On the path to climate-neutral pulp production in Germany

AFRY is supporting Mercer Rosenthal GmbH on the path to climate-neutral pulp production

Mercer Rosenthal GmbH, based in Rosenthal am Rennsteig, Thuringia, operates one of Europe’s most modern pulp mills. With an annual production of around 360,000 tons of bleached market pulp, Mercer Rosenthal GmbH is an agile player in the paper and pulp industry.

Mercer Rosenthal GmbH 's production is based on the kraft pulp process, using spruce and pine wood. The lime kiln, a key component of the chemical recovery process, currently runs on fossil-based natural gas or light heating oil—a challenge in the era of climate protection and the energy transition.

AFRY – The strategic partner for sustainable transformation

AFRY is supporting Mercer Rosenthal GmbH in taking a significant step towards decarbonisation. A study is underway to convert the lime kiln to renewable and CO2-neutral energy sources. As a leading partner in engineering and consulting, AFRY is taking on the following key tasks:

Technological analysis and evaluation: Based on a preliminary selection by Mercer Rosenthal GmbH, AFRY is comparing different conversion options, such as biomass gasification and wood powder firing, in terms of technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and implementation time.
Coordination of key technology providers: AFRY is managing collaboration with renowned suppliers offering innovative technologies for the use of wood-based energy sources.
Integration and optimisation: AFRY is tailoring the proposed solutions to seamlessly integrate with Mercer Rosenthal GmbH’s existing plant. Technical parameters are defined to ensure optimal resource utilisation.

Innovative energy concepts: A range of options

The analysis includes several technologies that could support Mercer Rosenthal GmbH on the path to climate neutrality. The following options have been selected for comparison:

Biomass gasification: Incomplete combustion creates a gaseous fuel that can be used directly in the lime kiln. This solution offers high self-sufficiency with internal residues but requires extensive adjustments and investments.
Wood powder firing: Dry fine material or wood chips are processed into fine powder and used as fuel. This option is cost-efficient and easy to integrate but offers lower self-sufficiency.
Pellet firing: Standardised wood pellets are used, offering simplicity in handling but requiring an external supply.

Challenges and opportunities

The main challenge is finding a solution that is both economically and ecologically viable. Each option has specific advantages and disadvantages that need to be carefully weighed without compromising the quality and capacity of production processes.

A project with a strong signal

By evaluating renewable energy sources, Mercer Rosenthal GmbH is sending a powerful message for the future of pulp production. In an industry increasingly focused on climate neutrality across the entire value chain, this project serves as a model for sustainable transformation. AFRY is supporting Mercer Rosenthal GmbH not only with technical expertise but also strategic advice to make the vision of fossil-free pulp production a reality.