Consortium

The SteamDry project involves a consortium with a diverse set of partners, including research institutes, technology developers, fiber product manufacturers, and digital technology experts. The consortium aims to address technological challenges, demonstrate energy use reduction on a pilot scale, and define a pathway for upscaling and commercialization of the Superheated Steam Drying technology.

Each participant brings unique expertise and resources to the project, ensuring a comprehensive approach to developing and implementing SSD technology for industrial drying applications.

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd is a state-owned non-profit limited liability company, operating under the ownership guidance of the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy. As a Research and Technology Organization (RTO), VTT focuses on three key areas: Carbon-neutral solutions, Sustainable products and materials, and Digital technologies. The organization is impact-driven and leverages its broad multi-technological knowledge base to enhance the competitiveness of Finnish and European industries. With extensive experience in participating and coordinating various European projects, including those within the R&D Framework Programme, VTT is recognized as one of the leading European RTOs. Notably, in December 2017, VTT received the “HR Excellence in Research” award from the European Commission.

Role: Acting as the coordinator, VTT brings expertise in various areas such as carbon-neutral solutions, sustainable products and materials, and digital technologies. They will lead several work packages including Transition pathway towards energy-efficient drying (WP3) and Piloting of the SSD process (WP9).

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology

The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Austria’s largest Research and Technology Organization (RTO) with over 1400 employees, holds a leading position in the Austrian innovation system, in the fields of Energy, Transport Technologies, Health & Bioresources, Digital Safety & Security, Vision, Automation & Control, and Technology Experience. The topic portfolio of the institute’s Center for Energy is based on three central systems: Public Energy Supply Systems, Industrial Energy Systems and Cities & Built Environment. With over 285 experts from 25 countries, the Center for Energy combines decentralized energy producers, efficient distribution networks, and smart buildings using advanced measurement technology and innovative simulation tools to create a sustainable energy system.

Role: Specializing in sustainable thermal energy systems, AIT will coordinate designing of SSD drying process with heat integration (WP4) and validation of SSD concept (WP5). They also contribute to the development of tools for digitalization (WP8).

Valmet

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With automation systems and flow control solutions it serves an even wider base of process industries. The combination of process technology, automation and services is built on strong technology knowledge. Valmet’s technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bio-energy production. Valmet enhances circularity and environmental efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions through the entire value chain. The company aims to enable fully carbon neutral production for its customers by 2030. Valmet has over 19,000 employees around the world and its head office is located in Espoo, Finland.

Role: With a focus on paper and pulp making machinery, Valmet will contribute to technology development and piloting (WP9) and develop a business case (WP12) and a roadmap towards full-scale implementation of SSD technology (WP11).

VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut (BFI)

The VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut (BFI) in Düsseldorf is a leading research institute in the process industry, specializing in steel technology. With over 40 years of experience, BFI focuses on practical and trustworthy research to enhance processes in steel production, guided by the principles of being close to operations, flexible, and innovative. The institute contributes to improving efficiency through comprehensive optimization approaches like Industry 4.0, recycling, and process chain shortening. The institute addresses challenges in product quality, production costs, CO2 emissions, and plant utilization, offering tailored innovations across the entire steel production process, including energy and resource management, process technology, measurement technology, and process automation.

Role: BFI will bring advanced control system and digitalization know-how to SteamDry in the SteamDry consortium (WP8).

FEUGA

FEUGA, based in Galicia, Spain, is a private, non-profit foundation with over 35 years of experience. It plays a pivotal role in knowledge transfer, facilitating collaboration between universities, industries, and society. With a multidisciplinary and inclusive approach, FEUGA focuses on technology and innovation transfer. The foundation excels in communication, dissemination, Intellectual Property (IP), and R&D result exploitation, particularly emphasizing Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and multi-actor/stakeholder methodologies.

Role: Specializing in knowledge transfer and R&D results exploitation, FEUGA will coordinate communication, dissemination, and exploitation work packages (WP13 and WP14).

Sofidel Group

The Sofidel Group is one of the leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and domestic use worldwide. Established in 1966, the Group has subsidiaries in 13 countries – Italy, Spain, the UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Romania and the USA – with more than 6,500 employees, net sales of 2,801 million Euros (2022) and a production capacity of over one million tonnes per year (1,440,000 tonnes in 2022). “Regina”, its most well-known brand, is present on almost all the reference markets. Other brands include: Sopalin, Le Trèfle, Hakle, Softis, Nalys, Cosynel, KittenSoft, Lycke, Nicky, Papernet. Sofidel’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets to 2030 have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as consistent with reductions required to keep warming to well-below 2°C, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Group has also committed to Net Zero by 2050.

Role: As a tissue paper manufacturer, Sofidel will provide data from the tissue paper industry for mill-scale simulations (WP4) and LCA calculations (WP10). Sofidel is interested in implementing SSD technology at the mill scale (WP11).

Smurfit Kappa

Smurfit Kappa, headquartered in Dublin, is a global paper-based packaging leader with 350 production sites in over 30 countries. Employing 46,000 people, it provides solutions like corrugated packaging, containerboard, and folding cartons to diverse industries. Committed to sustainability, the company aims to reduce CO2 emissions, water usage, and waste generation. Following a circular economy model, it sources raw materials from recycled sources. Smurfit Kappa fosters innovation through its Experience Center in the Netherlands, collaborating with customers to create cutting-edge packaging solutions.

