{"id":3514,"date":"2020-05-21T16:57:46","date_gmt":"2020-05-21T15:57:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/?p=3514"},"modified":"2020-05-21T17:10:49","modified_gmt":"2020-05-21T16:10:49","slug":"","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/estrategias-de-inovacao\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovation strategies","raw":"Innovation strategies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"uk-text-lead\">The sphere of action of the Innovation and Technological Development Department relates to increasing the value of the residue streams, the circular economy and creating value by using what already exists in Altri\u2019s mills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Altri believes it is possible to create value by increasing its mills\u2019 production capacity, but this requires access to more raw material (eucalyptus) to convert into pulp. It is therefore necessary to perform an introspective analysis of the factories and to understand how to extract more economic value from these mills, without impact on wood consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"uk-inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.xl.pt\/conteudos\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/05\/INOVAC\u2560\u00baA\u2560a\u0302O-2-Pa\u2560u\u0308g.-20-1-1920x1200.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"uk-padding uk-padding-small uk-padding-remove-horizontal\"><div uk-grid class=\"uk-grid-small\"><div class=\"uk-width-auto\"><span uk-icon=\"icon: quote-right; ratio: 4.0\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uk-width-expand\"><h3 class=\"uk-margin-top uk-margin-small-bottom\">This has been our mission: to find out where we can squeeze out more, either in the end product, or in enhancing secondary streams to create new products, or in cutting variable costs by using innovative technologies.<\/h3><footer>according to Gabriel Sousa, the head of Altri\u2019s Innovation and Technological Development Department (DIDT)<\/cite><\/footer><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting up the DIDT required identifying and setting out priorities with a series of anchor projects which could demonstrate the potential to the group and portray the department\u2019s practical vision. The starting point was Caima mill \u2013 a special manufacturing unit within the Altri organisation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although small when compared with other group\u2019s mills, Caima uses a chemical production process based on magnesium, whose technology concept allows for the production of other things beyond pulp \u2013 which Celbi and Celtejo mills, based on kraft process, cannot.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The association between Caima unique process and eucalyptus wood may generate new renewable based chemicals. Acetic acid and furfural are two base chemicals which result from eucalyptus wood processing and which exist in evaporation condensates from Caima\u2019s production process. They are components which are present in residual sub-streams with limited economical value.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the Caima team had already done its homework, and done it well, by testing the possibility of extracting these chemical components from the residual sub-streams, and thereby raising its commercial value, the project drew the attention of the of Innovation and Technological Development Department (DIDT).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Gabriel Sousa explains, \u201cOther people, who are knowledgeable but approach the issue from a distance, are able to look at it through a fresh pair of eyes. We have now a knowledge with a level of maturity and development which enables us, in theory, to decide whether or not we can move forward\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the support provided by Caima\u2019s employees, the DIDT brought in a Swiss company specialised in the technology required for this project. This knowledge was crucial in finding the best way of recovering the two chemicals present in Caima process streams. This team was further complemented by the University of Aveiro, which gave support in the analytical measurements and characterisation of process streams.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of this development process, Gabriel Sousa explains that there is still a need to do \u201ca more detailed assessment, from the standpoint of the economic model and of the markets, so that we can make a decision regarding this project. Indeed, there are other less quantifiable components\u201d. On one hand, there is a risk component to be evaluated, since the processes being adopted are associated with the chemical industry, with which few people in pulp and paper industry are familiar. But on the other hand, there are also benefits which are also less quantifiable. The first is the benefit of technological integration into Caima\u2019s industrial mill. Then there is the benefit of \u201cadding value to a residual sub-stream and eventually to release further pulp mill\u2019s production capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Modus operandi<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The first project developed by the DIDT at Caima also served to demonstrate the strategy of how to work on these projects. Even though DIDT has a small team, it is multiplied by leveraging internal resources from other areas from Altri, complemented by external resources which can add value to the project.