Feldmuehle makes switch following gas shortages
The German-based paper mill has announced the move due to a number of factors
Shining a spotlight on the industry
Wednesday, 10 Aug 2022 10:49 GMT
Feldmuehle makes white coated label papers and packaging papers for the international market
As a supplier of wet strength label paper, Feldmuehle’s paper mill is just one of several important paper mills for the European print industry.
The company’s latest announcement coincides with a recent statement from Cepi, the European association for the paper industry, calling on governments to act on the current energy crisis.
Feldmuehle has said it will be switching steam generation in Q4/22 to an alternative fuel, light heating oil, to ensure the continued operation of Feldmuehle’s Uetersen site in light of the ‘worsening gas shortage’.
This switch has come at short notice and will impact the company’s Q4/22 financial period. The new energy investment has been made possible thanks to a sizeable shareholder contribution.
Due to the dependency of the EU and other nations on European paper mills, disrupted Russian gas supplies could affect food, pharmaceuticals, and hygiene products. Due to this Cepi has highlighted documents created by the European Commission to prepare for restrictive and damaging gas shortages.
We call on the national governments to swiftly implement measures
ensuring that our industry can keep delivering essential goods in times
of crisis.
”
Jori Ringman, director general of Cepi says: “We call on the national governments to swiftly implement measures ensuring that our industry can keep delivering essential goods in times of crisis.
“By prioritising the pulp and paper industry, member states can not only secure the wellbeing of EU citizens now, but also strengthen the role of green and more energy efficient industries in the future EU economy. The paper industry is a perfect example that this is not about a choice between protecting citizens and safeguarding industrial production.”
Cepi is recommending reducing low efficiency operations as Germany enters the second stage of its emergency gas plan in order to lower the country’s use of natural gas.
The plan by Feldmuehle will ultimately help with shortages and rising gas prices but also help to push the site to a CO2 neutral status. The company plans to pursue wind, solar, and geothermal energy more in the future.
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