14 Aug. 2024: International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order to supply a dry fibreboard recycling line to Sonae Arauco’s mill in Mangualde, Portugal. The line will recycle end-of-life fibreboards back into valuable fibers as new raw material for fiberboard production. It will be the first industrial-scale fiberboard recycling line in the world.
Paulo Pinto De Sousa, Director at Sonae Arauco, says: “Recycling fibreboards is an important step towards a circular economy. It reduces the consumption of natural resources and energy. We know ANDRITZ as a strong supplier of solutions for the fibreboard industry and are convinced that they are the right partner for our innovative fiberboard recycling project.”
The dry fibreboard recycling line is based on continuous steam treatment with a special discharging system using the ANDRITZ Steam-Ex discharger, which minimizes steam consumption and maintenance requirements. This allows continuous processing of fiberboard material with very low steam consumption and high runnability.
Michael Frint, Technology Director at ANDRITZ, adds: “By combining our proven pressurized refining systems with ANDRITZ Steam-Ex, our pretreatment process based on steam explosion, we have developed an efficient solution for fibreboard recycling. We are proud that Sonae Arauco placed their trust in us to build world’s first industrial-scale fibreboard recycling line.”
Start-up of the fibreboard recycling line is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.
Sonae Arauco is one of the world’s largest producers of wood-based panels. This order confirms ANDRITZ’s market position as the leading supplier of machines and systems for the fibreboard industry, and its expertise in high-quality and resource-saving components.
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and corporate culture.