Valmet Unveils Cutting-Edge Evaporation Line for Altri's Sustainable Mill Transformation in Portugal

Valmet's New Era of Sustainability

Valmet, a global leader in technology, is set to deliver a groundbreaking evaporation line to the Altri Biotek mill located in Portugal. This project forms a crucial part of Altri's ambitious EUR 75 million initiative aimed at converting the existing mill to develop dissolving pulp for the textile industry. The transition not only aims to enhance production capabilities but also aligns with global sustainability goals, marking a significant advancement in eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

The new evaporation line represents a major upgrade in both energy and water efficiency. According to Sami Riekkola, Valmet's Executive Vice President for Pulp, Energy and Circularity, this transformation enables the Biotek mill to strategically step into the renewable textile fiber markets. "At Valmet, we pride ourselves on delivering lifecycle value to our customers, which is crucial for meeting future demands while also promoting global circularity," Riekkola emphasized. This partnership exemplifies Valmet's commitment to providing cutting-edge technology that addresses the pressing needs of a sustainable future.

Advanced Technological Features

The innovative evaporation line will incorporate advanced technology characterized by a 7-effect design, significantly optimizing steam usage while ensuring that clean condensates can be effectively reused within the mill’s operations. The addition of Valmet Tube and Tubel evaporators not only guarantees long-term reliability but also promotes high operational availability, which is essential for maintaining consistent production levels.

Karin Bengtsson, Product Sales Manager at Valmet, detailed how the new line is engineered to handle a capacity of 350 tons of evaporated water per hour, producing high-quality heavy liquor containing 75% dry solids. This technological prowess embodies Altri's dedication to sustainable practices, as the new system will drastically minimize freshwater usage, an essential step in the forestry and textile industries.

Strategic Importance for Altri

Altri has distinguished itself as a leading figure in the production of eucalyptus fibers, recognized for its commitment to sustainable forest management and renewable energy sources. It operates three mills across Portugal – Celbi, Biotek, and Caima – with a combined capacity of approximately 1.2 million tons of cellulose pulp annually. The Biotek mill’s current operation focuses on producing bleached eucalyptus pulp, amounting to more than 260,000 tonnes each year. This initiative is not merely about increasing capacity; it is about repositioning within a rapidly evolving market that prioritizes sustainability and renewable materials.

With the projected startup of this new evaporation line slated for the third quarter of 2027, Valmet's involvement is seen as strategically vital. The size and scope of this order reflect an investment typically worth between EUR 25 and 30 million, indicating robust confidence in this cooperative effort.

A Vision for the Future

This venture encapsulates Valmet's broader objectives: to partner with customers in the process industries throughout the lifecycle of their operations. By continuously innovating and adapting to market demands, Valmet aims to drive the transition towards a more sustainable industrial framework. With over 225 years of experience and a dedicated team of more than 19,000 professionals, Valmet is poised to lead the industry towards a regenerative tomorrow.

The Altri Biotek mill project's significance lies not only in its economic advantages but also its essential role in advocating for a greener future. As industries across the globe grapple with the implications of climate change and resource scarcity, initiatives like this serve as beacons of hope, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices and regenerative industry standards. Through effective collaborations, such as that between Valmet and Altri, the pathway to a more sustainable future becomes not just aspirational but attainable.