ITALY – AFRY, a global engineering and consulting firm, has unveiled a strategic roadmap to guide Italy’s pulp and paper sector toward achieving net-zero emissions.
The findings were presented in a study commissioned by Assocarta, the Italian paper industry association, emphasizing a decarbonization strategy aligned with EU frameworks, national conditions, and emerging technologies.
Commissioned in early 2024, the study, titled “Competitive Decarbonization of the Italian Paper Sector: A Possible Strategy Between Green Sources and Electrification,” outlines a clear path to carbon neutrality by 2050.
It sets an ambitious interim target of a 70% reduction in emissions by 2030.
Key decarbonization strategies
The roadmap for decarbonizing Italy’s pulp and paper sector focuses on three primary strategies designed to reduce emissions while maintaining industrial competitiveness.
The first strategy emphasizes efficiency improvements. By optimizing operational processes, companies can minimize waste and energy consumption, thereby significantly cutting emissions.
These improvements are foundational, providing a strong starting point for long-term decarbonization.
The second pillar of the strategy is electrification, which involves transitioning from fossil fuel-based systems to electric-powered technologies.
This shift not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also aligns the sector with advancements in renewable energy, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable energy supply.
The third component highlights the adoption of low-carbon fuels. This includes integrating sustainable alternatives such as biomethane and utilizing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies.
These solutions offer a viable pathway to decarbonize existing infrastructure, particularly cogeneration plants, in the short and medium term.
Together, these strategies lay a comprehensive framework for achieving carbon neutrality while leveraging emerging opportunities in sustainable energy.
The study also highlights the potential of synergies with local resources, including biomass and syngas, to support decarbonization efforts.
Existing cogeneration plants can be retrofitted to operate sustainably in the short and medium term. Additionally, investments in electrification could be expedited by ensuring access to dedicated green energy supplies.
Challenges and opportunities
AFRY’s analysis identifies regulatory and infrastructural barriers that must be addressed to ensure the sector’s competitiveness during the transition.
The report calls for tailored policies and significant investments in technology to enable the sector to meet its sustainability goals while maintaining its economic edge.
“Our study highlights the critical steps needed for the pulp and paper sector to achieve decarbonization while remaining competitive,” said Riccardo Siliprandi, Senior Principal at AFRY Management Consulting.
He added, “This project combined our expertise in energy, industrial processes, sustainability, and regulatory dynamics. AFRY is uniquely positioned to assist companies in navigating this vital transition while delivering impactful and sustainable solutions.”
The report also provides a comprehensive analysis of potential scenarios through 2030, emphasizing the need for collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and technology providers.
With this roadmap, Italy’s pulp and paper sector is poised to become a leader in sustainable industrial transformation, setting a benchmark for decarbonization in the broader European context.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
Be the first to leave a comment