Toscotec and Essity successfully started up the world’s first tissue machine running solely on geothermal steam at their Kawerau site in New Zealand. With this groundbreaking project, Toscotec continues to demonstrate its leadership as technology supplier in enabling the energy transition of the tissue industry from fossil-based to renewable energy.

Targets achieved to deliver pioneering results

This pioneering project has fully achieved its targets, ahead of schedule. First and foremost, the rebuilt tissue machine (PM3) has registered a significant reduction of the carbon emission associated with its production, due to the replacement of natural gas burners with a completely geothermal drying system. Moreover, the upgrade delivered a production increase and improved the machine’s formation and product range capability.

The project

PM3 underwent a major rebuild supplied by Toscotec in collaboration with the client Essity. The supply included a complete TT SAF Short Approach Flow system, a new TT Headbox, modifications to the forming and press sections, as well as a new drying section. In the drying area, both the new TT SYD Steel Yankee Dryer and the steam-heated TT Hood use the geothermal steam tapped from the ground. The air system also features Toscotec’s TT Swing to switch seamlessly from a parallel to hybrid configuration (with heated air only in the wet-end hood) based on the production requirements. The full-on supply of the rebuild is completed by new doctor blades and the tail-threading system in the post-dryer section of the machine.  

Matthew Bain, Project Manager at Essity says” With strong collaboration between Essity and Toscotec we were able to successfully complete this complex rebuild project. We are very proud to be operating efficiently the first tissue machine in the world running solely on geothermal steam. Essity continues setting new industry standards in sustainable tissue production, so that we can offer our customers and consumers climate friendly products.”

Stefano Raffaelli, Project Manager at Toscotec, says, “Since this was a complex and pioneering project, this positive outcome is a great satisfaction for Toscotec. During the design, installation and commissioning, the cooperation with Essity’s team was excellent and we managed to achieve our common target ahead of schedule. Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency upgrades are definitely in our DNA, and we are pleased to see that they can really be a key factor for existing tissue lines.”

About Essity

Essity is a globally leading hygiene and health company. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. Its brands include TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa.

Contact

Riccardo Gennai

Sales Manager, Tissue division Toscotec

Email: Riccardo.Gennai@toscotec.com