In order to be able to switch the heating process from the LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) currently used to burn bio-syngas instead, the burners at PM3 and PM4 in the Kisa mill will be replaced and the combustion chamber in the hood of PM3 will be upgraded by ANDRITZ Novimpianti. This will ensure a uniform flow of gas and thus enable effective and consistent tissue drying. Once the upgrade has been completed, PM3 will use 100 percent bio-syngas for paper drying, while the PM4 burner will be partially fueled by bio-syngas.

This investment is part of Sofidel's goal to reduce CO₂ emissions by 8,500 tons annually. The bio-syngas used for the heating process will be generated in a thermochemical conversion plant on the Kisa site, using locally-sourced woodchips as biofuel.

ANDRITZ Novimpianti's role at Kisa is based on its many years of experience with air and energy systems for tissue, paper and board. ANDRITZ Novimpianti Managing Director Luca Linari says: "This is the first time that bio-syngas will be used to dry paper and represents a significant step towards the entire paper industry becoming more sustainable. And ANDRITZ is very proud to support Sofidel in its initiative to reduce CO₂ emissions."

Sofidel Chief Technical Officer Davide Mainardi says: "The adoption of bio-syngas at Kisa is a major feature on our sustainability roadmap. This initiative with ANDRITZ Novimpianti, Meva Energy and the University of Pisa brings concrete benefits that will yield results within a relatively short time frame. It will also help give us confidence that our interim goal of a 40 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030 compared with the base year 2018 is achievable with technology already available."