Dr. Kristina Nyström, Ph.D. student at Linköping University and lead researcher on a recent project in collaboration with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and Chalmers Industriteknik, has developed a novel calculation method that enables standardized energy benchmarking across pulp and paper mills. This approach addresses long-standing challenges in comparing energy efficiency between facilities with diverse processes and configurations, offering a tool that could significantly improve energy use and sustainability practices in the European paper industry.
Åkesson, O., Nyström, K., Andersson, E., & Thollander, P. (2025). A calculation method enabling energy benchmarking in the pulp and paper industry: Adopting a methodology that bridge the research–policy implementation gap. Applied Energy, 401, 126685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126685
A collaborative effort between Linköping University, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Chalmers Industriteknik, and industry stakeholders has led to the development of a novel calculation method designed to enable fair and meaningful energy benchmarking within the paper industry. This methodology, offers a structured approach to assess and compare energy performance across mills with varying operational setups.
Dr. Kristina Nyström, Ph.D. student at Linköping University stated,
“The benefit of making the pulp and paper industry more efficient is that this can reduce the use of fossil fuels and release raw materials, biofuels and electricity for other purposes”.
The proposed method divides paper production into standardized processes, such as pulp production, purchased pulp dissolution, drying, and paper manufacturing. These processes are common to enough mills to allow for meaningful comparisons. By focusing on these standardized units, the method ensures a uniform representation of energy flows, facilitating consistent and transparent comparisons across mills of similar types. This approach addresses the complexities introduced by different production configurations and enables a more equitable assessment of energy efficiency.
An innovative aspect of this method is its inclusion of energy recovery through residual heat. Mills that utilize excess heat for external purposes, such as district heating or greenhouse operations, are credited for this energy reuse. This consideration not only provides a more comprehensive view of a mill’s energy performance but also encourages practices that contribute to broader sustainability goals. By acknowledging the value of residual heat, the method promotes a circular approach to energy use within the industry.
The development of this benchmarking tool has significant implications for both policy-making and industry practices. For policymakers, it offers a robust framework to assess compliance with energy efficiency directives and identify areas where improvements are needed. For the paper industry, it provides a clear mechanism to evaluate performance, share best practices, and implement targeted energy-saving measures.
Kristina Nyström, Ph.D. student at Linköping University and lead researcher on the project, emphasizes the potential impact of this method. “Even modest improvements in energy efficiency can lead to substantial energy savings across the industry,” she notes. “This approach not only aids in compliance with EU regulations but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the sector.”
The method has already garnered interest from several mills that have participated in pilot testing, with positive feedback regarding its applicability and utility. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is now working to expand the model’s use, engaging with public agencies and the pulp and paper industry in Finland to explore broader implementation.
This collaborative effort exemplifies how academia, industry, and government can work together to address complex challenges in energy management. As the paper industry continues to seek ways to reduce its environmental footprint, this benchmarking tool stands as a promising step toward more sustainable and efficient operations.
Adrian graduated with a Masters Degree (1st Class Honours) in Chemical Engineering from Chester University along with Harris. His master’s research aimed to develop a standardadised clean water oxygenation transfer procedure to test bubble diffusers that are currently used in the wastewater industry commercial market. He has also undergone placments in both US and China primarely focused within the R&D department and is an associate member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
