MechChem Africa January-February 2025

⎪ Innovative engineering ⎪

they can.” “Currently we are using paper fibre about seven times after it was first produced but new lab research from Austria is now indicating that fibre can be recycled many more times – potentially 25 times – so this is an area where we will work with technology partners to see how we can extend the life of the fibre for longer,” she says. “In paper-based packaging we must keep finding innovative ways to reuse our resources.” Girzadiene highlights some of the Better Planet Packaging innovations the Smurfit Westrock team is “extremely proud of and excited about”: • Paper pallet wrap: a stretchable paper, which can replace plastic stretch film used to wrap pallets. • Paper net: a 100% paper net that pro vides a closure or window substitute for plastic netting. • PunNet: a paper-based punnet that incorporates a paper net to provide a completely mono-material punnet for fresh produce. The advantage for the consumer is that they can see the quality of produce they are purchasing. • Toplock: a sustainable, child-proof box for detergent pods and capsules, offering a replacement for plastic packaging for washing pods, capsules and so on. • TopClip: a packaging solution to replace shrink film around beverage cans that consumers buy as a multipack. This is a popular and affordable choice for small to medium breweries. To drive technological advancements and sustainability goals in pulp and paper, ABB opened a multi-million-dollar R&D centre in Dundalk, Ireland in 2023. The centre is taking advantage of modern technologies such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), collaborative robots and augmented/virtual reality(AR/VR) for training and field service delivery. The site will also include a new There is a growing trend among pulp and paper companies to invest in plant-based fibre alternatives to plastic. ABB, R&D and the papermaking evolution

McKinsey research shows that the paper and forest-products industry is growing, fuelled by population growth, economic development, e-commerce and emerging consumer preferences for sustainable products and environmental accountability.

To drive technological advancements and sustainability goals in pulp and paper, ABB opened a multi-million-dollar R&D centre in Dundalk, Ireland in 2023.

training hub that will provide skills develop ment support for ABB and customers alike, enabling more cross-industry partnerships and collaboration. ABB’s Stefano Cinquina says that for more than 70 years, ABB has supported the pulp and paper industry with solutions that drive operational excellence. By deploying advanced automation, digitalisation, and electrification solutions, ABB helps its cus tomers to enhance productivity, optimise energy use, and significantly reduce waste. From streamlined process control to predic tive maintenance and resource-efficient operations, ABB’s technologies enable pulp and paper companies to make measurable progress toward a more sustainable and productive future. “There are many other examples of col laboration within the pulp and paper sector with regard to innovation, including some of those provided in the sections on upstream and downstream progress,” he adds. “The fact that the industry is willing to work together to find more sustainable solutions is a salient point in itself, because the deadline for de carbonising the world is fast approaching, and no individual country or company can achieve their targets alone.” In the conclu

sion of this first white paper, we are assured that there has been real progress in sustain ability through innovation in the pulp and paper value chain. From upstream innova tion with fibres, to downstream innovations that offer viable alternatives to fossil-based, non-renewable products, there is much to celebrate and be optimistic about in terms of the industry’s prospects. The research illustrates that innovation is fundamental to achieving sustainability goals, and the industry will play an essential role in the world’s transition to a circular economy and net zero future. As long as the pulp and paper sector con tinues to collaborate – particularly where innovation is concerned – those sustainability goals will become reality. Every sector is facing regulatory, social and political pressure to address its environ mental impact in meaningful and lasting ways. To help forward-thinking businesses lead the way on this front, ABB’s Real Progress campaign prioritises embedding sustainable practices at every stage of a process. “This in cludes: lowering material use; reducing fossil fuel dependence; mitigating waste; and ex tending the life of assets,” Cinquina concludes. www.abb.com

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