Opal teams up with Delorean for bio-gas feasibility study at Maryvale Mill

AUSTRALIA – Australian paper and packaging giant Opal has launched a collaboration with Delorean Corporation to assess the conversion of organic waste into renewable bio-gas at its Maryvale Paper Mill in Gippsland. 

According to company announcements, the initiative targets reductions in natural gas use and greenhouse gas emissions as part of Opal’s broader net zero goals. 

The feasibility study, now in progress, centers on building a large-scale anaerobic digestion facility to process waste from paper production.

The project zeroes in on the mill’s rotary lime kiln, which relies heavily on fossil-based natural gas. 

Engineers will evaluate if bio-gas from the digested waste can offset some or all of that fuel demand. Favorable results could lead to a phased rollout, including design and construction of the facility. 

Opal officials noted that this effort complements an ongoing consortium plan for Victoria’s inaugural Energy from Waste plant nearby, creating layered pathways to cleaner operations at the site.

Joseph Oliver, managing director of Delorean Corporation, described the tie-up as a key chance to apply the firm’s anaerobic digestion skills to industrial needs. 

“This partnership with Opal represents another major step in deploying our anaerobic digestion expertise in Australia at scale with a blue-chip industrial partner,” he said. 

Delorean, listed on the ASX, focuses on designing, building, owning, and operating bioenergy systems, and sees Opal’s waste output and energy requirements as a strong match for long-term renewable supply under a potential joint venture.

David Jettner, Opal’s general manager for environment and sustainability, highlighted the shift away from fossil fuels. 

He stated that the company prioritizes renewable options to cut emissions, adding that working with Delorean, known for biomethane and bio-gas projects in Australia and New Zealand, fits Opal’s waste minimization drive. 

Jettner emphasized a commitment to circular economy practices, where recovered materials gain new uses rather than heading to disposal.

The study outcomes, due soon, will shape investment choices for the Maryvale site, which produces packaging materials amid rising demands for eco-friendly alternatives. 

In a parallel move within the sector, Mondi recently activated an advanced kraft paper machine at its Czech Republic mill, boosting output of recyclable grades and signaling wider investments in mill efficiencies. 

Such steps across the industry point to growing adoption of on-site renewables to handle waste streams directly. 

Opal’s exploration arrives as manufacturers face tighter regulations on emissions, with the bio-gas route offering a practical tool for compliance and cost savings in energy-intensive processes.

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