Machine Source

1.You have been in the pulp and paper industry for over two decades. How would you describe the evolution of sustainability efforts in this sector during that time?

Over the past 20 years, I’ve watched sustainability move from being a bit of a side topic to sitting right at the heart of the pulp and paper industry. In the early days, it was mostly about ticking boxes, cutting energy use, reducing waste, and meeting regulations. Important work, of course, but quite limited in scope.

Now, the thinking is so much broader. We’re looking at alternative fibres like bagasse, closed-loop water systems, renewable energy, and the whole picture. And what I find really fascinating is how materials that were once seen as waste are now sometimes more valuable than the original product. Take bagasse: once it was little more than a leftover from sugar production, but today it’s a genuine resource for sustainable paper making, turning a by-product into an opportunity for innovation and growth.

2. Alternative fibers are becoming a hot topic in sustainable paper production. How do you see materials like bagasse, wheat straw, and bamboo shaping the future of fiber sourcing?

Alternative fibres are opening up some really exciting opportunities for the industry. For years, wood was the go-to raw material, but as sustainability goals have grown stronger, there is a need to think differently about fibre sourcing.

Bagasse, wheat straw, and bamboo are now being used for far more than just traditional paper products. We’re seeing toilet rolls made from bagasse, disposable tableware produced from wheat straw, and even sustainable packaging solutions created from bamboo. These materials are helping manufacturers reduce their environmental impact while meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly products.

What I find exciting is how these fibres are not only helping the industry hit sustainability targets but are also opening doors to entirely new product categories. It’s a real shift in thinking, turning what were once agricultural leftovers into everyday items people use at home, at work, and on the go.

3. In terms of scalability, what are the biggest challenges to integrating alternative fibers into mainstream pulp and paper manufacturing?

Scalability is probably the biggest hurdle when it comes to alternative fibres. It’s one thing to produce a small run of toilet rolls or packaging from bagasse or wheat straw — it’s quite another to integrate these materials into large-scale, everyday production.

One challenge is the supply chain itself. Wood has an established infrastructure behind it, but with alternative fibres, sourcing, transport, and storage often need new systems in place. Then there’s the processing technology; many mills are designed for wood pulp, so adapting equipment to handle different fibre characteristics can require significant investment.

Quality and consistency are also key. Manufacturers need to be sure that every batch of alternative fibre meets the same standards so the end product performs reliably. And, of course, the economics have to stack up. If alternative fibres are going to compete with wood on a large scale, the costs need to make sense for both producers and consumers.

That said, we’re already seeing big strides forward, and as demand grows, I think these challenges will become opportunities for innovation.

4. Energy efficiency is a recurring theme in pulp and paper operations. Could you share some practical examples of how mills can reduce energy use without compromising output quality?

Energy efficiency is such a big focus now, and what’s great is that mills don’t have to sacrifice output or quality to make real improvements.

One practical step is heat recovery, capturing and reusing heat from processes like drying rather than letting it go to waste. Another is upgrading to modern motors and drives, which use far less energy than older equipment and can be controlled more precisely.

Process automation also plays a huge role. With better monitoring and control systems, mills can fine-tune operations in real time, reducing unnecessary energy use while keeping quality consistent.

And then there’s the shift towards renewable energy sources. We’re seeing mills integrate solar or biomass energy into their power mix, which not only cuts energy costs in the long run but also supports sustainability targets.

What’s exciting is that many of these improvements pay for themselves over time, so they’re good for the bottom line as well as the planet.

5. How do smarter processes - such as digitalization, process optimization, and automation - support sustainability goals in pulp and paper production?

Smarter processes are transforming the way mills approach sustainability. Digitalization, automation, and process optimization give mills much better visibility and control over their operations, which makes it easier to cut waste and improve efficiency.

For example, real-time monitoring means mills can spot energy or water losses immediately rather than waiting until the end of a production run. Automation allows equipment to adjust itself automatically for the most efficient settings, so you use only the resources you need without affecting quality.

