#PapermakingForLife

Unlocking sustainability in the paper industry: An interview with Eduardo Fernandes

Eduardo Fernandes is an experienced process engineer at Voith Paper with a focus on sustainability. He has been based in Heidenheim, Germany, since September 2022 and has extensive knowledge in areas such as sustainability consulting, sustainable design and development. Prior to his current position, he worked for Voith Paper as a process engineer in S?o Paulo, Brazil, from January 2018 to September 2022. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie.

Eduardo, could you tell us what excites you personally about the topic of sustainability?

One of the most exciting aspects of #sustainability is the potential for positive impact. Sustainability practices and initiatives aim to address pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges we face today. Knowing that working on this topic, the efforts can contribute to creating a more sustainable and resilient future for people and the planet is incredibly motivating. Sustainability requires innovative thinking and collaboration across various sectors and disciplines. It excites me to see how individuals, organizations, and communities come together to find creative solutions to complex sustainability issues. The holistic approach of sustainability allows us to tackle multiple issues simultaneously, creating a more comprehensive and integrated approach to problem solving.

That's truly inspiring. Now, let's discuss the importance of paper as a sustainable packaging alternative. What advantages does paper offer in this regard?

Paper is an excellent sustainable packaging alternative for several reasons. It is made from renewable wood resources, responsible forestry practices ensure the replenishment of trees, making paper a sustainable choice. In addition, paper is highly recyclable, and recycling helps to extend its life cycle and reduce waste. By promoting recycling programs and utilizing recycled paper content, the demand for virgin fiber can be reduced. Moreover, paper can be part of a circular economy, where it is recycled and used as a raw material to produce new paper products.

Can you share some of the sustainability initiatives and solutions that customers can expect from Voith Paper?

At Voith Paper, we offer our customer a range of sustainability initiatives and solutions.

We optimize resource consumption, employ water-saving technologies, optimize energy usage and implement energy-efficient solutions to reduce carbon footprints. Our projects include conducting energy audits, optimizing stock preparation, vacuum, steam and condensate system, also investing in research and development for process optimization. By utilizing digital technologies and automation, we enhance efficiency and minimize resource consumption.

Our sustainability program "Papermaking for Life" has ambitious goals – aiming for 100% CO2-neutral paper production, a 90% reduction in fresh water consumption through innovative processes and a 90% paper recycling rate by 2030.

Finally, how does Voith support paper manufacturers in improving their energy efficiency?

Voith Paper offers customized #energyaudits and innovative solutions to help paper manufacturers enhance their energy efficiency. We provide various types of audits, including desktop, overview, and detailed on-site audits. These audits have already resulted in significant energy savings in areas such as steam and condensate, air handling, and vacuum systems. By employing specific measurements and analysis, we identify and implement concrete optimization opportunities that result in substantial cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

Thank you, Eduardo, for providing us with these valuable insights into sustainability efforts in the paper industry.