Metsä Tissue Joins "Modellfabrik Papier in Düren" Research Network in Germany
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Metsä Tissue announced that it will become a shareholder of "Modellfabrik Papier in Düren," in Germany, effective July 1, 2023.
Founded in 2020, Modellfabrik is a society for research and development for sustainable paper technologies. It conducts basic research in the field of emission-free paper production. The primary goal is to achieve 80% energy savings in paper production and climate neutrality by 2045 and thus CO2-neutral paper production. This is intended to make an active contribution 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 Metsä Tissue is headquartered.
"Sustainability is a fundamental strategic pillar at Metsä Tissue and Metsä Group," said Alexander Deutschle, Director R&D Metsä Tissue. "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."
Since its founding, Modellfabrik is currently working on four research projects financed from its own resources.
Michael Barth, Vice President Operations, Metsä Greaseproof Papers, explained, "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."
Pascal Stephan, VP Production, Metsä Tissue Kreuzau mill, added, "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 for the Modellfabrik Papier is to be built at Düren, which will meet the research mission as well as the latest ecological standards. In the future, innovative solutions for paper production — also for other industries with similar challenges — will be developed there.
