Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has achieved a major sustainability milestone at its Merebank mill in Durban, South Africa, with the installation of a new turbine in the site’s power plant. The mill is now able to generate 60% of its electricity, significantly reducing reliance on grid-supplied power and improving operational efficiency.
Photo: Mondi
The project includes the installation of a new condensing steam turbine, cooling towers, piping and control systems, using excess steam from the mill’s boiler.
“This project is a game-changer for the mill,” says Donovan Naidoo, Operations Director at Mondi Merebank. “By generating power onsite, we reduce our dependency on external electricity supply, reduce costs and take a step towards energy independence, climate resilience and long-term operational stability. Once the cooling tower upgrade is completed, the new turbine will produce more electricity than the mill consumes – a significant milestone in our journey towards self-sufficiency.”
In addition to increasing energy self-sufficiency, the new turbine project will also reduce the mill’s carbon footprint.
Alongside this energy investment, the mill has completed two flood-proofing projects to mitigate risks from natural disasters. The projects include the installation of flood gates and the deployment of inflatable flood barriers, allowing for the rapid creation of water-catchment dams. Together, these measures help protect the mill’s operations and nearby communities from extreme weather events, helping ensure business continuity.
The turbine generator project and flood-proofing projects contribute to the Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030) sustainability commitments.
About Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper
Uncoated Fine Paper is a business unit of Mondi Group. At its operating sites, Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper produces pulp and environmentally sound office and professional printing papers tailored to the latest professional digital and offset print technologies.
