Dongguan Jianhui Paper Co., Ltd. has successfully started up a new mechanical pulping line from ANDRITZ including the world’s first TwinFlo Prime refiner.

The newly developed TwinFlo Prime optimizes the pulp flow to each refining zone thanks to improved refining gap adjustment. This reduces wear on the refiner plates and thus results in longer plate lifetime and lower maintenance cost.

“We are very proud to be the first ones on the market with such innovative technology,” says Li Guihua, President of Dongguan Jianhui Paper. “With the TwinFlo Prime and the new mechanical pulping line from ANDRITZ we have reached a very high level of flexibility both in the use of raw materials and the fiber quality produced. This will help us further expand our board business. The installation perfectly meets our strategic targets.”

Ming Xing, Vice General Manager, Dongguan Jianhui Paper Co., Ltd. (left) and Cui Ping, Director of Project and Site Management, ANDRITZ (China) Ltd. in front of the new TwinFlo Prime refiner © ANDRITZ

The new pulping line installed at Dongguan Jianhui’s mill in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, is based on ANDRITZ’s patented P-RC APMP process. At a design capacity of 600 t/d, it processes eucalyptus wood chips for production of different top-quality board grades. The focus of the system is on chip impregnation and refining (HC and LC) with highest production efficiency and well-developed fibers at low energy consumption.

Dongguan Jianhui Paper, established in 2002, runs four paper production lines and specializes in the manufacturing of high-quality white coated duplex board with gray back and test liner.

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and corporate culture. With its extensive portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, ANDRITZ aims to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable future and help its customers achieve their sustainability goals. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydro and Separation. Technological leadership and global presence are cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 29,100 employees and over 280 locations in more than 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.

The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, flue gas cleaning systems, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.

Valmet will deliver a TwinRoll wash press to Holmen Paper AB’s Braviken mill in Sweden. The start-up is scheduled for April 2024.

The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the fourth quarter 2022. Its value will not be disclosed.

“The TwinRoll wash press will improve the separation between the thermomechanical pulp (TMP) mill and the paper machine. With a better separation we believe the paper machine will get a cleaner system, resulting in improved runnability and savings of chemicals, such as retention aid and similar chemicals. The good experience from the earlier installed TwinRoll wash press together with the possibility of common spare parts were also influencing our decision,” says Fredrik Bragsjö, Production Manager TMP & WH, Holmen Paper, Braviken.

“We are happy to cooperate with Holmen and deliver an additional Valmet TwinRoll washing press to their Braviken mill. This order will help improve the energy and washing efficiency of the TMP mill. We’re also able to create a synergy for both presses when it comes to operational maintenance and spare parts,” says Michael Nylander, Sales Manager, EMEA Scandinavia Sales Pulp Solutions SE, EMEA, Valmet.

Technical details about Valmet’s delivery
Valmet's scope of supply includes a TwinRoll washing press, electric motors, mechanical erection, basic engineering, commissioning, start-up, process support and advisory services.

Information about Holmen Paper AB, Braviken
Braviken Paper Mill is located outside Norrköping, in the south of Sweden. The mill produces paper for magazines, books, and direct mail on two paper machines. The total capacity of the Braviken mill is 605,000 tonnes per year and the production is 100% based on fresh wood fibers from pulp wood and wood chips from the adjacent Holmen Timber sawmill. The Braviken mill employs approximately 400 people.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our 17,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. Valmet’s net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion.

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.    

Follow us on valmet.com

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Gascogne Papier, France, to supply a PrimeLine MG (Machine Glazed) paper production line to its mill located in Mimizan, France. Start-up is scheduled for 2025.

The new paper machine will have a web width of 6.8 m and a design speed of 1,300 m/min. It will thus be the widest MG paper machine worldwide producing basis weights from 120 down to 25 gsm, based on 100% softwood unbleached kraft pulp. With a capacity of 125,000 t/a it will set a new industry benchmark with the highest capacity for uncoated MG papers.

The core of the MG machine will be the world’s largest PrimeDry Steel Yankee. With a diameter of 26 ft. (7.9 m) the Yankee will enable energy-efficient drying while providing excellent surface properties such as gloss and dimensional stability. It will be manufactured and transported in pieces and assembled at the customer’s site. ANDRITZ is the first supplier worldwide delivering a Yankee of this size and the only supplier worldwide with such a unique engineering, patented manufacturing and logistics concept overcoming potentially any limits in transportation and drying performance.