Process optimization also helps reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and minimize raw material use, all of which support both environmental and financial goals. In many ways, digital tools are giving mills the data and control they need to hit sustainability targets while staying competitive in a tough market.

6. The industry is often seen as resource-intensive. What role can water conservation and closed-loop systems play in making operations more sustainable?

Water use has always been a big talking point in the pulp and paper industry, and rightly so; it’s a resource-intensive process. That’s why water conservation and closed-loop systems are so important for the future.

Closed-loop systems allow mills to treat and reuse water multiple times rather than relying on a constant fresh supply. This not only cuts water consumption dramatically but also reduces the volume of wastewater that needs treating before discharge.

On top of that, newer technologies can separate fibres and chemicals from process water, meaning mills can recover and reuse valuable materials instead of losing them in the effluent.

The real win here is twofold: mills save money on water and treatment costs, while also meeting tighter environmental regulations and sustainability targets. It’s a perfect example of how being more sustainable often goes hand in hand with being more efficient.

7. From your perspective, how can pulp and paper companies strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly production methods?

I think the key is to stop viewing cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly production as opposites. In many cases, the two actually work hand in hand.

For example, reducing energy use, minimizing water consumption, and cutting waste all lower operating costs as well as environmental impact. Investing in automation and process optimization might carry an upfront cost, but it often pays for itself quickly through efficiency gains and reduced resource use.

Alternative fibres like bagasse, wheat straw, and bamboo can also help companies diversify raw material sources, sometimes lowering costs while supporting sustainability goals.

The companies that strike the best balance tend to take a long-term view, looking beyond immediate costs to see the value in efficiency, regulatory compliance, and meeting consumer demand for greener products. It’s about making changes that save money and resources today while future-proofing operations for tomorrow.

8. Supply chain sustainability is gaining more attention. What steps can companies take to ensure that raw materials, transport, and logistics contribute to the overall sustainability journey?

Supply chain sustainability is becoming just as important as what happens inside the mill. After all, if the raw materials, transport, and logistics aren’t managed responsibly, it undermines the whole sustainability effort.

For traditional wood-based fibres, that might mean working with certified forestry operations. But with alternative fibres like bagasse or wheat straw, it often involves partnering with agricultural producers to make the best use of what was once considered waste. By creating value for these by-products, mills not only secure a consistent, quality supply but also support more sustainable farming practices.

On the transport side, companies can look at optimizing logistics to reduce fuel use — things like smarter route planning, using more efficient vehicles, or even switching to rail where possible. Some are also exploring low-emission transport options as technology evolves.

Finally, building transparency into the supply chain, tracking environmental impacts from field or forest to finished product, helps companies identify areas for improvement and work collaboratively with suppliers to reduce them.

9. In terms of policy and regulation, what changes are most needed to encourage faster adoption of sustainable technologies in the pulp and paper sector?

Policy and regulation play a huge role in how quickly sustainable technologies are adopted. I think one of the biggest opportunities is around incentives, whether that’s tax breaks, grants, or low-interest financing to help mills invest in energy-efficient equipment, water treatment systems, or technologies for using alternative fibres.

Clear and consistent standards would also help. Sometimes companies hold back on investments because regulations vary so much between regions, or because they’re worried the rules might change halfway through a project. A clear roadmap for the next decade would give the industry confidence to move faster.

Finally, I think support for research and development is key. Many of the technologies that will make the biggest difference, things like advanced recycling, bio-based chemicals, and low-carbon energy, need strong partnerships between industry, government, and universities to reach commercial scale.

With the right policies in place, mills can move from “early adopters” to mainstream adoption much more quickly.

10. Consumer awareness around sustainability is stronger than ever. How is this shift influencing product innovation and customer expectations in the paper industry?

Consumer awareness has changed the conversation completely. Ten or fifteen years ago, sustainability was often seen as a “nice to have”. Now, it’s an expectation that people want products that are not only functional and affordable but also environmentally responsible.

