In line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, paper manufacturers worldwide are facing the urgent challenge of producing more sustainably. As a globally active technology company, Voith says that it is its responsibility to take a leading role in achieving these goals and to provide customers with the best possible support on their way to more sustainable and efficient paper production. The company is therefore launching the ‘Papermaking for Life‘ innovation and development offensive.
Andreas Endters, President & CEO, Voith Paper, confirms, “With innovative strength, comprehensive know-how and optimized technologies, we are significantly advancing sustainability in paper production. Our aim is to set current and future standards in the industry. Together with our customers, we can achieve the best possible results for sustainable and efficient paper production. That is why we have launched the ‘Papermaking for Life’ program.”
The supplier’s sustainability program sets ambitious targets for 2030: 100% CO2-neutral paper production, significantly improving customers’ carbon footprint with the help of energy-optimized products, digital solutions and efficient use of renewable energies. Voith Paper is also researching disruptive technologies for a completely new papermaking process that reduces fresh water consumption in production by 90%. In addition, by tapping into new recycled fibre streams, the recycling rate in paper production can be increased to 90%.
“With our solutions, we are laying the foundation for paper production of the future,” says Dr. Michael Weiß, CTO, Voith Paper. “All our research and development work has a strong focus on sustainability. That is why we will invest around €100m per year in new innovations. As a driving force in the industry, we are also active along the entire value chain, for example, in the initiative ‘model factory paper.’”
Energy savings of up to 30% are possible by 2030 through the optimization of existing products and digital solutions. Disruptive production technologies could lead to further energy savings of up to 50%. Combined with renewable energies, CO2 emissions in paper production can be reduced by 100%.
You can read Voith’s latest sustainability report here.