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"uk-inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.xl.pt\/conteudos\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/05\/UNIV_Inovac\u2560\u00baa\u2560a\u0302o-2_-Gabirel_Sousa-5-1920x1200.jpg\" alt=\"Gabriel Sousa, diretor de Inova\u00e7\u00e3o e Desenvolvimento Tecnol\u00f3gico da Altri\"><figcaption class=\"uk-overlay uk-overlay-primary uk-position-bottom uk-padding-small\">Gabriel Sousa, diretor de Inova\u00e7\u00e3o e Desenvolvimento Tecnol\u00f3gico da Altri<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is what happened with the Swiss company which supplied technology, and with the university of Aveiro. According to Gabriel Sousa, \u201cWe could have had a team of 20 people with generic knowledge of pulp production and industrial processes, and possibly we could never achieve the result we did in this amount of time\u201d, he continues \u201ca group of three or four people, specialised in technologies in which we don\u2019t have expertise, can add knowledge where we otherwise wouldn\u2019t have\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To support the development process, and in the context of R&amp;D National Funding and Incentive System Portugal 2020, a new project had funding approved: \u201cCaimaChem \u2013 Research and develop new techniques for recovery and valorization of acetic acid and furfural from dissolving pulp evaporation condensates\u201d (POCI-01-0247 FEDER-045125), project co-funded within R&amp;D Incentive System from COMPETE 2020, Portugal 2020 and FEDER.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This project goal is to research new techniques to recover and purify acetic acid and furfural resulting from the condensate stream from the evaporation which occurs during the dissolving pulp production process employed Caima. With this project, new products can be developed which will follow the principles of the Circular Economy. This support R&amp;D project kicked off in April 2019 and will run through until March 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Valorization of wood sugars is another area of research within Altri Group<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Another area of research within Altri group is the valorization of Eucalyptus wood sugars, namely xylose and glucose. Xylose is the base for several high value-added products as xylitol (natural sweetener), furfural (solvent), animal protein, among others. In the other hand, glucose is the base for the food industry and it is one of the building blocks for biofuels production.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"galeria short uk-margin-medium-top uk-margin-medium-bottom\" uk-slideshow=\"ratio: 1920:1200\">\n<div class=\"uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle uk-light\">\n<ul class=\"uk-slideshow-items\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"uk-position-cover uk-animation-kenburns uk-animation-reverse uk-transform-origin-center-left\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" id=\"3526\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.xl.pt\/conteudos\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/05\/INOVAC\u2560\u00baA\u2560a\u0302O-2-Pa\u2560u\u0308g.-24-8-1920x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-uk-cover \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"uk-position-cover uk-animation-kenburns uk-animation-reverse uk-transform-origin-center-left\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" id=\"3529\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.xl.pt\/conteudos\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/05\/INOVAC\u2560\u00baA\u2560a\u0302O-2-Pa\u2560u\u0308g.-24-9-1920x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-uk-cover \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"uk-position-cover uk-animation-kenburns uk-animation-reverse uk-transform-origin-center-left\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" id=\"3532\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.xl.pt\/conteudos\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/05\/INOVAC\u2560\u00baA\u2560a\u0302O-2-Pa\u2560u\u0308g.-24-11-1920x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-uk-cover \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"uk-position-cover uk-animation-kenburns uk-animation-reverse uk-transform-origin-center-left\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" id=\"3535\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.xl.pt\/conteudos\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/05\/INOVAC\u2560\u00baA\u2560a\u0302O-2-Pa\u2560u\u0308g.-24-13-1920x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-uk-cover \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\" href=\"#\" data-uk-slidenav-previous data-uk-slideshow-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n<a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\" href=\"#\" data-uk-slidenav-next data-uk-slideshow-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"uk-slideshow-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>To support this initiative, DIDT is looking to partner with Technology Centres and Engineering Companies that have specific expertise on these sectors. In addition, when possible, real practical industrial examples will be used as guidepoints to steer the activity of DIDT on these areas. This will enable Altri group to accelerate the knowhow in adjacent areas to its pulp production core business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Innovate circular economy product at the group\u2019s factories<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Working closely with the Industrial Department, a new project was created to evaluate the possibility of using fibres from residue streams existing on the group\u2019s mills for pulp production.