Essity is investing in enhanced efficiency in the company´s site in Kawerau, New Zealand, including the world’s first tissue machine running a fully geothermal steam drying process.

Together with a reduction in pulp consumption, reduced waste and elimination of the burning of natural gas on the machine, the improvements will contribute to a reduction of carbon emissions by 23 percent from the Kawerau site.

The Kawerau site has served New Zealand’s businesses through its Tork products and New Zealand households with brands such as Purex, Sorbent and Handee for more than 65 years. Essity has 326 employees in New Zealand, including more than 200 in Kawerau.

The investment of approximately AU$15 million is partly funded through the Government Investment in Decarbonizing Industry (GIDI) Fund, administered by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) in New Zealand.

The production of tissue from geothermal steam is part of Essity’s work to use less energy and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Magnus Groth, president and CEO, Essity, said the company is setting new industry standards when it comes to sustainable tissue production.

“Investing in the world’s first tissue machine running a fully geothermal steam process is groundbreaking. By reducing our carbon emissions, we can offer our customers and consumers more climate friendly products.”

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