South African forestry companies show progress

Jane Molony, vice president of ICFPA and executive director of PAMSA (Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa) commented that the South African forest products industry plays a very important part in mitigating climate change in South Africa, “Our planted forests store some 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year*.

The South African pulp and paper sector further avoids 1,3 million tonnes of fossil fuels and associated emissions annually through the use of renewable energy in the papermaking process.

Molony adds, “Our two larger member companies have done incredibly well in reducing their emissions and ramping up renewable energy efforts.” Mondi, globally and in SA, has reduced its specific CO₂ emissions by 33% over the last 12 years, while globally Mondi pulp and paper mills were electricity self-sufficient in 2015. Fifty nine percent of the fuel consumption of Mondi mills now comes from renewable energy sources (mainly from biomass from pulp production processes).

Sappi SA achieved 31.9% reduction in specific purchased fossil energy in 2015 (with 2000 as a base year) while its energy self-sufficiency level currently stands at 42.3%, closely reflecting its high use of renewable energy of 42.8%.”  Sappi SA’s level of fossil energy intensity decreased by 32% since 2000, while Sappi’s Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) emissions have declined by 25% and 30% respectively over the last five years.

At a global level in 2015, Sappi’s generation of renewable energy (derived from black liquor, sludge and biomass) stood at 52.4% – an increase of 6.1% over five years.

Paris agreement is crucial to implementing some of the policies that consider biomass as carbon neutral

“The global forest products industry has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint, stocking carbon, and generating greenhouse gas removals – all helping to mitigate climate change,” said ICFPA President and Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá) President Elizabeth de Carvalhaes. “This agreement is crucial to implementing some of the policies that consider biomass as carbon neutral when harvested from sustainably managed forests and to further recognize all positive contributions that forests and forest products provide in combating climate change.”

The inherently-renewable global forest products industry remains committed to mitigating climate change for the benefit of the green economy and society at large. ICFPA members have achieved an impressive 5% reduction in their greenhouse gas emissions intensity since 2010/2011 and 17% since the 2004-2005 baseline year (2015 ICFPA Sustainability Progress Report).

The forest industry’s significant role in mitigating climate change was highlighted in the ICFPA-commissioned report Analysis of Forest Contributions to the INDCs (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions) by acclaimed researcher Paulo Canaveira. Having looked at the contributions of forests in the national targets of ICFPA member countries (INDCs) and global mitigation effort from 2020 onwards, the report concludes that many countries identify forests and the land-use sector as relevant to policies and measures implemented to meet their targets. Reducing emissions from deforestation, but also sustainable forest management, afforestation and reforestation are commonly mentioned as key mitigation practices. In some developing countries, they even constitute the country’s main contributions.

Other climate change mitigation efforts of the global forest products industry include supporting national and regional climate policies and programs; investing in technologies with low carbon footprints and ones that improve carbon sequestration; and developing bio-based technologies to find innovative ways to use wood fibre and substitutes for goods traditionally made from fossil fuels.

Trees – in all forms – are essential to life on our planet. They absorb excess carbon dioxide and pollutant gases, and provide clean air, water and climate regulation. As a renewable resource and a livelihood for many communities, forests are an important part of the solution to meeting global needs for foods, fuel, fibre, medicine and other essential products to daily life.

*Based on an average absorption rate of 27 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year using the Forest Industries Carbon Assessment Tool (FICAT).

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Collectively Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) and the Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (RecyclePaperZA) represent 10 pulp, paper and tissue manufacturers, some of which have forestry interests or are involved with the recovery, processing and converting of recovered paper fibre.

• The South African pulp and paper manufacturing sector is a robust, well regulated and highly developed industry, and two of its members rank among the top 20 pulp producers in the world.
• Over 80% of South African plantations comply with the Forest Stewardship Council’s stringent environmental management standards and South Africa has the distinction of having been awarded the highest level of international certification in the world.
• It is estimated that 260,000 trees are planted daily. South Africa’s indigenous forests are protected and, as such, play no role in the local paper manufacturing industry.
• Annually, 9% of a total area of 762,000 hectares is harvested for pulp and paper manufacturing purposes. All harvested trees are replaced with saplings within the same year. To augment the sector’s virgin fibre supply, the recovery and recycling of paper is also well developed.
• More information on the South African pulp and paper industry is available at www.thepaperstory.co.za

The ICFPA represents more than 30 national and regional forest and paper associations around the world. Together, ICFPA members represent over 90 percent of global paper production and more than half of global wood production. For more information about the global forest and paper industry, visit icfpa.org.

The post South African and global forests products industry welcomes UN climate change agreement signing first appeared on The Paper Story (PAMSA).

The video is part of Sappi’s “The Thing About” series narrated by environmental journalist Johan Botha, that shares information about the company’s commitment to People, Planet and Prosperity through conservation and biodiversity management, community initiatives and partnership programmes as well as land and forest stewardship projects.

