At its annual press conference, Austropapier presented the developments within the Austrian paper and pulp industry, along with progress made toward decarbonization. AIT was present as a research partner: Gerwin Drexler-Schmid, Business Manager for Net Zero Industries, spoke as an expert on industrial transformation on the panel.
Goal: Net Zero by 2050
The industry has declared a shared goal of reducing fossil CO₂ emissions by 43.5% by 2030, with the ultimate aim of achieving full climate neutrality by 2050. This is to be achieved through a combination of fuel switching, electrification, and efficiency improvements. AIT remains a key research partner for building a sustainable and future-proof industrial sector. “The paper and pulp industry is on a very good path to decarbonization. The progress made so far clearly shows that not only ambitious goals have been set, but also the right measures are being implemented to achieve them,” emphasized Drexler-Schmid.
AIT Supports the Transformation
Together with industry partners, AIT has already analyzed eight out of 23 paper factories. The conclusion: each site requires individual solutions on the path to decarbonization. As such, the focus is on the development and integration of various key technologies, including:
- Bioenergy as a flexible, renewable source
- High-temperature heat pumps for steam generation
- Direct electrification and fuel switching to green gases
- Utilization of biogenic CO₂ as a raw material or sink (BECCS/U – Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage/Utilization)