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fibres from residue streams usually cannot be reincorporated into the production process because the existing cooking technology cannot cope with such fine material. Currently, such material is therefore separated and sent to the boilers for energy generation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the existing restrictions on accessing raw material in Portugal, and in an attempt to reduce dependency on imported wood, the team started to assess the possibility of incorporating and using this material to manufacture pulp.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What do they hope to discover? Which technology can be implemented at Celbi, which will enable to use group\u2019s fibres from residue streams in order to produce a pulp equivalent to the pulp currently produced?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Gabriel Sousa, \u201cWe\u2019re talking about manufacturing the same product, not a different one\u201d. The idea is to encourage the circular economy within the group and maximise the value creation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe are focused in making sure we don\u2019t waste anything which has additional value. This material is already generating value, by being converted into electrical energy, but it will be more valuable if it\u2019s re-directed towards pulp production.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Using Sulphur gases to produce a raw material<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Another project under analysis is the possibility of Celtejo treating so-called non-condensable gases, a residue stream from kraft process, by using an alternative technology. Such gases are rich in sulphur and other organic compounds which are usually treated in the recovery boiler for oxidisation and energy production.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The DIDT studied the alternative possibility of using this sulphur-rich gas stream by employing an innovative technology to convert the sulphur in these gases into sulphuric acid, which is another chemical used in the pulp production process. The advantage of this is two-fold.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"galeria short uk-margin-medium-top uk-margin-medium-bottom\" uk-slideshow=\"ratio: 1920:1200\">\n<div class=\"uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle uk-light\">\n<ul class=\"uk-slideshow-items\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"uk-position-cover uk-animation-kenburns uk-animation-reverse uk-transform-origin-center-left\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" id=\"3541\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.xl.pt\/conteudos\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/05\/Inovac\u2560\u00baa\u2560a\u0302o-2-Pa\u2560u\u0308g.-26-e-27-4-1920x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-uk-cover \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"uk-position-cover uk-animation-kenburns uk-animation-reverse uk-transform-origin-center-left\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" id=\"3538\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.xl.pt\/conteudos\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2020\/05\/Inovac\u2560\u00baa\u2560a\u0302o-2-Pa\u2560u\u0308g.-26-e-27-1-1920x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-uk-cover \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\" href=\"#\" data-uk-slidenav-previous data-uk-slideshow-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n<a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\" href=\"#\" data-uk-slidenav-next data-uk-slideshow-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"uk-slideshow-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>On one hand, a residual chemical is recovered and converted into raw material with an economic value. On the other hand, the entire manufacturing process produces electricity, given that the process would itself generate energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gabriel Sousa tells us \u201cDuring this process we produced a large volume of important information regarding the technology used, cases in which it has already been implemented, the difficulties involved, the risks and the assessment of its impact on the mill.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>[lead]The sphere of action of the Innovation and Technological Development Department relates to increasing the value of the residue streams, the circular economy and creating value by using what already exists in Altri\u2019s mills.[\/lead]<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Altri believes it is possible to create value by increasing its mills\u2019 production capacity, but this requires access to more raw material (eucalyptus) to convert into pulp. It is therefore necessary to perform an introspective analysis of the factories and to understand how to extract more economic value from these mills, without impact on wood consumption.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[image format=\"img-header-large\" id=\"3523\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[blockquote text=\"This has been our mission: to find out where we can squeeze out more, either in the end product, or in enhancing secondary streams to create new products, or in cutting variable costs by using innovative technologies.