Nippon Paper Industries chooses ANDRITZ to supply high-efficiency recovery boiler in Japan

JAPAN – Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. has selected international technology group ANDRITZ to deliver a new state-of-the-art recovery boiler for its pulp mill in Ishinomaki, Japan.

The investment marks a major step in the company’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the sustainability of its operations.

The new boiler, designed for high efficiency and superior steam generation, will enable the shutdown of one coal-fired boiler and two existing recovery boilers at the mill.

This transition is expected to lower carbon emissions while reducing operating costs significantly.

Start-up of the new system is scheduled for 2028, with the project to be executed in collaboration with Japanese engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) supplier Kanadevia.

The recovery boiler will be equipped with advanced automation and digitalization solutions, ensuring maximum performance and reliability throughout its operation.

It is designed for a capacity of 2,200 tds/d, with steam parameters of 8.3 MPa and 505 °C, making it a robust system for modern pulp production needs.

A key feature of the system is the high-dry solids concentrator, supported by pressurized storage tanks. This addition is intended to significantly improve black liquor firing efficiency, contributing to higher energy recovery and reduced environmental impact.

The boiler will also include an ash leaching system, which plays a critical role in chemical recovery.

This system effectively removes chloride and potassium from electrostatic precipitator ash while recycling sodium and sulfate back into the recovery cycle, enhancing process sustainability and reducing chemical losses.

By integrating these advanced systems, the boiler will support more sustainable mill operations, ensuring longer service intervals and reduced maintenance requirements.

“We are very pleased that this new high-efficiency recovery boiler will make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the Ishinomaki mill,” said Yoshinori Matsubara, Executive Officer and Head of Energy Business Division at Nippon Paper Industries.

“We aim to strengthen our international competitiveness by applying the learnings from this project to other mills.”

Masato Tsuchitana, General Manager at ANDRITZ Japan, added, “Our technology offers the best solution in terms of process efficiency and operating costs. We are honored by Nippon Paper’s trust and look forward to continuing our collaboration.”

The order reinforces ANDRITZ’s position as a global leader in sustainable pulp and paper technologies.

For Nippon Paper, founded in 1949 and headquartered in Tokyo, the investment aligns with its strategy to diversify into new materials while reducing its environmental footprint.

The Ishinomaki project underscores a broader industry shift, as paper manufacturers worldwide accelerate efforts to modernize facilities, cut emissions, and contribute to a circular economy.

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