The Xunta de Galicia has granted Integrated Environmental Authorization (IEA) to Ence’s planned recycled fiber bioplant in As Pontes.
The project, declared a strategic industrial initiative in 2023, will be the first in Europe to produce bleached recycled fiber from recovered paper and cardboard.
The facility will not use wood as a raw material, relying instead on recycled cardboard and paper. Designed with circular economy principles, the bioplant will feature minimal water consumption and total energy self-sufficiency, powered entirely by renewable energy from local forestry by-products.
Ence also confirmed that the facility will employ totally chlorine-free (TCF) bleaching technology for recycled fibers, transforming waste into high-value products. The site, located on former coal power plant land, is positioned as a model for just transition and regional redevelopment.
Alongside the bioplant, Ence is advancing Regatex, a textile recycling pilot plant developed in partnership with Swedish startup Sharetex. This initiative has successfully produced recycled cellulose from polycotton blends, a material long considered difficult to process efficiently. The pilot is expected to play a key role in scaling textile recycling systems across the industry.
With the IEA approval, Ence moves closer to establishing a globally pioneering facility that supports both sustainable production and community transition in Galicia.
Ence Energía y Celulosa is a Spanish company specializing in renewable energy and pulp production. With a strong focus on sustainability and circular economy solutions, Ence develops innovative projects that contribute to decarbonization and environmental stewardship.
