Essity and Toscotec have started up the world’s first tissue machine running solely on geothermal steam at Essity’s Kawerau site in New Zealand.
With the project, Toscotec said it “continues to demonstrate its leadership as technology supplier” in enabling the energy transition of the tissue industry from fossil-based to renewable energy.
The project has fully achieved its targets, ahead of schedule.
Toscotec said the rebuilt on PM3 has “registered a significant reduction of the carbon emission associated with its production”, due to the replacement of natural gas burners with a completely geothermal drying system.
Moreover, the upgrade delivered a production increase and improved the machine’s formation and product range capability.
The supply included a complete TT SAF Short Approach Flow system, a new TT Headbox, modifications to the forming and press sections, as well as a new drying section.
In the drying area, both the new TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer and the steam-heated TT Hood use the geothermal steam tapped from the ground.
Matthew Bain, Project Manager at Essity, said: “We are very proud to be operating efficiently the first tissue machine in the world running solely on geothermal steam.
“Essity continues setting new industry standards in sustainable tissue production, so that we can offer our customers and consumers climate friendly products.”
