Mondi, a global packaging and paper company, is investing 20 million euros to further improve the sustainability of its pulp production at the Frantschach mill in Austria. The plant, which celebrates its 140th anniversary in 2021, has been energy self-sufficient for many years and supplies neighbouring communities and industrial companies with surplus heat from pulp production.
“The focus on Sustainability and circular economy puts fibre-based products and pulp in the spotlight today. Not only is wood a renewable resource, but we also know that paper is the most recycled material in the world. For example, 74 per cent of paper and 83 per cent of paper-based packaging in Europe is recycled. The new plant components will make our pulp production even more efficient and sustainable. The modernisation and expansion of the evaporation plant will increase the amount of heat extracted - while at the same time reducing the amount of live steam required. In addition, the chemical oxygen demand of the biological wastewater treatment plant is reduced by 140 tonnes per year“, says Gottfried Joham, Managing Director of Mondi Frantschach.
The decisive factor for the investment decision was the need to optimise the use of wood as a primary raw material. „Wood is one of the most important raw materials for a future based on renewable raw materials rather than fossil fuels, and resource efficiency is an equally important aspect. We see ourselves as a pioneer in the bioeconomy, for example by increasing the proportion of by-products from pulp production.“ says Joham. In this specific case, the proportion of tall soap, which can be used in the production of paints, adhesives or films, for example, will be increased from the current 18 kilograms to 35 kilograms per tonne of pulp.
Construction of the new evaporation plant will begin immediately, Commissioning will take place in autumn 2023.
Source: Mondi