A groundbreaking upgrade at Essity’s Kawerau paper mill has been officially unveiled, showcasing the world’s first tissue machine to operate entirely on geothermal steam instead of gas.
The $20 million investment in the machine’s upgrade is a significant step towards sustainability, reducing the mill’s carbon footprint by 66% since 2009, including a 25% reduction with the latest technology. According to Essity’s Australasia managing director, Sid Takla, this equates to removing approximately 2,200 cars from the road annually.
The newly upgraded tissue machine was launched at an event attended by over 100 business and community representatives from New Zealand and Australia, including leaders in manufacturing, retail, distribution, and sustainability. The extensive 12-week upgrade involved contributions from 25 international experts and 120 local contractors, covering the removal of old equipment, civil work, installation, and commissioning.
Essity, a global hygiene and health company headquartered in Sweden, remains the only tissue manufacturer in New Zealand producing paper on-site before converting it into finished products. The Kawerau mill supplies well-known brands such as Sorbent, Purex, Handee, and Tork, contributing around $40 million annually to the Bay of Plenty economy.
The project was made possible through a partnership with Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal, which supplies the mill with renewable geothermal steam. This collaboration not only supports industrial decarbonisation but also funds local marae, housing, and education initiatives. The New Zealand Geothermal Association highlighted the initiative as a key example of how businesses can achieve energy security while cutting carbon emissions.
To commemorate the mill’s upgrade, local artist Sarah Hudson (Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe, and Ngāti Pūkeko) was commissioned to create two bespoke designs for limited-edition Tork paper towel packaging. Her artwork symbolises sustainability and the swirling steam that powers the facility.
Hudson expressed pride in her contribution, stating, “It’s an honour to share my mahi in support of sustainability within this industry.”
Source: Adapted from reporting by the Rotorua Daily Post, as published by The New Zealand Herald. (source)