The ANDRITZ MG line will replace three of the mill’s four paper machines. The main target of the investment is to establish a multi-grade production line, capable of producing more than 80 different grades of ribbed and unribbed paper.

Rendering-example of an ANDRITZ PrimeLine MG production line © ANDRITZ

Dominique Coutière, CEO of Gascogne Papier explains: “Investments of that scale are a big milestone for companies in our business. The selection of the right partner is a decisive success criterion. The experience and references in the MG sector as well as the customer-orientated approach of ANDRITZ convinced us. We are really looking forward to a great partnership.” Gerald Steiner, Vice President Paper and Board at ANDRITZ, adds: “The involvement and commitment of the Gascogne team in this project and their high level of requirement regarding quality, performance, energy and environmental efficiency make this investment a unique and challenging project.”

Besides important key components in the forming section (for example adjustable table and low-intensity hybrid former), the well proven ANDRITZ transfer-belt application closes the draw between press section and dryer section for highest efficiency at lowest basis weights and high-speed.

The project’s scope of supply includes the complete stock preparation line, as well as the complete PrimeLine MG paper machine, machine clothing, basic and detail engineering, overall distributed control system, motors and drives, quality control systems, web monitoring and inspection system as well as supervision, installation, and commissioning with start-up.

ANDRITZ GROUP

International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and corporate culture. With its extensive portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, ANDRITZ aims to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable future and help its customers achieve their sustainability goals. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydro and Separation. Technological leadership and global presence are cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 29,100 employees and over 280 locations in more than 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER

ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.

The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, flue gas cleaning systems, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.

andritz.com

Saving CO₂ emissions and energy are among the most important fields of action of our time. In recognition of this fact, Voith has developed a completely new, disruptive concept that allows CO₂ neutral paper production. Moreover, the groundbreaking concept reduces fresh water consumption by up to 95 percent as well as energy consumption by up to 40 percent throughout the entire papermaking process. The disruptive process no longer requires fossil fuels. Voith has now agreed an exclusive partnership with Essity, a global hygiene and healthcare company, to drive further development of this new process. Accordingly, the development incorporates both Essity's extensive expertise in the tissue industry and Voith's knowledge as the leading technology supplier.

• Voith and Essity are working on a breakthrough concept for the entire papermaking process
• The concept enables a CO₂ neutral paper production, as well as to reduce fresh water consumption by up to 95% and energy consumption by up to 40%
• Successful laboratory-scale test runs have already taken place; now the results are being transferred to a pilot line

"As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, we have set ourselves the ambitious goal of being able to realize CO₂ neutral paper production by 2030," says Andreas Endters, President & CEO of Voith Paper. "The fact that we have developed this new process is an important milestone in the industry and demonstrates our high level of innovation. We are very pleased to have found a suitable partner in Essity, who shares our objective of climate-neutral paper production."

“Sustainability is integrated into Essity’s strategy for long-term profitable growth. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This partnership with Voith is yet another concrete example of this,” says Magnus Groth, President & CEO of Essity.

Following successful trials on a laboratory scale, the research results obtained will now be transferred to a pilot line at the Voith Heidenheim site, Germany. This new set-up will enable testing under conditions close to production. 

Papermaking for Life sustainability program
As part of the innovation and development initiative "Papermaking for Life," Voith Paper presents versatile technologies and solutions that lead to more efficient and sustainable processes in papermaking. The emphasis is on water, energy and fiber savings as well as digitalization, innovations and partnerships as levers for more sustainable production. Another focus is on Voith's own activities at its locations worldwide. Learn more about Voith Paper's innovations in the area of sustainability: voith.com/Papermaking-for-Life. 

About Voith Paper 
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 21,000 employees, sales of € 4.9 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services and products on the market and offers paper manufacturers holistic solutions from one source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and helps customers minimize their carbon footprint. With its leading automation products and digitalization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve plant availability and efficiency for all sections of the production process.

Valmet will replace an existing third-party automation system with a Valmet DNA Automation System at Oy Alholmens Kraft Ab’s power plant unit AK1 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The delivery will be handed over to the customer in November 2023.

The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the fourth quarter 2022. The value of the order will not be disclosed. 

“Our other power plant unit AK2, which is one of the world’s largest biomass-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plants, has been run reliably with the Valmet DNA since its startup in 2001. Now we want to have the same system for our AK1 unit, too. After the retrofit, we will have only one automation system throughout the entire plant,” says Johannes Östman, Automation Engineer, Oy Alholmens Kraft Ab.

