British paper and packaging manufacturer DS Smith recently completed major modernization work at its Contoire-Hamel site in the Somme region of France. The aim of this €4.5 million investment was to optimize energy consumption and limit CO2 emissions at the plant, which produces paper for corrugated board (PPO).
A new hood has been installed in the dryer, along with an energy recovery tower equipped with three successive heat exchangers. This system reduces annual gas consumption by 20 % (i.e. 28 GWh per year, equivalent to the consumption of a cardboard mill). It also reduces CO2 emissions by 5,000 tonnes a year.
In the service of sustainability
The tower will also recover around 140 m3 of condensation water per day, helping to preserve water resources.
"This project is in line with our "Today and Tomorrow" sustainability strategy and our decarbonization objectives to achieve zero net emissions by 2050. It complements previous initiatives taken at the site, such as our cogeneration station and biogas boiler. This investment also contributes to the plant's long-term viability and the preservation of jobs.said Matthieu Chateau, General Manager of the site.
A major project
To complete the project, the plant had to suspend operations from October 7 to 23, 2024. Up to 150 people from various trades (carpenters, automation mechanics, electronics engineers, pipe fitters, insulators, boilermakers, etc.) worked on the site, which was open 20 hours a day.
Front photo: New hood installed in the dryer.
