Recovering Energy and Upcycling of Calcium Carbonate from Paper Sludge

Introduction

LIFE RE&UCE will demonstrate an innovative, patented, and awarded technology that contributes to the solution of multiple environmental issues.

Environmental Issues Addressed

Waste Management

The EU paper industry produces 9 million tonnes of paper sludge annually. This waste stream is mostly disposed of via landfill or incinerated.

Circular Economy

Industries cannot comply with the ambition of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan as most resources are still linear.

Environmental Impact

Calcium Carbonate is a widely used mineral in the EU, which is derived from open land mining. In Europe alone, 53 million tons of Calcium Carbonate is produced annually. Open mining in the EU threatens nature and biodiversity.

Climate Change

1. Open mining of calcium carbonate and consequent production of Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC) has a large negative climate impact, mostly due to the high amount of energy use.
2. Mined calcium carbonate is transported throughout Europe via road and shipping. Distances covered vary from 100 km to more than 1000 km.
3. The paper industry is an energy-intensive industry relying heavily on fossil fuels.

Project Objectives

LIFE RE&UCE will demonstrate the recovery of calcium carbonate (Circular Calcium Carbonate, CCC) and renewable energy (pyrolysis oil) from paper mill sludge:

1. Mining of CCC and pyrolysis oil from paper sludge eliminates the waste production of paper mills.
2. CCC serves as a direct replacement for GCC, providing a much-needed circular mineral for various industries.
3. Replacing GCC with CCC will lead to less dependency on open mining in the EU.
4. Use cases will be developed to apply CCC within a 150 km radius of the paper mills, drastically reducing transport of minerals.
5. The pyrolysis oil will be used as a renewable energy source, reducing the dependency on fossil fuels.

Expected Outcomes

The LIFE RE&UCE demonstration will lead to an annual:

• 19,700 ton waste reduction
• 7,000 ton CCC production
• 2,000 ton pyrolysis oil production
• 4.3 million kg CO2 reduction