“Having only one automation system makes support and future updates easier for the customer. Valmet has extensive experience and knowhow in replacing other suppliers’ automation systems,” says Tom Bäckman, Sales Manager, Automation Systems business line, Valmet.

Close cooperation between Alholmens Kraft and Valmet goes back for decades. One of the latest projects includes a Valmet DNA turbine automation retrofit on AK2 in 2022.

Valmet will replace an existing third-party automation system with a Valmet DNA Automation System at Oy Alholmens Kraft Ab’s power plant unit AK1 in Pietarsaari, Finland.

Information about the delivery

Valmet’s delivery scope will cover a Valmet DNA Automation System, including system hardware and software as well as installation and commissioning.

Information about the customer Alholmens Kraft

The Alholmens Kraft biopower plant is located on the site of the UPM Pietarsaari mill in Pietarsaari, Western Finland. The power plant unit AK1 was completed in 1986 and has an electrical capacity of 35 MW and a thermal capacity of 150 MW. It runs on wood-based fuels.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our 17,500 professionals work close to our customers and are committed to improving our customers’ performance – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved, when flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. Valmet’s net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion.

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.    

Follow us on valmet.com

Mercer announces the launch of its programme Growing forests – Growing a future to support forest owners in Germany. Mercer Holz, the wood purchasing organisation of Mercer, is committed to partner with forest owners in Germany to sustain the longevity of their forests.

Over the next few years, in a concrete step of solidarity, Mercer will provide participating forest owners across Germany with a careful selection of seedlings to help replenish their forests. Forests all over the world are facing threats like the bark beetle, climate change, natural disasters like floods, wildfires, soil degradation and more. These threats pose a serious risk to the future of forestry, the livelihood of forest owners and their families, as well as the planet.

Mercer is one of the first companies within the German wood industry with such a large-scale tree-planting endeavour. The programme is a step towards replacing and regenerating that which has been lost from the bark beetle and other natural disasters that have affected our forests. This programme is a collaborative one, as Mercer acknowledges the expertise of foresters and the place that other stakeholders within the supply chain. Growing forests – Growing a future also looks to address perceptions of forestry at a larger scale: for example, to re-educate the public that when areas within the forests are clear-cut, it is not necessarily for profit, but a recognised way to mitigate the threat of the bark beetle.

Mercer’s foot firmly in the ground in initiating a long-term collaborative effort for our forests

“This is not a recent issue: already, for a few decades, foresters and forest owners in Germany have been working to replace the predominantly single variety forests with mixed variety, but climate change is catching us at our heels. We are now at tipping point of being too late to preserve the longevity and health of our forests for future generations. The time for action is now. It is a joint responsibility and a shared joy for all who benefit: so we need to work together to shape our forests for our tomorrows. Future generations will determine how forests will ultimately be used, but we must provide them with forests that offers them sustainable, comprehensive and diverse benefits, protection and recreation.” says Martin Stöhr, Managing Director of Mercer Holz.

Philipp Freiherr von Oldershausen, one of the participating forest owners, says: “As a forester myself, I’ve seen the damage first-hand. Our forests and the forests of our clients have suffered, particularly in the last couple of years. We welcome Mercer’s initiative because it shows a clear, long-term commitment from Mercer to continue partnering with forest owners, and to support us with regrowing our forests. I hope this initiative will increase awareness of the challenges the German forests face.”

It all starts at the launch!
Our first tree-planting event in a series throughout the programme will be held in late spring. Along with Martin Stöhr, Managing Director of Mercer Holz and some of his team, Mercer has invited partnering forest owners, local dignitaries, and selected media to attend the launch in Ost-Harz, Saxony-Anhalt. A recap, photos and progress will be available on our Growing forests – Growing a future website.- Visit our growingourforests.com 

About Growing Forests – Growing a Future

The Growing Forests - Growing a Future (GFGF) programme is a Mercer initiative, supporting - and in alliance with - German forest owners in sustaining their forests to keep forestry alive. Mercer is one of the first companies within the German wood industry with such a large-scale tree-planting endeavour.

The GFGF programme is a step towards replacing and regenerating that which has been lost from the bark beetle and other natural disasters that have affected our forests. Uniting expertise and commitment of participants, the GFGF programme aims to nurture and create the forests of the future with foresters and policy makers. in the face of concerns such as the bark beetle, climate change, natural disasters like floods, wildfires and soil degradation. It is indeed a collaborative effort to sustain—and improve—the health of German forests for our tomorrows.

Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä Spring is developing a new method for using Metsä Group’s softwood pulp to produce the Kuura textile fibre. Adjustments to the original production method and equipment are now being made at the Äänekoski demo plant, which has been operating since late 2020. The development work at the demo plant will then continue in the early summer.

The global demand for textile fibres has continued to grow after a market disruption caused by the pandemic. Interest has been shown especially in sustainably produced textile fibres that replace materials made out of oil, natural gas and cotton. Metsä Group’s Kuura textile fibre, currently under development, is one of these sustainable alternatives. In addition to having a strong connection to sustainably grown Finnish wood raw material from family-owned forests, Kuura benefits from its integration with an efficient bioproduct mill and offers a particularly small environmental footprint.

“We ended up making changes to our original project plan. We mainly need to make changes to the process chemistry, which also calls for equipment improvements. I believe the changes will give a considerable boost to our development work,” says Niklas von Weymarn, CEO of Metsä Spring.

The goal of Metsä Spring’s Kuura project is to develop a competitive concept that will enable Metsä Group to consider the commercial production of the textile fibre. This would also require the construction of the first commercial mill. The prerequisites for this will be assessed in 2024. The idea is to construct the first commercial mill in Finland. The planning of the mill’s technical concept has already been started.

In addition to developing the production method of the Kuura textile fibre, we are also collecting customer feedback. This customer collaboration is done by Itochu. The Japanese general trading and investment company Itochu is one of the world’s leading players in the textile sector, with around 100 offices in more than 60 countries.

Valmet will supply a new container board machine with extensive packages of automation, services, and industrial internet applications to DS Smith Paper Italia S.r.l at their Porcari (Lucca) site in Italy. The start-up of the machine is scheduled for middle of 2025.

The order was included in Valmet's orders received of the fourth quarter 2022. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

“We are pleased to be working with Valmet to install a new machine at our Porcari plant. Not only will the machine help us meet the demand for sustainable packaging innovation in Italy, but it will also help us to increase the plant’s environmental performance by reducing CO₂ emissions and specific water use per ton of paper produced,” says Niels Flierman, Head of Paper & Recycling at DS Smith.

"Driven by increased demand in sustainable packaging solutions, the container board market is growing fast. Valmet as a market leader in innovative board making technologies has developed a number of sustainable solutions to meet the market needs. Our unique offering together with the production potential of the container board machine were the decisive factors for DS Smith,” says Kari Räisänen, Sales Director, Board and Paper Mills, Paper business line, Valmet.

Technical information about the delivery

Valmet's delivery will include a recycled linerboard making line from broke collection to a reel and winder as well as board machine process ventilation systems. The wide automation package includes Valmet DNA automation system for process and machine controls, runnability and condition monitoring and Valmet IQ quality management system.  

A comprehensive Valmet Industrial Internet package including Valmet Performance Center services, advanced monitoring and predictive applications as well as training simulators will be delivered, too. The delivery will also include Valmet Paper Machine Clothing, spare parts and consumables packages.

The 8,600 mm wide (wire) BM 3 will produce recycled liner grades with a basis weight range of 70–135 g/m² at production speed of 1,500 m/min and mechanical design speed of 1,700m/min. The annual capacity is approximately 450,000 tonnes.

Information about the customer DS Smith

DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable fiber-based packaging worldwide, which is supported by recycling and papermaking operations. It plays a central role in the value chain across sectors including e-commerce, fast moving consumer goods and industrials. Headquartered in London and a member of the FTSE 100, DS Smith operates in 34 countries employing around 30,000 people and is a Strategic Partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. North American operations are based in Atlanta, with 15 manufacturing, paper and recycling facilities, totaling more than 2,000 employees. 

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our 17,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. Valmet’s net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion.

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.   

Follow us on valmet.com

More than 200 cleaning industry leaders gathered for a black-tie Awards dinner on London’s iconic Cutty Sark on 15th March, as the winners of the Sustainability Awards were revealed. The event was the first in a new Awards programme launched by Metsä Tissue in the UK, in partnership with the Cleaning & Support Services Association, which aims to promote sustainability and reward its champions.

Awards attendees enjoyed exclusive access to the Cutty Sark, which boasts three decks: the Dry Hold, ‘Tween Deck’ and Main Deck, before arriving in the sustainably dressed beautiful copper-clad hull for a delicious, and again sustainably prepared meal before moving into the ceremony.