\" author=\"according to Gabriel Sousa, the head of Altri\u2019s Innovation and Technological Development Department (DIDT)\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Starting up the DIDT required identifying and setting out priorities with a series of anchor projects which could demonstrate the potential to the group and portray the department\u2019s practical vision. The starting point was Caima mill \u2013 a special manufacturing unit within the Altri organisation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Although small when compared with other group\u2019s mills, Caima uses a chemical production process based on magnesium, whose technology concept allows for the production of other things beyond pulp \u2013 which Celbi and Celtejo mills, based on kraft process, cannot.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The association between Caima unique process and eucalyptus wood may generate new renewable based chemicals. Acetic acid and furfural are two base chemicals which result from eucalyptus wood processing and which exist in evaporation condensates from Caima\u2019s production process. They are components which are present in residual sub-streams with limited economical value.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Since the Caima team had already done its homework, and done it well, by testing the possibility of extracting these chemical components from the residual sub-streams, and thereby raising its commercial value, the project drew the attention of the of Innovation and Technological Development Department (DIDT).&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As Gabriel Sousa explains, \u201cOther people, who are knowledgeable but approach the issue from a distance, are able to look at it through a fresh pair of eyes. We have now a knowledge with a level of maturity and development which enables us, in theory, to decide whether or not we can move forward\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In addition to the support provided by Caima\u2019s employees, the DIDT brought in a Swiss company specialised in the technology required for this project. This knowledge was crucial in finding the best way of recovering the two chemicals present in Caima process streams. This team was further complemented by the University of Aveiro, which gave support in the analytical measurements and characterisation of process streams.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As part of this development process, Gabriel Sousa explains that there is still a need to do \u201ca more detailed assessment, from the standpoint of the economic model and of the markets, so that we can make a decision regarding this project. Indeed, there are other less quantifiable components\u201d. On one hand, there is a risk component to be evaluated, since the processes being adopted are associated with the chemical industry, with which few people in pulp and paper industry are familiar. But on the other hand, there are also benefits which are also less quantifiable. The first is the benefit of technological integration into Caima\u2019s industrial mill. Then there is the benefit of \u201cadding value to a residual sub-stream and eventually to release further pulp mill\u2019s production capacity.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong>Modus operandi<\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The first project developed by the DIDT at Caima also served to demonstrate the strategy of how to work on these projects. Even though DIDT has a small team, it is multiplied by leveraging internal resources from other areas from Altri, complemented by external resources which can add value to the project.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[image format=\"img-header-large\" id=\"3520\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is what happened with the Swiss company which supplied technology, and with the university of Aveiro. According to Gabriel Sousa, \u201cWe could have had a team of 20 people with generic knowledge of pulp production and industrial processes, and possibly we could never achieve the result we did in this amount of time\u201d, he continues \u201ca group of three or four people, specialised in technologies in which we don\u2019t have expertise, can add knowledge where we otherwise wouldn\u2019t have\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To support the development process, and in the context of R&amp;D National Funding and Incentive System Portugal 2020, a new project had funding approved: \u201cCaimaChem \u2013 Research and develop new techniques for recovery and valorization of acetic acid and furfural from dissolving pulp evaporation condensates\u201d (POCI-01-0247 FEDER-045125), project co-funded within R&amp;D Incentive System from COMPETE 2020, Portugal 2020 and FEDER.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This project goal is to research new techniques to recover and purify acetic acid and furfural resulting from the condensate stream from the evaporation which occurs during the dissolving pulp production process employed Caima. With this project, new products can be developed which will follow the principles of the Circular Economy. This support R&amp;D project kicked off in April 2019 and will run through until March 2021.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong><strong>Valorization of wood sugars is another area of research within Altri Group<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Another area of research within Altri group is the valorization of Eucalyptus wood sugars, namely xylose and glucose. Xylose is the base for several high value-added products as xylitol (natural sweetener), furfural (solvent), animal protein, among others. In the other hand, glucose is the base for the food industry and it is one of the building blocks for biofuels production.