Pulp and paper industry innovating for carbon emission reduction

Pioneering technologies and collaborative efforts lead the way

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The pulp and paper sector has long been a pioneer in decoupling its growth from CO2 emissions. While energy-intensive, it's now pushing the boundaries of innovation to further mitigate its impact on climate change. Breakthrough technologies are on the horizon, promising to slash the sector's energy requirements by up to 80 percent, and renewable energy integration on-site is gaining momentum, thanks to unprecedented industry collaboration.

Cepi, representing European pulp and paper manufacturers, is at the forefront of this transformative journey. Leading the Energy Efficiency Solutions Forum (EESF), a network of innovative solution providers and industry experts, they're driving the development and implementation of emission-reducing technologies. EESF's recent partnership with the heat pump industry aims to integrate heat pumps into Europe's paper mills, potentially supplying 50 percent of the required energy and reducing CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, a study suggests that by 2030, up to 30 percent of electricity and nearly 6 percent of on-site heat could come from solar or wind energy sources. However, the most substantial emissions reduction will likely emerge from reducing energy needs directly.

Several technologies are in contention, including superheated steam systems, novel drying methods, and waterless paper production. One of these innovations could soon revolutionize the sector, significantly cutting CO2 emissions.

Beyond EESF, other consortia in Europe are exploring energy efficiency solutions to tackle the high energy demand for paper drying, which accounts for around 70 percent of a paper mill's energy consumption. Initiatives like Germany's Modellfabrik Papier and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd's Energy 1st program are making strides toward climate-neutral paper production by 2045.

Compared to other industries, the pulp and paper sector consistently invests in greening its processes, learning from both successes and setbacks. Recent research into 'deep eutectic solvents,' although not delivering the expected pulp decarbonization results, has led to breakthroughs in lignin production—a potential future revenue source replacing fossil-based materials.

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