The Event was opened by Esa Kaikkonen, CEO of Metsa Tissue Ltd, who welcomed everyone, expressed appreciation for the entrants and then explained how the Judges said it was almost impossible to separate the winners from their shortlisted competitors, the margins between them were so fine.

Next came Mika Paljakka, Metsä Tissue's senior vice president for Metsä Tissue, UK & Ireland, who continued the excellence theme. “In the case of the Individual Award, there was nothing that could separate two of the contenders so we took the decision to make them both Joint Winners,” he explained.  “However, it was not just the shortlisted companies that split the judges; each of the 64 entries received, from 43 different companies, had its own merits and the thought and hard work that had gone into each of the projects was hugely impressive. He said “The judges believed that they were all winners.”

"Our aim in launching these Awards was to highlight and reward sustainability practices throughout our industry, not only to create a positive impact on the environment, but to raise awareness of the professionalism of our industry, amongst those outside of it. I would encourage all the winners – and indeed all those who made it onto the shortlist – to make ample use of their ‘Winner’ logo or ‘Finalist’ logo on websites, stationery etc. and share their good news with their local press and all the social media channels available to them. As an industry we are achieving great things and we should take advantage of the opportunity these Awards have brought to ‘sing our own praises’, as it were.

Another winner during the evening was children’s charity UNICEF. Guests were invited to make donations to the charity throughout the evening. “Part of our strategy is to support local charities or children’s/youth charities,” Mika explained. “We chose to raise funds for UNICEF this evening as the organisation - which provides crucial humanitarian and developmental aid to children in more than 192 countries - is particularly stretched at the moment, as it strives to help the thousands of children displaced and/or orphaned by the recent earthquakes. They obviously need as much help as possible, and we are delighted that our guests were so generous with their donations.”

In keeping with the theme of the Awards, guest speaker Charlie Luxton, the architectural designer and TV presenter who puts sustainability at the heart of his work. Charlie shared his thoughts on our need to always consider sustainability and our environment when undertaking any development or refurbishment project.

Mika says “to complete our sustainable approach, Planet Mark, a leading sustainability certification, is ensuring that Metsä Tissue’s UK Sustainability Awards 2023 are carbon neutral in accordance with internationally recognised specification for carbon neutrality published by BSI (PAS2060). In addition to verifying the Award’s carbon neutrality status, we were pleased to welcome Planet Mark’s founder and CEO Steve Malkin on our judging panel.”

And the winners were…

Carbon Reducer Award
(presented by John Doyle, Managing Director of Mayflower Washroom Solutions)

The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The Judges commended this project for its “very comprehensive and ambitious” approach, which provided some notable examples of practical changes that are having a positive impact. They said the project achieved “remarkable results” in less than two years regarding measurable carbon reduction. They were also impressed by the leadership’s commitment and the cultural change achieved.

Finalists:

• Evans Vanodine
• Mitie

Social Value Impact Award
(presented by Anna Edwards, Head of Sustainability, Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies):

Mitie & UCLH. The Judges felt that the joint collaborative project of the two organisations involved was a definite advantage. Extraordinary social outreach and contribution. Diverse actions focusing on social impact.

Finalists:

• Nuserve
• Greenzone Cleaning & Support Services

Renewable Energy Performer Award
(presented by Paul Ashton, CSSA Chairman and CEO Birkin Cleaning Group):

Lyreco UK & Ireland. “This company is serious about energy transition!” said the Judges, who also felt that this project provided an “excellent example” of a comprehensive renewable strategy, thanks to a well-planned operation with a wide range of activities.

Finalists:

• The Hillbrush Company
• Wightman & Parrish

Best Sustainability Marketing & Communication Initiative
(presented by Denise Nee, Marketing Manager, Metsä Tissue):

Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Solutions. The judges felt that this initiative was an “excellent example of how a company can extend its responsibility to the whole value chain.” In this particular case, Bunzl had adopted a system whereby a visual indicator is attached to products it supplies, to help customers take sustainability into account when decision making. “It has a genuine impact on driving sustainability award decision-making – it is a massive step forward,” they said.

Finalists:

• DOC Cleaning
• Rubbermaid Commercial Products

Team Sustainability Excellence Award

Mitie & UCLH (presented by Matt Burtinshaw, Managing Director, Lime Supply):

This was a team-wide initiative across stakeholder groups. “It was an excellent example of collaborative target setting that brought remarkable actions and results,” commented the Judges.