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[gallery format=\"short\" ratio=\"3:2\" ids=\"3526,3529,3532,3535\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To support this initiative, DIDT is looking to partner with Technology Centres and Engineering Companies that have specific expertise on these sectors. In addition, when possible, real practical industrial examples will be used as guidepoints to steer the activity of DIDT on these areas. This will enable Altri group to accelerate the knowhow in adjacent areas to its pulp production core business.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong><strong>Innovate circular economy product at the group\u2019s factories<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Working closely with the Industrial Department, a new project was created to evaluate the possibility of using fibres from residue streams existing on the group\u2019s mills for pulp production.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fibres from residue streams usually cannot be reincorporated into the production process because the existing cooking technology cannot cope with such fine material. Currently, such material is therefore separated and sent to the boilers for energy generation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Given the existing restrictions on accessing raw material in Portugal, and in an attempt to reduce dependency on imported wood, the team started to assess the possibility of incorporating and using this material to manufacture pulp.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What do they hope to discover? Which technology can be implemented at Celbi, which will enable to use group\u2019s fibres from residue streams in order to produce a pulp equivalent to the pulp currently produced?&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to Gabriel Sousa, \u201cWe\u2019re talking about manufacturing the same product, not a different one\u201d. The idea is to encourage the circular economy within the group and maximise the value creation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cWe are focused in making sure we don\u2019t waste anything which has additional value. This material is already generating value, by being converted into electrical energy, but it will be more valuable if it\u2019s re-directed towards pulp production.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong><strong>Using Sulphur gases to produce a raw material<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Another project under analysis is the possibility of Celtejo treating so-called non-condensable gases, a residue stream from kraft process, by using an alternative technology. Such gases are rich in sulphur and other organic compounds which are usually treated in the recovery boiler for oxidisation and energy production.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The DIDT studied the alternative possibility of using this sulphur-rich gas stream by employing an innovative technology to convert the sulphur in these gases into sulphuric acid, which is another chemical used in the pulp production process. The advantage of this is two-fold.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[gallery format=\"short\" ratio=\"3:2\" ids=\"3541,3538\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On one hand, a residual chemical is recovered and converted into raw material with an economic value. On the other hand, the entire manufacturing process produces electricity, given that the process would itself generate energy.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Gabriel Sousa tells us \u201cDuring this process we produced a large volume of important information regarding the technology used, cases in which it has already been implemented, the difficulties involved, the risks and the assessment of its impact on the mill.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false,"raw":""},"author":32,"featured_media":3517,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_pt_post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>[lead]A \u00e1rea de atua\u00e7\u00e3o da Dire\u00e7\u00e3o de Inova\u00e7\u00e3o e Desenvolvimento Tecnol\u00f3gico est\u00e1 relacionada com a valoriza\u00e7\u00e3o de correntes residuais, economia circular e com a cria\u00e7\u00e3o de valor atrav\u00e9s do aproveitamento do que j\u00e1 existe nas f\u00e1bricas da Altri.[\/lead]<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Para a Altri \u00e9 poss\u00edvel criar valor aumentando a capacidade de produ\u00e7\u00e3o das f\u00e1bricas, mas que implica o acesso a uma maior quantidade de mat\u00e9ria-prima (eucalipto) para transformar em pasta para papel. Perante esta realidade \u00e9 necess\u00e1rio fazer uma an\u00e1lise introspetiva \u00e0s f\u00e1bricas e perceber como se pode retirar mais valor econ\u00f3mico destas unidades, sem impacto no consumo de madeira.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[image format=\"img-header-large\" id=\"3523\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[blockquote text=\"Essa tem sido a nossa miss\u00e3o: perceber onde mais se pode \u2018espremer\u2019, seja no produto final, na valoriza\u00e7\u00e3o de correntes secund\u00e1rias para a cria\u00e7\u00e3o de novos produtos, ou na redu\u00e7\u00e3o de custos vari\u00e1veis pelo aproveitamento de tecnologias inovadoras.