NEW ZEALAND (From news reports) -- In a landmark move for industrial decarbonization, Essity and supplier Toscotec have completed the rebuild of a tissue machine at the Kawerau plant in New Zealand, enabling it to run entirely on geothermal steam. Essity is a global producer of paper/ tissue based health and hygiene products operating a plant at Kawerau. A tissue machine is a sophisticated piece of equipment that converts pulp into tissue paper. By following a series of intricate processes, including pulping, refining, sheet formation, drying, and finishing, the machine produces high-quality tissue products.

The project involved retrofitting the existing PM5 tissue machine with Toscotec's TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer and an upgraded drying section. The machine is now fully powered by steam from a nearby geothermal power plant, eliminating the use of natural gas for this part of the process.

This marks one of the first full conversions of a tissue machine to renewable geothermal steam. It represents a major step in Essity's sustainability strategy, supporting its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 compared to 2016 levels.

The Kawerau site, located in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty region, is situated near a major geothermal field. The use of geothermal steam provides reliable, zero-emission energy for the drying process--traditionally one of the most energy-intensive steps in tissue production.

Toscotec, a leading Italian supplier of tissue machinery, oversaw the engineering and installation work. The successful conversion demonstrates the potential for geothermal heat to decarbonize industrial operations beyond power generation.