Emissions down, profitability up as Smurfit Kappa installs new equipment in Kent

Smurfit Kappa announced on Thursday that it has begun operating a “sophisticated” combined heat and power plant (CHP) to reduce emissions and increase the profitability of its Townsend Hook Paper Mill in Kent.

The FTSE 100 packaging giant said the new CHP, which provided steam and electricity for the paper machine, would cut the mill’s carbon footprint by at least 15%.

Earlier in the year, the company reported reaching its fossil CO2 emission reduction target three years ahead of schedule.

The multi-million pound investment in the mill also increased the capabilities of the Townsend Hook paper machine to meet the growing demand in the UK and Ireland for lightweight containerboard, Smurfit said.

It said that was used to make corrugated packaging, which was “sought after” in a growing number of applications due to its renewable, recyclable and sustainable nature.

“We are delighted to have started operating the new CHP in Townsend Hook a month ahead of schedule,” said Smurfit Kappa Recycled Paper West chief executive officer Jelte Bouma.

“The increased capability and efficiencies will help us to deliver an even better service to customers.

“The environmental benefits associated with the new project are also in line with the wider strategic sustainability priorities of Smurfit Kappa.”

Smurfit Kappa said the Townsend Hook Paper Mill was one of a European network of its paper mills, which were connected by a single, optimised supply chain system.