Cookies on Zenoot

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. More info

2 minute read - 25th October 2022

Smurfit Kappa unveils new sustainable innovation

Smurfit Kappa’s Townsend Hook paper mill has introduced a new state-of-the-art drying process innovation to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The new processes have resulted in a 6% reduction in steam energy consumption and a 5% reduction in total CO2 emissions from the Kent-based paper mill.

Traditionally, paper drying is one of the most energy-intensive aspects of the manufacturing process. A digital twin approach was used in the project to create a virtual representation of the drying system to simulate how it would perform.

Smurfit Kappa is targeting a 55% intensity reduction in fossil CO2 emissions by 2030 and at least net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The packaging specialist has also had its 2030 emissions reduction targets validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as being in line with the Paris Agreement.

Smurfit Kappa has introduced a new drying process at its paper mill in Kent that has reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions / Picture: Smurfit Kappa

David Upton, managing director of the Smurfit Kappa UK Paper division, said: “The advanced new drying process has helped us to significantly reduce our energy consumption at the mill. With energy costs continuing to rise and market volatility, this technology will help us to reduce costs and take a further step in achieving our net zero target.

“We have been trialling this method in other areas of the manufacturing process and hope to see similar positive results over time. A huge thank you must go to all of our partners involved in this highly collaborative project; the results we have seen are testament to their dedication, hard work, and willingness to strive towards a more sustainable future.”

Smurfit Kappa collaborated with multiple partners to deliver the innovation including the Paper Industry Technical Association, Automation X, ProcSim, the Carbon Trust and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The project was recognised in the Sustainable Innovation category at The Paper Industry Gold Awards 2022 earlier this year.


This content is copyright of Zenoot Ltd and its originator. You can use extracts, share or link to this page and you may draw the attention of others to content posted on our site. Bulk copying of text is not permitted. You can view our Terms of Use here.