Dr Dave Everard, Sappi Environmental Manager explains how the company strives for a balance of these “3Ps” to manage the business in such a way that it is financially viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible. Dr Everard says he believes that, “timber, or vegetation biomass is one of the saviours to future sustainable issues of the planet,” and “creating more markets to use timber is a good thing as long as the timber is produced in a responsible way.” As Sappi grows, it continues to find innovative ways to improve yield, and minimise and reuse waste without negatively impacting the people and natural environment through plantation farming.

Sappi’s Ngodwana Energy Biomass Project was recently named a preferred bidder in the South African Department of Energy’s 4th window Renewable Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme. Through this project, Sappi will use locally-supplied biomass to produce energy for the national grid.

For more information on Sappi’s sustainability initiatives, please see the company’s Group Sustainability Report.

Stay tuned to Sappi’s YouTube channel. We’ll let you know about future videos in this series released in the next few months.

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Open to post-graduate chemical engineering students, the programme facilitates a study bursary through PAMSA’s partner tertiary institutions namely the universities of Stellenbosch, Witwatersrand, Pretoria and KwaZulu-Natal.

Successful candidates will gain advanced skills during their post-graduate training in fields such as wood science, chemical analysis, separation techniques, water and material and energy balances. Not only will they have access to an industrial mentor during their studies, but they will be placed in an engineer-in-training programme at one of PAMSA’s member companies.

Research into the renewability of paper

“In 2013 and 2014, we had nine students working across the country focusing on the paper recycling process, water use, green and renewable energy technologies and innovative practices that not only reduce the industry’s environmental impact but also seek to make optimal use of tree biomass,” says Mike Nash, head of PAMSA’s Process Research Unit.

PAMSA has also been able to assign eight MSc students over the past four years to the pyrolysis reactor project supervised by Professor Mike Heydenrych of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria (UP). The process involves the heating of biomass such as maize cobs and stalks as well as bark, sawdust and woodchips from timber plantations.

Pyrolysis produces approximately 60% oil from dry biomass, 20% char and 20% non-condensable gas. The non-condensable gas and some of the char can be burnt to drive the pyrolysis process while the char can also be used to improve soil condition.

“The pyrolysis process gives the highest yield of oil when the biomass is heated as fast as possible. Using fluidised bed technology, it is possible to heat sawdust particles to 500°C in less than a second,” explains Professor Mike Heydenrych of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria. He has developed a novel fluidised bed pyrolysis apparatus and patents have been filed in six countries around the world, including Europe.

Empowering engineers for the future

“Not only will the pyrolysis process have commercial value in time, it has up-skilled students in that they have been able to design, build and operate a laboratory scale pilot plant,” explain Nash.

Nash says that the project has tested their problem solving abilities and forged their understanding of complex analytical procedures.

Sappi bursar and UP Lucja Michalina Wanicka’s MSc thesis and practical work on the pyrolysis reactor has also taught her that it takes courage, motivation and support to achieve one’s goals.

Another student Verlin Govender who is studying as a PAMSA bursar through the University of the Witwatersrand says, “My work involved the water footprinting analysis for South African pulp and paper mills. Not only had the PAMSA bursary programme opened the door to an exciting career but I have been able to give back to the industry through my research.”

Application criteria

Post-graduate chemical engineering students who meet the following requirements are welcome to apply:

• BScEng (chemical engineering) candidates interested in enrolling for MScEng studies in fields that satisfy the aims of the pulp, paper and packaging industry.
• A good academic record with a minimum 60% average in the final year of study.
• Applicants must have completed their studies in five years or less.
• Candidates should indicate their areas of interest e.g. water reduction, nano products, energy efficiency, renewable energy and biopolymers.
• South African citizenship is an advantage.

Closing date: 30 September 2014

Applications – which should include a full CV and a motivation letter – can be directed to: Patti Webster | patti.webster@pamsa.co.za | Tel: +27 (0) 11 803 5063 | Fax: +27 (0) 11 803 6708

ABOUT PRU

PAMSA’s Process Research Unit was formed to expand a regional research initiative and promote the sustainability of the local pulp, paper and packaging industry.

Apart from its bursary programme, the unit coordinates research for the development of processes to efficiently utilise biomass feedstock (trees) for conversion to bio-products (paper and chemicals) and energy with minimal environmental impact. It also seeks to develop academic/research centres of excellence, both locally and abroad and engages in collaborative partnerships with industry and government agencies.

The post PAMSA MSc Study Programme Calls for Applications first appeared on The Paper Story (PAMSA).

