Paper production in Laakirchen and Steyrermühl is undergoing radical changes. The two sites – in future both part of the HEINZEL GROUP – are to grow together into a center for sustainable packaging papers, renewable energy and wood processing. Several key projects are planned and the projects are being presented at a press conference of Laakirchen Papier AG on Wednesday, December 6th: from the conversion of the paper machines to the production of sustainable packaging papers to the conversion of the energy supply to renewable energy sources through the use of existing recyclable and residual materials to the expansion of district heating. The HEINZEL GROUP is pursuing ambitious climate targets, focusing even more on the circular economy and planning to significantly reduce its consumption of fossil natural gas.
A lot of thermal energy is required to dry paper during production. A reliable energy supply and independence from foreign countries play an important role, particularly in the paper industry. In addition, society as a whole has a duty to use more environmentally friendly energy sources instead of fossil fuels. “And that is precisely our major goal. Climate protection and the circular economy are central elements of our sustainability management throughout the HEINZEL GROUP. We intend to reduce our fossil CO2 emissions by over 40 percent by 2030,” informs Sebastian Heinzel, CEO of the HEINZEL GROUP, and adds: “We also have big plans for the Laakirchen and Steyrermühl sites – the latter will also become part of the HEINZEL GROUP effective from January 1, 2024: Together they are to become a center for sustainable packaging papers, renewable energy and wood processing. We are taking responsibility for nature and the environment. We want to be part of the solution and lead the way – away from energy from fossil natural gas and towards biogenic materials and the use of existing recyclable and residual materials that have reached the end of their cascading use.” In order to achieve national and international climate targets, renewable and sustainable sources will have to replace fossil fuels such as oil and gas even more in the future.
more at: https://www.heinzel.com/en/about-us/news/the-future-of-energy-and-paper-laakirchen-steyrermuehl/