\" author=\"explica Gabriel Sousa, respons\u00e1vel pela Dire\u00e7\u00e3o de Inova\u00e7\u00e3o Desenvolvimento e Tecnologia (DIDT) da Altri\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Com o arranque da DIDT foi necess\u00e1rio identificar e definir prioridades com um conjunto de projetos - -\u00e2ncora que pudessem mostrar ao grupo as potencialidades e a vis\u00e3o pr\u00e1tica desta Dire\u00e7\u00e3o. O ponto de partida foi a f\u00e1brica da Caima. Uma unidade fabril especial dentro do universo Altri.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apesar de ter uma dimens\u00e3o reduzida quando comparada com as restantes unidades fabris do grupo, a Caima utiliza um processo tecnol\u00f3gico de produ\u00e7\u00e3o \u00e0 base magn\u00e9sio, que pela sua natureza qu\u00edmica permite produzir coisas que um processo de produ\u00e7\u00e3o de pasta kraft, como o utilizado pelas unidades fabris da Celbi e da Celtejo, n\u00e3o permite.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A associa\u00e7\u00e3o do processo da Caima \u00e0 madeira de eucalipto, pode gerar a produ\u00e7\u00e3o de diferentes produtos qu\u00edmicos de base natural. O \u00e1cido ac\u00e9tico e o furfural s\u00e3o dois qu\u00edmicos de base que resultam do processa - mento da madeira do eucalipto e que existem em condensados da evapora\u00e7\u00e3o do processo de produ\u00e7\u00e3o da Caima, sendo componentes presentes em correntes residuais, e portanto sem valoriza\u00e7\u00e3o econ\u00f3mica.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Como j\u00e1 existia algum trabalho de casa \u2013 e bem feito \u2013, da equipa da Caima, testando a possibilidade de retirar estes componentes qu\u00edmicos de uma corrente residual e valorizando-os comercialmente, o projeto mereceu a aten\u00e7\u00e3o da Dire\u00e7\u00e3o de Inova\u00e7\u00e3o e Desenvolvimento Tecnol\u00f3gico (DIDT).&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cOutras pessoas, com o conhecimento e o distanciamento necess\u00e1rio conseguem olhar para ele com novos olhos. O conhecimento atual de maturidade e de desenvolvimento permite-nos, em teoria, decidir se podemos avan\u00e7ar com essa linha ou n\u00e3o\u201d, explica Gabriel Sousa.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Al\u00e9m do apoio dos colaboradores da Caima, a DIDT chamou a este projeto uma empresa su\u00ed\u00e7a especializada na tecnologia necess\u00e1ria para o seu desenvolvimento. Tal conhecimento foi indispens\u00e1vel para encontrar a melhor forma de recuperar os dois qu\u00edmicos no processo da Caima. Esta equipa de trabalho foi ainda complementada com o apoio da Universidade de Aveiro, que deu apoio nos processos anal\u00edticos de medi\u00e7\u00e3o e caracteriza\u00e7\u00e3o das correntes do processo.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Como parte deste processo de desenvolvimento, Gabriel Sousa explica que \u00e9 necess\u00e1rio fazer \u201cuma avalia\u00e7\u00e3o mais fina, do ponto de vista do modelo econ\u00f3mico e dos mercados, para podermos decidir acerca deste projeto, at\u00e9 porque existem outras componentes menos quantific\u00e1veis\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Por um lado, h\u00e1 uma componente de risco a avaliar, uma vez que se est\u00e3o a adotar processos associa - dos \u00e0 ind\u00fastria qu\u00edmica, com os quais a ind\u00fastria de pasta est\u00e1 pouco familiarizada. Mas, por outro lado, h\u00e1 benef\u00edcios que tamb\u00e9m n\u00e3o s\u00e3o quantific\u00e1veis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O primeiro \u00e9 o benef\u00edcio de integra\u00e7\u00e3o tecnol\u00f3gica no parque industrial da Caima. Depois o benef\u00edcio de valorizar uma corrente residual e eventualmente libertar capacidade de produ\u00e7\u00e3o de pasta da f\u00e1brica.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong>Modus operandi<\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O primeiro projeto desenvolvido pela DIDT na Caima serviu tamb\u00e9m para mostrar a estrat\u00e9gia de atua\u00e7\u00e3o nos projetos. Apesar de esta Dire\u00e7\u00e3o ter uma equipa reduzida, ela multiplica-se alavancando recursos internos de outras \u00e1reas da Altri, complementada com o recurso a entidades externas que acrescentaram valor ao projeto. Foi o caso da empresa su\u00ed\u00e7a fornecedora de tecnologia e da Universidade de Aveiro.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[image format=\"img-header-large\" id=\"3520\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cPoder\u00edamos ter uma equipa de 20 pessoas com conhecimentos gen\u00e9ricos na produ\u00e7\u00e3o de pasta e nos processos industriais sem, eventualmente, alcan\u00e7ar o resultado que agora obtivemos, neste curto espa\u00e7o de tempo\u201d, diz o nosso interlocutor, defendendo que \u201cum grupo de tr\u00eas ou quatro pessoas, especializadas em tecnologias que n\u00e3o dominamos, aportam conhecimentos que n\u00e3o conseguir\u00edamos ter de outra forma\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Para dar suporte de conhecimento a este processo, e no contexto do Sistema de Incentivos \u00e0 Investiga\u00e7\u00e3o e Desenvolvimento Tecnol\u00f3gico do Portugal 2020, foi ainda aprovado o projeto \u201cCaimaChem \u2013 Investigar e desenvolver novas t\u00e9cnicas de recupera\u00e7\u00e3o e valoriza\u00e7\u00e3o de \u00e1cido ac\u00e9tico e furfural provenientes das correntes de condensados da evapora\u00e7\u00e3o do processo produtivo da pasta sol\u00favel\u201d (POCI-01-0247-FEDER-045125), cofinanciado ao abrigo do Sistema de Incentivos \u00e0 Investiga\u00e7\u00e3o e Desenvolvimento Tecnol\u00f3gico, no \u00e2mbito do COMPETE 2020, Portugal 2020 e Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER), da Uni\u00e3o Europeia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Este projeto visa investigar novas t\u00e9cnicas de recupera\u00e7\u00e3o e valoriza\u00e7\u00e3o de \u00e1cido ac\u00e9tico e furfural provenientes das correntes de condensados da evapora\u00e7\u00e3o do processo produtivo da pasta sol\u00favel na Caima, de modo a criar novos produtos totalmente alinhados com os princ\u00edpios da Economia Circular. Este projeto I&amp;D de suporte iniciou-se em Abril de 2019 e durar\u00e1 at\u00e9 Mar\u00e7o de 2021.