That shift has driven a wave of innovation. We’re seeing toilet rolls made from bagasse, disposable tableware from wheat straw, and packaging designed to be recyclable or compostable. Even traditional products like office paper are being reimagined with lower environmental footprints.

Customers are also looking for transparency; they want to know where the materials come from, how products are made, and what impact they have on the planet.

Companies that can tell that story clearly are building stronger relationships with their customers while staying ahead of regulations and competitors.

So, consumer expectations are no longer just influencing product design; they’re shaping entire business strategies.

11. Could you highlight a few successful case studies where alternative fibers or smarter processes significantly reduced environmental impact?

I’ve seen some really interesting examples over the years where alternative fibres and smarter processes have made a big difference.

For instance, I’ve worked with mills trialling bagasse for tissue production, where what was once a waste product from sugar production is now being turned into toilet rolls and napkins. It’s reduced reliance on wood fibre and given farmers an extra revenue stream, a win-win for both sustainability and local economies.

I’ve also seen process automation transform how mills manage energy and water use. One site I visited installed real-time monitoring across its operations and cut energy use significantly within months, simply by spotting inefficiencies they hadn’t seen before.

And closed-loop water systems are another great example. Some mills are now reusing the same water multiple times, cutting freshwater use dramatically while reducing effluent volumes and treatment costs.

These kinds of projects show that sustainability isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s driving innovation, efficiency, and new business opportunities right across the sector.

12. What role do collaborations - between technology providers, research institutions, and manufacturers - play in accelerating innovation in sustainable pulp and paper?

Collaboration is essential if we want to move the needle on sustainability. No single company can tackle all the challenges around energy use, alternative fibres, or emissions on its own; it takes a mix of expertise.

Technology providers bring the latest innovations in automation, digitalisation, and processing equipment. Research institutions contribute to R&D and pilot projects, helping to prove what works before it goes to full-scale production. Manufacturers then take these solutions and apply them in real-world settings, providing feedback and driving further improvements.

I’ve seen this first-hand with projects involving alternative fibres like bagasse, universities, and technology suppliers working together with mills to develop processes that are both technically and commercially viable. It speeds up innovation because everyone brings something different to the table, from technical know-how to practical experience.

When these collaborations work well, you get faster adoption, better outcomes, and solutions that are ready for the real world much sooner.

13. Looking ahead, I think we’ll see a few key technologies really changing the game for the pulp and paper industry’s carbon footprint.

First, advanced energy efficiency systems will keep getting smarter, using automation, real-time data, and AI to squeeze every bit of efficiency out of production without affecting quality.

Second, alternative fibres such as bagasse, wheat straw, and bamboo will become much more mainstream. As supply chains mature, these materials will replace a bigger share of traditional wood fibre, cutting emissions linked to forestry and transport.

Third, I think we’ll see big advances in biomass and bio-based chemicals. Using process waste and residues for energy or raw materials helps close the loop and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
Finally, carbon capture and utilization technologies are starting to gain traction in heavy industries, and pulp and paper could be next in line as costs come down and systems become more practical for large-scale mills.

All of this will come together with smarter supply chains and circular economy thinking, so nothing goes to waste - whether it’s energy, water, or raw materials.

14. Finally, what message would you like to share with industry leaders who are hesitant to adopt more sustainable practices, considering both risks and opportunities?

I’d say the biggest risk is in waiting too long. Sustainability isn’t a passing trend; it’s shaping regulations, customer expectations, and the competitive landscape. Companies that hesitate may find themselves playing catch-up while others take the lead.

The good news is that sustainable practices often save money, improve efficiency, and open new markets. Whether it’s reducing energy costs, creating products from alternative fibres like bagasse, or cutting water use with closed-loop systems, the opportunities are real and measurable.

My message would be: start small if you need to, but start now. Every step towards more sustainable production puts your business in a stronger position for the future, both financially and environmentally.