“Renewable raw materials and the circular economy offer the industry an opportunity not only to renew its own operations but also to create a more sustainable future,” says Esa KiviojaHe works as a business unit manager for the forest industry at ABB.
“However, today’s challenges require modern solutions. To achieve the goals of sustainable development, the industry must address its significant environmental footprint. The sector is the fourth largest industrial energy consumer and a significant producer of wastewater, by-products and material waste. This requires a shift to renewable energy sources and more efficient use of energy and water. The industry has demonstrated its ability to adapt, as reflected in its shift in focus from printing paper to new growth areas such as packaging, tissue, textiles and bio-based innovations.”
Real progress through collaboration
ABB understands that the journey towards a more sustainable future cannot be taken alone. Collaboration across industries, advanced technologies and expertise are needed to address common challenges such as reducing carbon emissions and improving resource efficiency. The company’s “Real Progress” campaign highlights the role of automation, electrification and digitalization in accelerating the sustainable development of process industries. Here, ABB’s technologies, such as energy-efficient drives and process optimization solutions, help factories improve productivity while developing paper-based alternatives that meet both environmental and performance requirements.
Sustainability is a business necessity
“Sustainability is no longer just about compliance or a strategy to save resources, but has become a business imperative and a driver of innovation in the pulp and paper industry. The industry understands that success requires balancing environmental responsibility and financial performance,” says Esa Kivioja.
“This idea is not new to the industry. Historically, pulp and paper companies have been advocates of responsible forestry and pollution reduction, which has laid a strong foundation for today’s achievements. However, there is a noticeable shift in perspective: sustainability is now seen as an opportunity, not an obligation. Companies are actively integrating it into their core operations, not just to comply with government regulations, but because it aligns with long-term growth goals and societal impacts.”
Kivioja highlights Metsä Group, which has been a pioneer with its Muoto™ 3D fiber product, utilizing fiber-optic technology to create lightweight and durable packaging. The example shows that paper-based products can match the strength and functionality of traditional plastics while operating on renewable energy.
Look forward
“The pulp and paper industry has taken significant steps towards sustainability. Behind it all is continuous innovation throughout the value chain. The industry has seen many successes, and the future prospects are promising, from the development of fiber technology to end-of-the-chain solutions that can replace fossil-based non-renewable products. The industry plays a key role in supporting the circular economy and a net-zero emissions future. Sustainable development requires practical solutions, bold innovation and collaboration between different industries,” believes ABB’s Esa Kivioja.
What? Sustainability today is not just about compliance, but has become a business imperative that leverages collaboration between different industries and a driver of innovation in the pulp and paper industry.
Why? The pulp and paper industry is a significant producer of wastewater, by-products and material waste. This requires a shift to renewable energy sources and more efficient use of energy and water.