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong>Valoriza\u00e7\u00e3o de a\u00e7\u00facares da madeira \u00e9 outra \u00e1rea em estudo no grupo Altri&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Outra \u00e1rea que est\u00e1 a ser estudada pelo grupo, \u00e9 a valoriza\u00e7\u00e3o dos a\u00e7\u00facares presentes na madeira de Eucalipto, nomeadamente a xilose e a glucose. A xilose est\u00e1 na base de diversos produtos de elevado valor acrescentado como o xilitol (ado\u00e7ante natural), furfural (solvente), prote\u00edna animal, entre outros.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[gallery format=\"short\" ratio=\"3:2\" ids=\"3526,3529,3532,3535\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A glucose, pelo seu lado, est\u00e1 na base da ind\u00fastria alimentar e \u00e9 um dos blocos prim\u00e1rias para a produ\u00e7\u00e3o de biocombust\u00edveis. Para esta iniciativa, a DIDT tem como objetivo associar-se a Centros Tecnol\u00f3gicos e Empresas de Engenharia com conhecimento espec\u00edfico nestes sectores. Para al\u00e9m disso, sempre que poss\u00edvel, ser\u00e3o utilizadas refer\u00eancias de projetos j\u00e1 implementados a n\u00edvel global para orientar a atividade de desenvolvimento. Isto permitir\u00e1 acelerar o conhecimento do grupo Altri em \u00e1reas adjacentes ao seu neg\u00f3cio principal de produ\u00e7\u00e3o de pasta.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong>Projeto inovador de economia circular nas f\u00e1bricas do grupo<\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Em estreita colabora\u00e7\u00e3o com a Dire\u00e7\u00e3o Industrial, iniciou-se um projeto para perceber a possibilidade de utilizar correntes residuais de fibra das f\u00e1bricas do grupo, para a produ\u00e7\u00e3o de pasta para papel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As correntes residuais de fibra tipicamente n\u00e3o podem ser reincorporadas no processo de produ\u00e7\u00e3o porque a tecnologia de cozimento que \u00e9 utilizada n\u00e3o est\u00e1 preparada para material fino. Por este motivo, esse material \u00e9 separado e enviado para a queima nas caldeiras. Com as restri\u00e7\u00f5es existentes no acesso \u00e0 mat\u00e9ria-prima em Portugal e para tentar reduzir a depend\u00eancia de importa\u00e7\u00e3o de madeira, iniciou-se a avalia\u00e7\u00e3o da possibilidade de incorporar e aproveitar este material na produ\u00e7\u00e3o de pasta de papel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>O que pretendem descobrir? Que tecnologia pode ser implementada na Celbi, que permita agregar estas correntes residuais do grupo, para produzir uma pasta equivalente \u00e0 pasta que \u00e9 produzida? \u201cEstamos a falar de produzir o mesmo produto, n\u00e3o outro produto\u201d, diz Gabriel Sousa. Trata-se de economia circular no grupo e de maximizar o valor criado.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cProcuramos n\u00e3o perder nada que tenha valor. Este material est\u00e1 a gerar valor, ao ser transformado em energia el\u00e9trica, mas ter\u00e1 valor adicional ao ser redirecionado para a produ\u00e7\u00e3o de pasta para papel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong>Utilizar os gases de enxofre para produzir uma mat\u00e9ria-prima<\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Outro projeto em an\u00e1lise \u00e9 a possibilidade de tratar na Celtejo os chamados gases n\u00e3o condens\u00e1veis, uma corrente residual do processo kraft, com uma tecnologia alternativa \u00e0 utilizada atualmente na ind\u00fastria.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tais gases s\u00e3o ricos em enxofre e outros compostos org\u00e2nicos que tipicamente s\u00e3o tratados na caldeira de recupera\u00e7\u00e3o para oxida\u00e7\u00e3o e produ\u00e7\u00e3o de energia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A DIDT estudou a possibilidade alternativa de usar essa corrente rica em gases de enxofre e, atrav\u00e9s de uma tecnologia inovadora, converter o enxofre dos gases em \u00e1cido sulf\u00farico, outro dos qu\u00edmicos utilizados no processo de produ\u00e7\u00e3o de pasta.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[gallery format=\"short\" ratio=\"3:2\" ids=\"3541,3538\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Este projeto tem uma dupla vantagem. Por um lado, uma corrente residual \u00e9 tratada e transformada em mat\u00e9ria-prima, com valor econ\u00f3mico. Por outro, todo o processo de transforma\u00e7\u00e3o produz energia el\u00e9trica, dado que o processo geraria ele pr\u00f3prio energia.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cNeste processo produzimos uma grande quantidade de informa\u00e7\u00e3o importante sobre a tecnologia utilizada, os casos em que j\u00e1 foi implementada, as dificuldades, os riscos e a avalia\u00e7\u00e3o do impacto na f\u00e1brica\u201d, refere Gabriel Sousa.