Resource-efficient debarking line for Smurfit Kappa in Colombia

International paper maker

Smurfit Kappa has ordered an energy-efficient debarking line for its Yumbo paper mill in Colombia from Andritz . Start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024.

The order is part of Irelandbased Smurfit Kappa’s goal to replace the fossil fuels currently used with range of organic waste types to generate cleaner energy at the mill and is another step towards Smurfit Kappa’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

The organic waste, processed in the Andritz debarking line, will comprise pine and eucalyptus bark from Smurfit Kappa’s own forestry plantations and waste from its wood treatment plant, among other materials.

The project includes a new debarking line with rubber-tire supported debarking drum which is said to provide excellent results with very low wood losses. The capacities of the new line are 333 cubic metres of hardwood and 370 cubic metres of softwood solid-over-bark per hour. The scope also includes chip screening equipment and a bark handling system with