Thursday 7 October 2021

‘World first’: Essity invests in tissue paper machine running on geothermal steam

The owner of brands including Cushelle, Lotus and Plenty is investing in what it claims is the world's first tissue paper machine running a fully geothermal steam drying process.

Essity will use the enhanced efficient technology at its site in Kawerau, New Zealand, which is expected to help reduce carbon emissions.

The company estimates the elimination of the burning of natural gas on the machine, along with reduced pulp consumption and waste, will slash emissions by 23% at the New Zealand site.

The production of tissue using geothermal steam is part of Essity's work to use less energy and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Magnus Groth, President and CEO, Essity said: “We're setting new industry standards when it comes to sustainable tissue production. Investing in the world's first tissue machine running a fully geothermal steam process is groundbreaking. By reducing our carbon emissions, we can offer our customers and consumers more climate friendly products.”

Essity's improvements in its environmental and social sustainability performance across its operations in Australasia include sustainable packaging, certified sustainable fibre sources and reduced manufacturing waste and water use.