ABB has been selected to provide advanced, energy-efficient drives and motors for DS Smith‘s new state-of-the-art recycled containerboard production line in Lucca, Italy. The partnership between ABB and DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging, marks a significant step forward in the drive for sustainability and efficiency in the paper and packaging industry.
As part of the project, ABB will deliver a comprehensive solution that includes its latest generation of high-efficiency motors and variable speed drives (VSDs), designed to optimize energy consumption while enhancing the overall performance of the facility. These innovative systems will be installed at DS Smith’s new recycled containerboard mill, which is expected to increase the company’s capacity to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The installation will cover various stages of the paper production process, from pulping to the final forming of the containerboard. ABB’s equipment is aimed at improving the mill’s overall energy efficiency by enabling precise control of motor speeds, which directly reduces energy consumption, operational costs, and environmental impact. This is in line with DS Smith’s commitment to sustainability, as the company is working towards meeting its ambitious environmental targets, including achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its value chain by 2050.
“We are proud to support DS Smith in their ongoing journey towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future,” said Frank Muehlon, Managing Director of ABB’s Motion Business. “Our high-efficiency drives and motors not only help DS Smith reduce energy use but also enhance operational performance and reliability, ensuring long-term operational success.”
The decision to install ABB’s cutting-edge technology comes at a time when there is an increasing focus on reducing carbon footprints and improving energy efficiency across the manufacturing sector. The new line at DS Smith’s Lucca facility is a key part of the company’s expansion plans, which aim to meet the growing global demand for recycled paper products and packaging.
DS Smith has long been at the forefront of promoting circular economy principles, focusing on recycling, reusing, and reducing waste. The company’s commitment to using recycled materials and reducing environmental impact is reflected in its operational decisions, and the collaboration with ABB is expected to further strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable packaging.
“We’re thrilled to be working with ABB, whose expertise and innovative solutions align perfectly with our sustainability goals,” said Stefano Zamparelli, DS Smith’s Operations Director for Southern Europe. “This new line in Lucca is a critical investment in our future, and the energy-efficient technology provided by ABB will help us meet our production and environmental objectives, while delivering high-quality recycled containerboard to our customers.”
The installation of ABB’s high-efficiency drives and motors in the new containerboard production line will not only support DS Smith’s sustainability objectives but will also contribute to the company’s long-term profitability by enhancing operational efficiency and reducing energy-related costs. The project is expected to be completed in the coming months, with the new production line set to begin operations shortly thereafter.
This collaboration between ABB and DS Smith underscores the growing importance of technological innovation in driving sustainability in the manufacturing industry. By leveraging cutting-edge solutions to reduce energy consumption, companies like DS Smith are not only improving their bottom lines but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.
