The energy company Engie has reached an agreement with the Spanish company Viscofan to build, at its facilities in Cáseda (Navarra), what will be the first boiler in the world able to combine forest biomass and cellulose meat packaging as fuels. The French company will be the owner and will be in charge of management, operation and maintenance until 2040.

The innovative facility, which is scheduled for commissioning in December 2025, will generate thermal energy at Viscofan’s Navarre plant, which specialises in the production and sale of packaging for the food industry. This is one of the projects devised from the sustainability plan that the group has been working on since 2018.

Circular economy
The use of the cellulose film residue that the company uses in the packaging of meat products is an example of circular economy, while optimising the production process. Viscofan estimates that it will be able to recover around 4,000 tonnes per year of this biogenic and 100% plant-based material, which has a high calorific value and will optimise the plant's energy yield.

The boiler will have an installed capacity of 7.5 tonnes of steam per hour, equivalent to5 MWth. Under the 15-year BOOT (build, own, operate and transfer) contract signed by both parties, Engie will manage, operate and maintain the facility until 2040.

Sustainable and innovative energy solutions
Engie Solutions CEO in Spain, Janis Rey, pointed out, "This initiative is a clear example of our commitment to sustainable and innovative energy solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions, but also add value to industrial products not destined for sale, thus contributing to a circular economy model. We are proud to collaborate with a leading company like Viscofan on this project which will have a significant positive impact on both the environment and the local community."

The general manager of Viscofan Spain, Íñigo Martínez, responded, "This project is the result of many years of work looking for technical and regulatory alternatives to implement circular and sustainable business models. We are delighted to partner up with a leading company like Engie, with which we have worked in a very collaborative way to implement this world-first solution that will also help us in our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint."

^{Photo: Engie}