There are several innovative projects under way for energy reduction and renewable energy in the pulp and paper industry.

In a recent press release from Rottneros, they announced that they are investing 86 MSEK in renewable electricity. The press release states that "the investments include a solar park and a battery storage and are part of a long-term strategy to reduce the groups exposure to the electricity market. The start-up is planned for 2024.

The solar park is expected to generate over 3 GWh annually, which can be compared to the company's annual purchased electricity demand of around 220 GWh. The purpose of the battery storage is primarily to contribute to an improved balance on the electricity market, which also generates revenue from Svenska Kraftnät and thus a favourable return on investment."

In a recent press release from Essity, it was announced that Essity and Voith develop groundbreaking concept for sustainable tissue production.

The press release states that "Essity has entered an exclusive partnership with the global technology company Voith to develop a new tissue making process that will reduce energy and CO2 emissions while cutting water consumption by up to 95%.

In an exclusive partnership with Voith, Essity will collaborate in the development of a new disruptive concept that revolutionizes and rethinks tissue manufacturing. Compared to conventional paper making processes, this process enables CO2-neutral tissue production, and reduces freshwater consumption by 95%, and energy consumption by up to 40%."

Kabel Premium Pulp & Paper GmbH currently has a Cable ZERO project underway. According to its website, it states that "With Kabel ZERO, Kabel Premium Pulp & Paper has committed itself to the sustainable and low-CO2 production of paper. After all, the paper industry is one of the five most energy-intensive sectors in Germany.

Kabel Premium Pulp & Paper GmbH, Fraunhofer IEG and Fraunhofer UMSICHT form the cooperation for the "development of steam generation for paper drying based on geothermal heat in Hagen/NRW". The basic goal of the project is a feasibility study to evaluate the options of paper drying based on deep geothermal heat in Hagen. This is followed by the long-term vision, which aims to build a deep geothermal plant with an output of approx. 20 megawatts, 4000 meters depth and a substitution rate of over 50% in order to use the inexhaustible potential of geothermal heat."

Smurfit Kappa announced that it remains on target to deliver on its long-term goal to have at least net zero emissions by 2050.

We will keep you apprised of further developments.