PORTUGAL – British fiber-based packaging supplier DS Smith has invested US$ 159.11 million (€145m) to upgrade its kraft paper mill in Viana, Portugal, rebuilding the mill’s paper machine and reducing CO2 emissions.
According to DS Smith, the investment package will include the rebuilding of the existing paper machine and a new state-of-the-art recovery boiler, which will be one of the most modern in Europe.
The boiler will improve environmental performance by enhancing steam efficiency at the mill by 25%, with steam from the boiler being recycled back into the mill.
The new boiler will also support the rebuild of the mill’s paper machine, PM4, increasing both its speed and capacity.
The company has commissioned suppliers Voith and Valmet to rebuild the machine, with completion expected later this year.
Niels Flierman, Head of Paper & Recycling at DS Smith said: “DS Smith is committed to leading the transition to a circular economy. Our paper-making operations across Europe and North America are focused on providing the paper needed to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging.
“As one of our larger mills, Viana has a huge role to play in this and the EUR 145 million investment is a testament to our commitment to remain at the forefront of the market, and to lead the way in the race to net zero in the paper industry.”
DS Smith says the start-up of the new boiler will be supplied by Valmet, which is expected to be in early 2025.
This investment package is one of a number of projects across Europe and North America contributing to DS Smith’s target to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 46% on an absolute basis by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, and to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050.
Last month, the packaging supplier contracted the Finnish developer of technologies Valmet to supply it with a new containerboard machine to help improve its environmental footprint.
The new machine, which is scheduled for start-up in the middle of 2025, will be installed at DS Smith’s Porcari (Lucca) site in Italy.
The containerboard machine is said to have extensive packages of automation, services and industrial internet applications.
Valmet says that around 40% of all board produced in the world is made by Valmet machinery and it understands that containerboard-making is an integrated process.
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