Sappi’s Kirkniemi paper mill switches to bioenergy

Paper Solutions Print Solutions

Sappi Europe’s Kirkniemi Mill in Lohja, Finland, has successfully made the switch from using fossil fuels to renewable energy to fuel the production of the Galerie paper range. A €16.5 million investment into facilities and machinery for the reception, storage and handling of biofuels is the latest in a string of efforts in meeting the company’s science based targets initiative (SBTi)-approved emissions reduction goal across all its regions.

Biomass residues such as bark, sawdust and wood chips, largely locally sourced, now fuel the Kirkniemi Mill Galerie paper operations, setting the stage for a 90% reduction in direct fossil greenhouse gas emissions. This upgrade now works alongside the multi-fuel boiler built in 2015, enabling the mill to reduce nearly 230,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

This means that Kirkniemi Mill is now able to reduce the carbon footprint of the Galerie paper range by 40%. All this comes as part of a longstanding sustainability focus at Kirkniemi that has, in recent years, brought continuous improvements in environmental performance across areas including freshwater usage, emissions to watercourses and energy efficiency.

Although paper is an inherently renewable and recyclable product, production is very heat intensive, mainly due to the process of evaporation that is essential to turn pulp to paper. The pulp and paper sector was responsible for 2% of all emissions from industry in 2022.

According to CEPI, the European pulp and paper industry body, the pulp and paper sector ran on 61% renewable energy in 2022. Through continued investment in fuel switching and technology this share will continue to grow.

The CO2 emissions reduction brought about by the bioenergy switch has run on benefits for the city of Lohja, reducing their overall emissions as well. Already, much of Lohja’s economic, social and employment is influenced by the Kirkniemi Mill.

Sarah Price, director of sustainability, Sappi Europe, said: ‘Recognising that we are part of the communities beyond our fence lines and that their prosperity and wellbeing are linked to our own, we strive to make a purpose driven, meaningful contribution towards the wellbeing and development of our neighbouring communities. We work to create positive social impact by jointly identifying and leveraging opportunities, thereby demonstrating our commitment to transparency and collaboration.’