Renewa opens biomass plant to help decarbonize tissue manufacturing

On June 29, 2026, the Portuguese paper company Renova officially opened a biomass power plant as part of its broader initiative to reduce carbon emissions associated with the production of paper tissues, including handkerchiefs, toilet paper, and kitchen rolls. The new facility, located in Zibreira, within the municipality of Torres Novas, marks a significant step forward in the company’s environmental strategy. This project is part of Renova's Descarboniza@Renova program, which aims to transition away from fossil fuels in its manufacturing processes.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several high-profile figures, including Renova’s Chief Executive Officer, Paulo Pereira da Silva, the State Secretary for Energy, Jean Barroca, and the Mayor of Torres Novas, José Trincão Marques. During the event, Pereira da Silva described the launch of the biomass plant as a "giant leap" for the company in its journey toward decarbonization. He emphasized how this move represents a major shift in the company’s operations and acknowledges that some within the organization might still underestimate the significance of this achievement.

The investment required to build the new facility totaled 11 million euros. More than half of this amount—specifically 5.8 million euros—was funded by European Union resources under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). Launched in 2021, the PRR aimed to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and support sustainable development projects across member states. This financial backing underscores the importance placed on transitioning to greener energy solutions in Portugal.

The new biomass boiler replaces part of the previous system that relied on natural gas to generate thermal energy needed for drying paper during the production process. According to Filipe Almeida, Director of Projects at Renova, the use of natural gas has been reduced by nearly half since the implementation of the new system. Natural gas is now used only as a backup when there are issues with the biomass plant or during maintenance periods.

Originally, the goal set by Renova was to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 43% compared to the year 2020. However, according to Almeida, this target was surpassed in 2025, achieving a reduction of 50.6% over the five-year period. This success highlights the effectiveness of the company’s efforts to integrate renewable energy into its industrial processes.

The location of the biomass plant in Zibreira reflects Renova’s commitment to local development and sustainability. By choosing this site, the company is also contributing to the regional economy while reducing its environmental footprint. The integration of biomass technology into the production process not only helps lower greenhouse gas emissions but also aligns with global trends toward more sustainable manufacturing practices.

As the world continues to focus on climate change mitigation, initiatives such as these represent crucial steps toward achieving national and international environmental goals. For Renova, the opening of this biomass plant signifies both a strategic business decision and a commitment to corporate responsibility. With continued investment and innovation, similar projects could pave the way for other industries to follow suit in their quest for sustainability.

Looking ahead, the company plans to monitor the performance of the new biomass plant closely and evaluate further opportunities for improvement. Potential future developments may include expanding the use of renewable energy sources or exploring additional ways to enhance efficiency in the production process. These ongoing efforts will likely play a vital role in shaping the company’s long-term environmental impact and its position in the evolving landscape of green manufacturing.