ANDRITZ to supply resource efficient debarking line to Smurfit Kappa in Colombia

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Smurfit Kappa to deliver a new energy-efficient debarking line for its paper mill in Yumbo, Colombia. Start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024.

The order is part of Smurfit Kappa ́s project to replace the fossil fuels currently used with different types of organic waste to generate cleaner energy at its paper mill in Yumbo. The installation is another step towards Smurfit Kappa’s ambitious goals of achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The organic waste, processed in the ANDRITZ debarking line, will be comprised of pine and eucalyptus bark from the company’s own forestry plantations and waste from its wood treatment plant, among other materials.

The scope of supply, on an EPS (Engineering, Procurement, Supervision) basis, includes a new debarking line with rubber tire supported debarking drum which provides excellent debarking results with very low wood losses. The capacities of the new line are 333 m3 hardwood and 370 m3 softwood solid-over-bark per hour. The scope also includes chip screening equipment and a bark handling system with ANDRITZ BioCrusher BSX.

Smurfit Kappa is one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging in the world, with operations in 23 European countries and 13 countries in the Americas.