ND Paper’s Biron mill in Wisconsin is strengthening its operational performance and energy efficiency through a long-term partnership with Focus on Energy, demonstrating how strategic energy management can support both competitiveness and sustainability in the pulp and paper industry.
Energy efficiency has become a core component of the mill’s operational strategy rather than a standalone initiative. According to ND Paper, this approach has helped reduce costs, improve performance, and support future growth while maintaining production levels.
The collaboration began with comprehensive energy and water assessments aimed at identifying inefficiencies in process water use, heat recovery, and overall energy consumption. These evaluations provided a roadmap for targeted investments, supported by technical validation and financial incentives from Focus on Energy.
One of the key opportunities identified involved capturing waste heat from hood exhaust systems and reusing it to warm process water. By redirecting this energy, the mill reduced its reliance on natural gas while improving overall system efficiency.
Additional upgrades included enhancements to save-all performance, expanded filtration systems that increased water reuse in process applications, integration of heat recovery from multiple sources, and the installation of new refiners designed to reduce pumping energy requirements.
The mill has also advanced its internal power generation capabilities. By leveraging recovered heat, the facility increased turbine output, generating enough additional electricity to match the annual energy needs of more than 1,800 homes. Focus on Energy supported the projects throughout development, implementation, commissioning, and performance validation.
Beyond individual projects, the partnership has helped embed energy performance into daily operations. Through Strategic Energy Management programs, dedicated energy teams, and ongoing performance monitoring, the mill continues to identify opportunities for further efficiency improvements.
ND Paper executives say the collaboration has played an important role in enhancing both operational efficiency and environmental performance. The company also credits the initiative with supporting local economic activity, including the return of more than 100 jobs and continued investment in the facility.
Looking ahead, four additional energy efficiency projects are currently underway at the Biron mill, reflecting an ongoing commitment to reducing energy consumption while improving productivity and profitability.
Located along the Wisconsin River and operating since 1896, the Biron mill remains a key industrial asset in the region. Since becoming part of ND Paper in 2018, the facility has continued to modernize, with energy strategy now playing a central role in its long-term development.
