Sappi Fine Paper
Sappi Fine Paper optimizes its energy management with AVEVA PI System
Sappi Fine Paper had to respond to combined pressure from regulators and shareholders by improving control of its energy consumption, even though it had only limited visibility into its operating data. The challenge was to reconcile profitability, environmental compliance and renewable energy ambitions. Deploying AVEVA PI System enabled the paper maker to continuously balance generated and purchased energy, helping operators decide between buying from the grid and increasing steam production from their own boilers. Sappi's Somerset mill now optimizes its electricity procurement, reducing both costs and emissions. More than 80% of total energy consumption now comes from renewable sources, and the group's greenhouse gas emissions are the lowest in its industry, a sustainability recognition that helps Sappi win new customer contracts.
Testimonials
FAQ
How does AVEVA PI System help a paper manufacturer choose between buying grid power and generating its own energy?
At Sappi Fine Paper, AVEVA PI System provides the real-time visibility needed to balance energy generated by on-site boilers with energy purchased from the grid. Operators view marginal costs and operational constraints to optimize the supply strategy at every moment. This energy intelligence turns an empirical decision into a data-driven trade-off, reducing both costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
How can 80% renewable energy be achieved in paper production?
Sappi Fine Paper sources more than 80% of its energy consumption from renewable sources thanks to a continuous optimization strategy powered by AVEVA PI System. Real-time visibility makes it possible to maximize self-consumption from biomass boilers, fine-tune trade-offs with the grid and track the renewable share consumed. This environmental performance, among the best in the sector, demonstrates how data management supports the industrial energy transition.
Why is visibility into operating data strategic for a mill's profitability?
Before AVEVA PI System, Sappi had only limited visibility into its operating data, which prevented optimal energy decisions. Combined pressure from regulators and shareholders demanded better control. By centralizing operational data, AVEVA now enables instant trade-offs between cost, compliance and sustainability. This operational transparency has become a standard for energy-intensive industries such as pulp and paper.
How does AVEVA PI System support regulatory environmental reporting?
AVEVA PI System automatically collects Sappi Fine Paper's energy consumption, emissions and production data. This reliable, historized data feeds the environmental reports required by regulatory authorities. The platform's accuracy and auditability turn reporting from a time-consuming exercise into a natural by-product of operations. It is a major asset in a sector where regulatory pressure on sustainability keeps growing.
Why does sustainability help Sappi win new customer contracts?
Sappi Fine Paper's greenhouse gas emissions are among the lowest in the sector, which is a decisive selling point for customers concerned about their carbon footprint. AVEVA PI System provides the traceability and energy performance needed to back up these commitments. Sustainability thus becomes a business lever: the contracts won thanks to this environmental recognition in turn finance investments in digital and energy transformation.