In a first-of-its-kind project, the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) has called upon its member companies to voluntarily exhibit innovative, emissions-reducing projects that focus on increasing energy efficiency and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
In February 2017, the Confederation of European Paper Industry (CEPI), a non-profit umbrella organization for European national paper industry associations, relaunched its ‘2050 Investment Roadmap’ putting into action its vision to reduce emissions by 80 percent while creating 50 percent more added value. The Roadmap envisions the need for EUR 44 billion additional investment – a 40 percent increase from current levels – to lead the transition towards a low-carbon bioeconomy by 2050.
According to a statement, the ‘To Our Roots and Beyond’ project puts the focus back on the industry’s leading role in contributing to a sustainable, low-carbon society. The project demonstrates how the industry is taking responsibility in reducing its carbon emissions, as well as taking a leading role in providing bio-based solutions to decarbonise society at large.
In total, the project gathers 14 innovative case studies from 10 EU countries, involving 12 companies representing a diverse array of projects. The innovative projects which focus on energy efficiency and/or renewables are indicative of the diverse means the paper industry has at its disposal to reduce emissions whilst building upon its unique strength as an entirely renewable material.
Our industry has set a vision to unleash the full potential of the bioeconomy by 2050, driving both value creation and deep decarbonisation. This project demonstrates how we put words into action and what it takes, on the ground, to turn ¬vision into reality through smart industrial integration, innovation in energy efficiency or advanced use of renewables, said Sylvain Lhôte, Director General at CEPI.
As part of its commitment to reducing emissions, this project will be renewed on a bi-annual basis. This project will remain a permanent feature of the industry’s commitment to put into practice its vision outlined in its ‘2050 Investment Roadmap’.
