DS Smith turbocharges sustainability efforts with €90m investment at Rouen paper mill

DS Smith, a world leader in sustainable packaging solutions, unveiled a major investment to transform the paper mill's energy supply at its site in Normandy, near Rouen. The project includes replacing the coal-fired boiler with a new biomass boiler that will reduce the site's emissions by 99,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The 56 MW Valmet high-tech boiler will supply at least 80% of the site's heat demand and will be fully operational by the first quarter of 2025. It will be fuelled by 94,000 tonnes of biofuel, 30% of which will come from plant by-products (pulper waste) and 70% from waste wood sources such as furniture and demolition waste.

Engie Solutions will operate the boiler, which will allow for the possibility for the future installation of a steam turbine capable of producing around 10 MW of electricity with a maximum steam supply of 65 t/h.

The project was granted approval by the Regional Biomass Scheme in 2022 and is supported by local authorities including a €15M subsidy from the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME).

As with all our operations, delivering large scale carbon reduction initiatives is a key focus for DS Smith as we look to deliver both our immediate and long-term sustainability targets. Through the transition away from coal and the installation of a new biomass from waste boiler we will deliver significant C02 savings to not only help our own operations, but the operations of our customers through their Scope 3 emissions.”

In addition to the biomass boiler, two new gas-fired boilers (2 x 34 t/h of steam) will complete the back-up boiler fleet already consisting of an existing gas-fired boiler (34 t/h of steam).

This project of nearly €90 million is one of a number of initiatives in Europe and North America that contribute to DS Smith's goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 46% in absolute terms by 2030, compared with 2019 levels, and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. DS Smith is also participating in the Science-Based Targets (SBTi) initiative with our 1.5°C science-based target in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. DS Smith is also a member of the United Nations’ led Race to Zero campaign.

Acquired by DS Smith in 2019, the paper mill in Rouen was founded in 1928 and was the first mill in France to produce lightweight recycled fluting, used in the manufacture of corrugated board. The site also produces light, medium and dual-purpose papers for consumer goods and e-commerce packaging. It has an annual production capacity of 280,000 tonnes.