Essity has approved a £2.85m investment in hydrogen-ready technology at its Oakenholt mill in North Wales, reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing at the site and in the region.

The investment will see new high-efficiency technology installed on the site’s paper-making machine. The system will be capable of operating using low-hydrogen gas, improving energy efficiency while enhancing reliability and operational resilience.

The project will replace the existing hood, burner and heat exchange systems with upgraded equipment designed to improve drying efficiency, enhance product quality through improved moisture control and reduce the risk of unplanned downtime. The new burners will be capable of operating with a 20% hydrogen blend as standard, with the potential to transition to 100% hydrogen in the future with further modifications.

Essity has signed up as a potential end user for hydrogen through the HyNet initiative, positioning the Oakenholt site to adopt lower-carbon fuels as infrastructure becomes available. Initial estimates indicate the project will reduce gas consumption by 11% and electricity use by 5%, cutting carbon emissions by approximately 925 tonnes per year.

Securing approval for this investment marks an important milestone for Oakenholt following more than three years of planning and development.

This project demonstrates how targeted investment in manufacturing infrastructure can improve operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact. It will help ensure Oakenholt remains a resilient, efficient and future-ready manufacturing operation.

Stuart McCrae, Technical Manager at Essity’s Oakenholt mill

Andrew Hearns, Technology Area Manager, Energy and Material Savings at Essity, added: “Investments like this are essential if manufacturers are to reduce emissions while maintaining the reliability and performance needed to produce everyday essentials.

“By introducing hydrogen-compatible technology today, we’re improving energy efficiency while creating a platform for continued innovation. This investment supports both the competitiveness of the site and Essity’s wider sustainability ambitions.”

The Oakenholt investment forms part of Essity’s wider sustainability commitments, including its ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Source：FuelCellsWorks