From July 9 to 11, the SteamDry consortium gathered in Wageningen, Netherlands, for a dynamic three-day meeting focused on accelerating the transition to clean, energy-efficient drying technologies. The agenda was packed with technical presentations, group work, and a hands-on excursion, reflecting the project’s momentum and collaborative spirit.
Day 1: Technical Insights and Collaboration
The meeting kicked off on July 9 with a warm welcome in Wageningen, followed by a series of presentations from key work packages. VTT opened with an overview of WP1 on the management of concept development and WP3 on creating a transition pathway towards energy-efficient drying. The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) highlighted progress in WP4, focused on replacing fossil-based drying with green alternatives.
Wageningen Research (WR) presented critical innovations in WP6 to prevent fiber and air contamination in the closed-loop superheated steam system—an essential step for system reliability. After a short break, the consortium participated in a productive group session (WP11) led by Valmet to evaluate upscaling concepts. Later in the day, the University of Twente (UT) and the VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut (BFI) presented cutting-edge work on steam sealing for web-like materials (WP7) and the integration of digital technologies (WP8), respectively.
The day concluded with a safety briefing for the upcoming site visit to Smurfit Westrock Parenco.
Day 2: Industrial Integration and Impact Evaluation
On July 10, the consortium began the day with an excursion to Smurfit Westrock Parenco in Renkum—a highlight of the event. This advanced recycled-paper mill, producing over 385,000 tonnes per annum of packaging paper from 100% recovered fiber, showcases industry-leading sustainability practices. The visit provided valuable real-world context for how SteamDry technologies could be applied at scale.
In the afternoon, VTT presented progress on WP9 (piloting of the Steam Superheated Drying (SSD) process), followed by the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) assessment of its environmental and techno-economic performance (WP10). Group work led by the Fundación Empresa-Universidad Gallega (FEUGA) explored IP strategy and exploitation plans (WP14), laying the groundwork for securing innovation results. Valmet and Metsä Group presented on the upscaling strategy (WP11) and business case development (WP12), and FEUGA closed with WP13, highlighting communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities.
Day 3: Business Planning and Research Infrastructure
The final day, July 11, opened with a general assembly meeting. Metsä led group work on initiating business cases (WP12), followed by VTT’s session on pilot layout evaluation and trial planning (WP9). A break allowed participants to regroup before touring the facilities at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research—a partner institution supporting innovative biobased solutions. The consortium wrapped up the event with a networking lunch, reflecting on a productive and energizing gathering.
Looking Ahead
The Wageningen meeting reaffirmed the consortium’s shared commitment to reshaping industrial drying processes with sustainable and economically viable solutions. With valuable input from all partners, hands-on industrial insights, and collaborative planning for future pilots and business models, the SteamDry project continues to pave the way for clean tech in the circular economy.
Joanne Siccama, from 