Smurfit Kappa paper mill unveils new sustainable innovation
October 27, 2022Smurfit Kappa’s
Townsend Hook paper mill in the UK has introduced a new state-of-the art drying
process innovation to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Traditionally, paper drying is one of the most energy-intensive aspects of the
manufacturing process. The innovative new processes implemented have resulted
in a 6% reduction in steam energy consumption and a 5% reduction in total CO2
emissions from the Kent-based paper mill.
A ‘digital twin’ approach was used in the project to create a virtual
representation of the drying system to simulate how it would perform. An early
example of digital twin technology usage was during the rescue mission of the
Apollo 13 spacecraft in 1970 when computer models were used to determine flight
characteristics far from earth.
Smurfit Kappa has the goal of achieving a 55% intensity reduction in
fossil CO2 emissions by 2030 and at
least net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The packaging leader has also had its
2030 emissions reductions targets validated by the Science Based Targets
initiative as being in line with the Paris agreement.
Commenting on the innovation, David Upton, Managing Director of the Smurfit
Kappa UK Paper division, said: “The advanced new drying process has helped us
to significantly reduce our energy consumption at the mill. With energy costs
continuing to rise and market volatility, this technology will help us to
reduce costs and take a further step in achieving our net-zero target.