DS Smith has announced a major upgrade programme to its kraft paper mill in Viana, Portugal.
A multi-year €145 million package of investments will bring new paper-making machinery to the facility and reduce the site’s carbon emissions.
The investment package will include the rebuild of the existing paper machine and a new recovery boiler, which is tipped to improve environmental performance by enhancing steam efficiency at the mill by 25%, with steam from the boiler being recycled back into the mill. The start-up of the new boiler, provided by Valmet, is expected to be in early 2025.
The project is one of a number across Europe and North America contributing to DS Smith’s target to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 46% on an absolute basis by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, and to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Niels Flierman, head of paper & recycling at DS Smith, said, “DS Smith is committed to leading the transition to a circular economy. Our paper making operations across Europe and North America are focused on providing the paper needed to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging.
“As one of our larger mills, Viana has a huge role to playing in this and the €145 million investment is testament to our commitment to remain at the forefront of the market, and to lead the way in the race to net zero in the paper industry.”
The new boiler will also support the rebuild of the mill’s paper machine, PM4, increasing speed and capacity. This, DS Smith explained, will ensure the Viana mill will continue to play a key role in meeting demand for plastic replacement solutions, with the rebuild allowing for the production of new papers to support customer requirements for more sustainable packaging solutions.
DS Smith has commissioned Voith and Valmet to rebuild the paper machine, with completion expected later this year.