In 2006, an initiative passed which required electric utilities to use renewable resources from facilities in operation after 1999. The initiative language also excluded certain renewable resources,such as spent pulping liquors. If we are going to move toward energy independence in the future, we must use common sense in counting renewable energy produced from organic material in facilities that are capable of producing it. This legislation helps preserve the economic viability of the pulp & paper industry in Southwestern Washington.

Mark Doumit said: “We need to do everything we can to use our renewable natural resources efficiently, and not pick winners and losers along the way. If we want healthy working forests we must ensure that our rural resource lands remain economically profitable.”Doumit is the Executive Director of the Washington Forest Protection Association, representing nearly 4 million acres of private forest landowners.

“We commend Governor Chris Gregoire, Senator Hatfield, and the Washington State legislature for recognizing the value that biomass has as part of the renewable energy portfolio,” said American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman.”Our industry is a leader in the use of renewable biomass fuel as part of our manufacturing processes which helps reduce greenhouse gases. We are pleased that our facilities will now be recognized as a contributor to renewable energy use in Washington.”

About the Washington Forest Protection Association. Founded in 1908, WFPA members are large and small private forest landowners that grow and harvest trees on nearly 4 million acres in Washington State. Forestry provides nearly 120,000 family wage jobs in the state. www.wfpa.org

About the American Forest & Paper Association. AF&PA is a Washington D.C.-based national trade association that represents the public policy interests of the nearly 900,000 U.S. forest products industry workers. www.afandpa.org

SOURCE: Washington Forest Protection Association

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Abstract

Type “paper versus plastic” into Google and you’ll find 14,000,000 hits, many of which seem to tell you that plastic is “superior” to paper in terms of environmental performance. Immediately one asks: “How can it be? The plastics industry is an industry that relies on non-renewable resources!”

In most of the reported studies, little is detailed regarding the boundaries chosen or exactly what data pertaining to paper have been included for comparison. “Paper” is compared in generic terms without reference to the grade, function or even the process producing that paper. Environmental impact, and notably carbon impact, depends on the specific process producing the paper. Given these considerations, the question must be asked whether the comparisons being drawn with plastic are meaningful? Yet, despite these uncertainties, the comparisons persist and continue to influence opinion.

A significant amount of information appears to exist with a pro-plastic slant with little on the positives of paper. In a time of declining markets, it is perhaps a critical time for the paper industry, particularly in South Africa, to start telling “The Paper Story”.  This paper examines the theoretical basis for the carbon side of “The Paper Story” and proposes the way in which the story might be told.

The post Selling the Paper Story – A Strategic Initiative for the Paper Industry first appeared on The Paper Story (PAMSA).

From the use of fluting and board for packaging food, tissue and cellulose in hygiene products, to the various types of paper used for schoolbooks, street-side posters, movie tickets and the latest edition of Manufacturing SA, paper is very much a part of our everyday lives.

Pulp, paper and the economy

According to the Department of Trade and Industry’s Industrial Policy Action Plan of February 2011, the forestry, timber, paper and pulp business has the potential to contribute greatly to rural and economic development by contributing to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and creating job and income generation opportunities in poor rural communities. These industries accounted for 170,000 jobs in 2008 and forestry’s contribution to the GDP was 1,1% in 2009. Product exports came to R12,5 billion while imports totalled R9,6 billion.

During 2009, the manufacturing value-add was R23 billion, equating to 1,4% of the GDP, with the manufacturing employment figure reported as 207,967 people. The sector’s contribution to the country’s balance of trade was R3,1 billion.

According to the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), the industry has been making a steady recovery since the 2008 recession which resulted in a decline in pulp and paper demand, driven mostly by packaging and tissue grades.

Imports for paper and packaging grades (except for tissue products) continue to rise strongly, showing a 28% increase since 2006, outstripping domestic production which has declined by about 4%. This is partly due to the relatively strong rand in recent years. The lack of trade tariffs also make South Africa an easy target for dumping which, even when not in great quantities, disrupts local markets with the introduction of unsustainable pricing points.

Improving efficiency, investing in local capability and reducing environmental impact

Industry players – with a combined asset value in excess of R21 billion –  continue to invest in research and development, operational improvements and process optimisation, not only to meet the needs of their customers but to ensure the sector remains sustainable and reduces its environmental footprint.

A recent example is the planned upgrade and modernisation of Sappi’s Ngodwana mill which will generate an additional 210,000 tons per annum of chemical cellulose boosting Sappi’s total output to over a million tons per year. The improvements promise greater energy and chemical efficiency as well as a reduction in effluent and odour levels.

As part of its five-year expansion strategy, Kimberly-Clark South Africa (K-CSA) launched a new diaper machine worth more than R120 million at its Epping mill in Cape Town with a view to growing its production capability by 400 million units per year. The leading technology applied to this asset enables 99% filtration efficiency, environmentally-friendly air generation and a reduction in energy usage.