Finalists:

• BioVate Hygienics
  Greenzest team

Individual Sustainability Award

For this Award, the Judges were unable to separate the two finalists so felt that the only way forward was to proclaim them Joint Winners. Gary Henstock, Director, Pearroc, presented Citron Hygiene/Aunt Flow Period Products with its Award and Ross Osborne, Managing Director, Maintenance Supply Company, presented Principle Cleaning Services with its Award.

Regarding Citron, the judges said: Great motivation and fantastic to see next generation involvement. Outstanding role as CEO of purpose-led organisation delivering impactful products and services to market. Impressive project with universality, inclusiveness, and co-operation.

And regarding Principle Cleaning Services, they said Positive influencer for the industry, a wonderful example of a passionate, well-informed and engaging employee who goes above and beyond in her role to drive sustainability in the business and far beyond.

Finalist:

Greenzone Cleaning & Support Services

Due to high level of interest in this year's Awards, the next Awards Ceremony is already provisionally booked for 19th March 2025 - like this year, the middle day of The Cleaning Show in London. It is currently just a provisional date because The Cleaning Show itself has only provisionally booked the 18th - 20th March slot with exhibition centre ExCel.

Mika says "This competition has shown us that the cleaning & hygiene industry is striving to embrace sustainability in its practices. We have been incredibly impressed by the projects and initiatives highlighted by the entrants, and we feel strongly that this momentum should be maintained. This is why we have already begun preparations for this next event.”

The location for the next event will likely be OceanDiva - the first carbon neutral venue on the river Thames in the heart of the City and which can accommodate many more attendees. If you would like to find out more about the Awards or register your interest for attending the next Awards Ceremony in 2025, please do so by visiting:

www.2023sustainabilityawards.com

Metsä Tissue
https://www.metsagroup.com/metsatissue/

Metsä Tissue creates a cleaner everyday life. We are one of the leading tissue paper suppliers in Europe to households and professionals and one of the leading greaseproof paper suppliers globally.

Our brands are Lambi, Serla, Mola, Tento, Katrin and SAGA. With production units in five countries, we employ around 2,450 people. In 2022, our sales totalled EUR 1.2 billion. Metsä Tissue is part of Metsä Group.

The energy and chemicals business plays a key role in Södra’s strategy and is an area that will grow and further contribute to a fossil-free future. As a result, the Södra Bioproducts product area is now being formed to further strengthen the customer offering through a more coherent business structure and sales.

Södra’s future product portfolio consists of five main businesses – sawn timber, pulp, building systems, carbon, and energy and chemicals. The energy and chemicals business will continue to grow and provide additional support for Södra, where the whole tree is processed for tomorrow’s green economy. To develop and optimise the existing business, the Södra Bioproducts product area is now being formed to gather the customer offering in energy and chemicals. Johannes Bogren, currently Vice President of Södra Cell Bioproducts, will become new Vice President Marketing & Sales, Södra Bioproducts.

“By taking an overall approach to our entire energy and chemicals business, we will to be able to offer our customers a broader portfolio of products, better service and a developed customer offering. We also want to play a clear role in the transition to a fossil-free future, and there is a major need for green products. This will make Södra an even more attractive partner,” said Johannes Bogren.    

Södra Bioproducts will be responsible for developing and optimising the existing business, which includes electricity, district heating, dissolving pulp, solid fuel products and liquid products such as biomethanol, tall oil, and turpentine. The responsibility for production will remain with Södra’s various business areas.

Key area for strategic development

Energy and chemicals currently account for 7 percent of income and is an area in which Södra will continue to grow. By developing the energy and chemicals business, we are strengthening the profitability of forest estates in both the short and long term. It is also a way to step up measures to address climate change, for both us and our customers.

“Through better coordination, data-driven decision making and a leading customer offering for our existing products, we will be able make considerable progress. We are also planning to develop new business over time, such as lignin and investments for large-scale biorefinery operations. This is an important part of our strategy and our mission,” said Malin Nordin, Director of Strategy.

The new Södra Bioproducts product area will be formed on 13 March. 

Products included in Södra Bioproducts

Dissolving pulp, tall oil, turpentine, biomethanol, electricity, district heating, pellets, briquettes, cutter shavings, bark, sawdust, dry chips, forest residue chips and fuel wood.

For more information, please contact

Johannes Bogren

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.