The UPM Changshu paper mill in China and the UPM Nordland paper mill in Germany are at the forefront of developing new technologies which aim to reduce water use and cut emissions through an intensive research and development programme.
In Germany, UPM Nordland will improve its wastewater treatment by investing in water purification technology. To be able to reuse treated wastewater in the paper mill process, the mill has to remove organic material and dissolved salts.
“After the treatment, approximately 20% of water can be reused in the first phase, which means that the corresponding amount of fresh water, as well as wastewater sent to the river Ems, can be reduced,” says Klaus Reimann, General Manager of Nordland Papier.
In China, the UPM Changshu mill aims to decrease water consumption by 50% per paper tonne. In addition, their wastewater discharge is approaching zero emissions.
“We are currently piloting new solutions and technologies, together with partners, to recycle the water after it is released from the wastewater treatment plant. The treated wastewater will be further reused or combined in order to achieve zero discharge,” explains Corinne Le Ny-Heinonen, Manager, Environmental Support, UPM.
