WEPAs contribution to the electrification of the paper industry 

The paper industry is generally considered to be an energy-intensive sector. Against this backdrop, WEPA has set itself ambitious climate targets: as a manufacturer of hygiene paper, we aim to achieve climate-neutral production by 2040. This is based on a scientifically and economically sound reduction pathway within the framework of the Science based Targets Initiative (SBTi). By 2030, emissions across the entire value chain are set to fall by 52.5 per cent.

To achieve this goal, WEPA is pursuing a clear strategy: the gradual electrification of the most energy-intensive production processes – site by site, process by process.

A key milestone on this journey is the successful approval of two projects under the Federal Funding Programme for Industry and Climate Protection (BIK). At its sites in Müschede and Leuna, WEPA is receiving funding to implement the electrification and efficiency improvements of tissue paper drying, one of the most energy-intensive steps in tissue paper production.

In doing so, WEPA is not only sending a clear signal for industrial decarbonisation, but is also creating two flagship projects that demonstrate how climate-neutral tissue paper production can be achieved in Europe.

Electrification as a cornerstone of WEPA’s energy strategy

The drying of tissue paper requires high temperatures and has, until now, been predominantly powered by natural gas. Electrifying these processes and systematically switching to renewable electricity is one of the most effective ways to reduce CO₂ emissions – and a central component of WEPA’s energy strategy.

As part of the BIK funding programme, two paper machines will undergo comprehensive modernisation in the coming years:

 

Arnsberg-Müschede site

Leuna site

  • Optimisation of mechanical drainage

  • Installation of electric heating elements

  • Installation of an additional pressure roller

  • Flexible use of green electricity

  • CO₂ reduction: around 2,683 tonnes per year

  • Switch to renewable electricity

  • Electric heating elements in the drying section (4.5 MW per hood)

  • Integration into a state-of-the-art plant control system

  • CO₂ reduction: around 8,408 tonnes per year

 

Together, both projects reduce emissions by over 11,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually – a significant contribution to achieving WEPA’s climate targets.

 

Why Müschede and Leuna serve as models:

Müschede – the technology driver

In Müschede, a hybrid drying technology is being developed that can utilise both gas- and electricity-based heat. This flexibility is crucial for production processes with variable moisture content and high demands on load control.

The system enables:

  • grid-friendly operation

  • the integration of fluctuating green electricity supply

  • a significant reduction in natural gas consumption

  • scalability to other WEPA sites

Müschede is thus becoming a test bed for sustainable, flexible electrification solutions in tissue paper production.


Leuna – modern efficiency to industry standards

The Leuna site is already one of the most energy-efficient production facilities in the European tissue paper industry. With the electrification of paper machine 10, WEPA is taking the next logical step here:

  • fully electric drying

  • further reduced energy consumption

  • state-of-the-art infrastructure

  • optimal use of renewable energy

Leuna demonstrates how efficiency, electrification and industrial competitiveness can be successfully combined.


What the projects mean for WEPA

The electrification projects in Müschede and Leuna contribute to several strategic objectives:

  • reduced dependence on fossil fuels

  • greater resilience to energy market fluctuations

  • increased energy efficiency

  • a significantly reduced carbon footprint for products

  • strengthening WEPA’s technological and innovation leadership

Together, both projects act as powerful drivers on the path to climate-neutral production by 2040 – and as a visible example of how transformation can be implemented in practice within energy-intensive industries.
 

- WEPA Group, Public affairs

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