This is K-CSA’s second major investment in two years and follows the launch of its premium tissue converting line at its Enstra mill in Springs. The new machine has created jobs for 65 people.

Significant investment has been made into speciality coating for paper packaging grades over the years, especially by Mpact Limited (formerly Mondi Packaging South Africa). Mpact Limited developed a strong research and development focus in partnership with Stellenbosch University where polymer research was undertaken to enhance products for niche markets. The development of recyclable coating was one of the successes of the partnership.

Energy

The sector is continually devising innovative ways to lower its draw from the national grid. Some 42% of the power used in the paper industry is generated in-house and around 40% comes from renewable fuels. In addition, the paper manufacturing industry has invested significant resources and skills into combined heat and power generation technologies and the reduction of CO₂ emissions.  With the hosting of COP17 in Durban in December 2011, it remains focussed on addressing its impact on the environment and its commitment to sustainable development.

An independent study published by the Confederation of European Paper Industries shows that ‘using wood as a resource for paper products first, and only using it as a source of energy at the end of the product life cycle, adds four times more value to the economy and retains six times as many jobs than simply burning wood for energy’. For this reason, the sector promotes fibre for paper before fibre for fuel.

A wealth in waste

Paper recycling is a strategic imperative for the industry.  Ursula Henneberry, operations director for the Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (RecyclePaperZA), notes that a major challenge is the recovery of paper from homes and businesses. The recovery rate of available paper* in South Africa is approximately 58% (*Not all paper can be recycled, for example, toilet tissue and wax paper). “We need to increase this to more than 61% by 2015,” she says.

With 65% of recovered paper used as raw material in paper mills, more than half of the country’s paper mills depend on recycled fibre and many of them use it as their only fibre source.

Paper can be recycled at least seven times and for every one metric ton of paper recycled, three  cubic metres of landfill is saved. Further to this, paper recovery and recycling reduces costs to local municipal authorities, decreases the need to import raw materials and frees up space at landfill sites.

Recycling also contributes to poverty alleviation with a vast network of informal collectors sourcing paper from domestic waste and refuse dumps and selling on to recycling centres. In partnership with the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), RecyclePaperZA has established entrepreneurship training courses aimed at assisting people to set up small recycling businesses. To date, 151 people have been trained in Johannesburg, Potchefstroom, Port Shepstone and Durban.

“The potential for further investment is massive but only if we can guarantee recovery rates,” says Henneberry. “We desperately need the support and commitment of local, provincial and national government.”

Pitting paper against digital communication

Contrary to popular belief, paper and print are renewable and recyclable and thus have a distinct advantage over electronic and digital mediums which use new and additional energy every time they are opened or read from a computer screen.

Sir Nicholas Stern, Head of the Government Economic Service in the United Kingdom (UK), released the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change in 2006. This tackled the effects of climate change and global warming on the world economy. His 700-page document is the perfect example of how paper and print have a better environmental footprint than electronic communications. (Source: Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, 2006)

Investment in the future of paper

While the country’s principal paper manufacturers focus on applied research within their own centres, they also fund fundamental and academic research at tertiary institutions.

The industry provides numerous opportunities for young people to follow a career in the fast-paced world of forestry, pulp, paper and packaging.

Through the Umfolozi and Ekurhuleni East Further Education and Training colleges, PAMSA offers a National Certificate (Vocational) qualification in process plant operations and pulp and papermaking technology from levels two to four. The NCV 4 qualification, equivalent to a matric, offers learners university exemption on completion.

The pulp and paper industry, in conjunction with the FP&M SETA, has developed qualifications and learnerships in a range of fields. At national level, degrees in forestry are offered by several universities. UNISA and the Durban University of Technology offer a National Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology.

The industry, through PAMSA, spends R1 million a year on precompetitive research. Its Process Research Unit facilitates bursaries for post-graduate BSc chemical engineering students to take their studies to a Masters level.

Busting the myths

In South Africa, and in many parts of the world, paper is produced from sustainably farmed trees – just as we plant corn for our cereals, wheat for our bread and tea for our morning ‘cuppa’. The majority of the 1.6 million hectares of trees are planted for specific use as pulp and paper, with some timber being reserved for mining support, poles and furniture. One-and-a-half saplings are planted to replace every tree harvested. Trees are thus a renewable resource and commercial plantations and natural forests absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

Interestingly, plantations only use 1% of the land in this country and only 3% of the water compared with other forms of agriculture which use 80% of the land and 62% of the water. Further downstream, pulp and paper manufacturers have initiated water re-recycling technology to reduce the industry’s water footprint.

It was the former chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission, Jonathan Porritt, who said, “There aren’t many industries around that can aspire to becoming genuinely sustainable. The pulp and paper industry, however, is one of them. At its best, this industry is inherently sustainable.’’

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