In a bid to reduce its carbon emissions, New Zealand paper towel company Essity has invested $18.84 million (NZ$20 million) to decarbonise its paper production at Kawerau.
Together with Ngati Tuwharetoa, the company’s “Paper Machine Project” will transition from natural gas to geothermal energy. It aims to lower its carbon footprint by 66 per cent in 2025 compared to 2009.
Essity’s Kawerau plant is the sole manufacturer of toilet tissue, paper towels, and kitchen towels in New Zealand. The facility also produces Tork paper products, which are used in hospitals, schools, hotels, and workplaces across the region.
The company reports producing approximately 55,000 tonnes of tissue and paper towels annually.
Essity said its decarbonisation project would require the temporary closure of its paper machine. The natural gas component would be replaced with a new drum dryer that uses geothermal steam for heat and drying instead.
Jake Hatton, senior manager for sustainability at Essity Australasia, described Kawerau as the perfect place for paper making because of the unique access to geothermal steam.
“A renewable energy resource that is sustainably managed by our geothermal steam partner and supplier, Ngati Tuwharetoa Geothermal,” he continued.
The Paper Machine Project is largely funded by Essity alongside industrial co-funding from Eeca (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority). When the rebuilt machine is commissioned later this year, the steam supply contract is expected to increase by 50 per cent.
