Smurfit Kappa invests to build a sustainable future at Nettingsdorf

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Smurfit Kappa has announced a multi-million euro investment in technology at its Nettingsdorf Paper Mill that will significantly reduce CO₂ emissions while increasing production.

The project consists of building a new recovery boiler by 2020 and a new steam turbine by 2022. This equipment will reinforce the position that Smurfit Kappa Nettingsdorf currently holds of having one of the lowest energy consumptions in the paper industry.

The new boiler will produce energy out of biomass, reducing CO₂ emissions at the Nettingsdorf mill by 40,000 tonnes, which represents a 1.5% reduction in Smurfit Kappa Group’s total CO₂ emissions. The group recently announced in its 2016 Sustainability Development Report that it has already cut CO₂ emissions by 23%, well on the way to meeting its 2020 target of 25%.

Günter Hochrathner, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Nettingsdorf, said: ‘This is a very positive step for the mill. The new boiler and turbine will help us to become even more efficient, which in turn will benefit both our people and the wider community. Nettingsdorf Paper Mill has a long history in the area and this investment in technology secures the long term future of the mill.

‘We believe in sustainability in every fibre because, by taking a sustainable approach to every aspect of our company and products, we become more efficient. This new development will enable us to ensure the long term supply of the high quality, sustainable container board our customers expect from us.’

Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe. said: ‘This investment builds on our commitment to help create a sustainable future by building a profitable business based on responsible principles. Sustainable innovation creates value for our customers and our shareholders – but it also plays a vital role in ensuring that the communities surrounding our sites are part of our long term vision.’