Circularity in Action at Matane
Sappi Matane Mill is working to reduce fossil fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions
Circularity in Action at Matane
The Matane Mill produces its own biogas from raw process wastewater using anaerobic reactor technology. In this process, anaerobic biomass transforms organics in the raw wastewater (mainly sugars) into methane gas.
Environmental benefits
This biogas fuel is then consumed to dry bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) in the final stage of production. The process displaces the light oil previously used, thereby reducing fossil fuel consumption by 87 percent and also reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the environment as well as solid waste to landfill by 24 percent. Biogas fuel currently accounts for 79.5 percent of the Matane Mill’s on-site fuel consumption.
Economic benefits
In addition, installing the anaerobic reactor plant debottlenecked the capacity limitations of the wastewater treatment facility, presenting the opportunity for increased market pulp production.
Read more from Sappi North America's 2020 Sustainability Reporter here.
