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Environmental efforts made by the Japanese paper industry

Energy Saving Measures | Characteristics of Energy UseEnergy Saving Measures | Characteristics of Energy Use

Background and outlook of energy saving measures in the Japanese paper industry

The paper industry consumes a large amount of energy. Accordingly, energy saving has long been a key issue and many measures have been taken in the Japanese paper industry. Particularly after the 1973 and 1979 “oil shocks,” intensive energy saving measures were implemented such as the introduction of energy saving equipments and improvement in manufacturing processes. In the following 10 years from 1981, energy consumption per ton of paper production (specific energy consumption) was reduced by 25%. By now, specific energy consumption has been cut by over 30% (see Fig. 1).

Figure1 Gross energy intensity per ton of paper production
Figure1 Gross energy intensity per ton of paper production

In the 1990s, concerns over climate change and other environmental issues took a global dimension. In response, the Japanese paper industry stepped up and took energy saving measures, especially those directed at reducing the emission of CO2, a major cause of global climate change.

More specifically, the industry’s efforts are focused on two directions.

  • 1.Switch to the use of waste wood and paper sludge (biomass energy), and waste tires and RPF (waste-derived energy), in addition to the continued use of black liquor (waste liquid from the pulping process).
  • 2.Introduction of higher efficiency equipments and changes in the manufacturing processes, in addition to the continued use of the co-generation system whereby the steam generated by burning fuel for the papermaking process is also used to generate power.