Sappi, a leading global provider of sustainable woodfibre products, has highlighted its partnership with Papierholz Austria (PHA) in a recent article.
This collaboration is crucial for Sappi's Gratkorn Mill in Austria, as PHA supplies both woodfibre for paper production and woody biomass for renewable energy.
The partnership exemplifies the cascading principle in the forest-based industry. Mature trees are first used for construction materials, while sawmill residues and smaller trees are utilized for pulp and paper production. Forest residues like treetops and branches, which have limited use in products, are then used as renewable energy sources.
Wolfgang Schopfhauser, Head of Renewable Energy Sources at PHA, emphasizes that this approach demonstrates responsible forest management and maximizes the use of every harvested tree. The woody biomass supplied by PHA has enabled Gratkorn Mill to phase out coal and reduce its dependence on natural gas, significantly lowering its carbon footprint.
PHA, founded in 1997, sources woodfibre and woody biomass responsibly from managed forests in Austria and neighboring countries. This partnership is particularly important for Sappi, as the company doesn't own forestland in Europe.
The collaboration between Sappi and PHA showcases a commitment to sustainability and decarbonization in the paper industry. By working together, these companies are contributing to the transition towards a low-carbon future while ensuring efficient use of forest resources.
