Metsä Tissue becomes shareholder in German research network
Modellfabrik Paper is a society for research and development of sustainable paper technologies that carries out basic studies in the field of emission-free production
Metsä Tissue, part of the Metsä Group, announced that it will become a shareholder of the German Modellfabrik Papier in Düren, as of July 1, 2023. Founded in 2020, Modellfabrik is a research and development society for sustainable paper technologies that conducts basic studies in the field of emission-free paper production.
Its primary goal is to achieve 80% energy savings in paper production and climate neutrality by 2045 and thus CO2 neutral paper production. In this way, it is intended to actively contribute to achieving the Paris Climate Agreement and to safeguard Germany as an industrial location.
As an official shareholder, Metsä Tissue is now part of an interdisciplinary research network of industry and academia in Germany, in addition to Finland, where it is headquartered.
“Sustainability is a fundamental strategic pillar at Metsä Tissue and Metsä Group. Our involvement in the Modellfabrik Papier in Düren is an active contribution to a carbon-neutral society and a more sustainable future. As an international manufacturer of tissue products and greaseproof papers, we can contribute our expertise and work together with the highly experienced network from research and industry to research the low-energy, resource-saving paper production of tomorrow,” says Alexander Deutschle, Director R&D Metsä Tissue.
Founded in 2020, Modellfabrik is currently working on four self-funded research projects and Metsä Tissue plays an active role in this network.
“As a shareholder of the Modellfabrik Papier in Düren, we not only have the opportunity to actively shape the challenges of climate-neutral paper production through modern research. We are also strengthening the Düren area, which is still Germany’s largest paper location. Through the research network, we are securing the competitiveness of Germany as an industrial location and also local jobs in the long term,” comments Michael Barth, Vice President Operations, Metsä Greaseproof Papers.
Pascal Stephan, VP Production, Metsä Tissue Kreuzau mill, says: “For Metsä Tissue, being part of this research network is an important step. It shows that we take climate change very seriously as a company and are aware of our responsibility as a paper manufacturer. It is important for us to proactively address the challenges of climate-neutral paper production.”
By 2025, a new modern building is to be built in Düren for Modellfabrik Papier, which will meet the research mission as well as the latest ecological standards. In the future, innovative solutions will be developed locally for paper production, as well as for other industries with similar challenges.