Role: A leading international paper-based packaging company, Smurfit Kappa will contribute papermaking knowledge and mill data for process simulation (WP4) and digital twinning (WP8).

Ahlstrom

Ahlstrom specializes in advanced fiber-based materials for industrial applications and is a recognized leader in global specialty paper and nonwovens markets with roots dating back to 1851. With 6,800 employees across 13 countries in Europe, America, and Asia, Ahlstrom’s product portfolio includes specialty papers, nonwovens, and fiber-based materials tailored for industries like filtration, medical, transportation, food and beverage, building and construction, and energy. These materials meet specific performance criteria such as strength, durability, absorption, barrier properties, and flame resistance. With a global presence, manufacturing facilities, and sales offices worldwide, Ahlstrom provides customized solutions to diverse industries, meeting specific requirements for its broad customer base.

Role: Specializing in advanced fiber-based materials, Ahlstrom will provide expertise in nonwoven materials (WP9) and expects positive quality effects and energy savings potential from SSD technology.

Piller Blowers & Compressors GmbH

Piller Blowers & Compressors GmbH is a leading manufacturer of mechanical blowers and compressors for the process industry. Renowned for high performance, reliability, and energy efficiency, their customized solutions designed for various processes and the various sectors of the process industry. PILLER produces over 600 vapor compressors annually, establishing itself as a well-known manufacturer in the industry. With approximately 500 employees across 9 global sites and a turnover of nearly 125 million euros, PILLER offers a full service from engineering over project planning to design and manufacturing for the specific requirements of various industries.

Role: A global market leader in mechanical blowers and compressors, PILLER will bring expertise in blowers and compressors (WP4) and calculate a business case (WP12).

Twente University

Twente University, also known as the University of Twente or Universiteit Twente in Dutch, is a prominent public research university situated in Enschede, Netherlands. Founded in 1961, it stands out as one of the country’s youngest universities, emphasizing engineering, technology, and social sciences in its academic focus.

Role: Focused on sustainable process technology, Twente University will develop steam purification technology (WP7).

Wageningen Research

Wageningen Research (WR) conducts application-oriented and field-based research and collaborates with Wageningen University (WU) to form Wageningen University & Research (WUR). The WUR’s mission is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. With over 7200 employees and 13,200 students, WUR combines the strengths of specialized research institutes and the university across various natural and social science disciplines. WUR is internationally recognized for its scientific quality, reflected in its prominent position in rankings and citation indexes.

Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR), one of WUR’s research institutes, is involved in the SteamDry project. WFBR focuses on developing innovative technologies and value chains for sourcing and valorizing all components in biomass as feedstock for renewable materials. Additionally, WFBR has expertise in applying physical modeling and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in diverse industrial processes.

Role: With expertise in preventing air entrance to the steam dryer (WP6), Wageningen Research will contribute to the development of systems to ensure high steam quality.

USC University of Santiago de Compostela

The University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), founded in 1495, is a renowned institution in Spain with over 2,000 lecturers and 300 research groups. USC consistently ranks among the top 5 Spanish universities and is recognized as an International Campus of Excellence. Actively participating in 200+ projects under various European Union RTD Framework Programmes, USC allocates over 20% of its budget to R&D. The Group of Environmental Biotechnology (Biogroup), part of the Chemical Engineering Department, has achieved notable success with 15 national and 15 EU research projects, 39 company contracts, and a focus on topics like local impact categories, food production, biofuels, wastewater treatment, waste management, wood industry, ecodesign, and bioactive compounds from marine organisms.

Role: Coordinating the LCA and TEA (WP10), USC will provide expertise in environmental biotechnology and focus on various topics related to LCA.

Metsä Group

Metsä Group has its roots in the Finnish forest: our parent company Metsäliitto Cooperative is owned by more than 90,000 forest owners. We make wood products that people around the world need every day. We focus on wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp and paperboards, and tissue and greaseproof papers. We are committed to regenerative forestry that measurably strengthens the forest ecosystem. We promote a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion.

In 2023, our sales totalled EUR 6.1 billion, and we have approximately 9,500 employees.

Role: A Finnish forest industry company Metsä Group will coordinate the business case evaluation (WP12) and expects energy savings potential from SSD technology

Sappi Limited

Sappi Limited, based in South Africa, specializes in producing paper, pulp, and dissolving wood pulp (DWP) products. With operations in over 20 countries and around 12,000 employees globally, Sappi manufactures a diverse range of paper products, including coated and uncoated fine papers, packaging, speciality papers, and graphic papers. The company’s pulp products encompass chemical cellulose, fluff pulp, and dissolving wood pulp used in various applications such as textiles and pharmaceuticals.

Committed to sustainability, Sappi has set targets to reduce its environmental impact, focusing on carbon footprint, water usage, and waste generation. The company actively collaborates with customers and SteamDry partners in research and development centers worldwide to create new and innovative products while optimizing processes for efficiency.

Role: Sappi will bring papermaking and process knowledge to the consortium and is interested in energy savings and quality improvement.