and service and sales companies around the world.

Andritz Pulp & Paper is a leading global supplier of turnkey systems and services for the production of all types of pulp, paper, tissue paper, board, fiber-board (MDF), nonwovens, as well as of biomass boilers and gasifiers for energy production and of systems for the production of plastic films. Services include complete mill maintenance, equipment upgrades and rebuilds, engineered wear products, and spare parts.