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_pt_post_name":"estrategias-de-inovacao","_pt_post_excerpt":"A \u00e1rea de atua\u00e7\u00e3o da Dire\u00e7\u00e3o de Inova\u00e7\u00e3o e Desenvolvimento Tecnol\u00f3gico est\u00e1 relacionada com a valoriza\u00e7\u00e3o de correntes residuais e economia circular.","_pt_post_title":"Estrat\u00e9gias de inova\u00e7\u00e3o","_en_post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>[lead]The sphere of action of the Innovation and Technological Development Department relates to increasing the value of the residue streams, the circular economy and creating value by using what already exists in Altri\u2019s mills.[\/lead]<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Altri believes it is possible to create value by increasing its mills\u2019 production capacity, but this requires access to more raw material (eucalyptus) to convert into pulp. It is therefore necessary to perform an introspective analysis of the factories and to understand how to extract more economic value from these mills, without impact on wood consumption.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[image format=\"img-header-large\" id=\"3523\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[blockquote text=\"This has been our mission: to find out where we can squeeze out more, either in the end product, or in enhancing secondary streams to create new products, or in cutting variable costs by using innovative technologies.\" author=\"according to Gabriel Sousa, the head of Altri\u2019s Innovation and Technological Development Department (DIDT)\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Starting up the DIDT required identifying and setting out priorities with a series of anchor projects which could demonstrate the potential to the group and portray the department\u2019s practical vision. The starting point was Caima mill \u2013 a special manufacturing unit within the Altri organisation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Although small when compared with other group\u2019s mills, Caima uses a chemical production process based on magnesium, whose technology concept allows for the production of other things beyond pulp \u2013 which Celbi and Celtejo mills, based on kraft process, cannot.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The association between Caima unique process and eucalyptus wood may generate new renewable based chemicals. Acetic acid and furfural are two base chemicals which result from eucalyptus wood processing and which exist in evaporation condensates from Caima\u2019s production process. They are components which are present in residual sub-streams with limited economical value.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Since the Caima team had already done its homework, and done it well, by testing the possibility of extracting these chemical components from the residual sub-streams, and thereby raising its commercial value, the project drew the attention of the of Innovation and Technological Development Department (DIDT).&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As Gabriel Sousa explains, \u201cOther people, who are knowledgeable but approach the issue from a distance, are able to look at it through a fresh pair of eyes. We have now a knowledge with a level of maturity and development which enables us, in theory, to decide whether or not we can move forward\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In addition to the support provided by Caima\u2019s employees, the DIDT brought in a Swiss company specialised in the technology required for this project. This knowledge was crucial in finding the best way of recovering the two chemicals present in Caima process streams. This team was further complemented by the University of Aveiro, which gave support in the analytical measurements and characterisation of process streams.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As part of this development process, Gabriel Sousa explains that there is still a need to do \u201ca more detailed assessment, from the standpoint of the economic model and of the markets, so that we can make a decision regarding this project. Indeed, there are other less quantifiable components\u201d. On one hand, there is a risk component to be evaluated, since the processes being adopted are associated with the chemical industry, with which few people in pulp and paper industry are familiar. But on the other hand, there are also benefits which are also less quantifiable. The first is the benefit of technological integration into Caima\u2019s industrial mill. Then there is the benefit of \u201cadding value to a residual sub-stream and eventually to release further pulp mill\u2019s production capacity.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong>Modus operandi<\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The first project developed by the DIDT at Caima also served to demonstrate the strategy of how to work on these projects. Even though DIDT has a small team, it is multiplied by leveraging internal resources from other areas from Altri, complemented by external resources which can add value to the project.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[image format=\"img-header-large\" id=\"3520\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is what happened with the Swiss company which supplied technology, and with the university of Aveiro. According to Gabriel Sousa, \u201cWe could have had a team of 20 people with generic knowledge of pulp production and industrial processes, and possibly we could never achieve the result we did in this amount of time\u201d, he continues \u201ca group of three or four people, specialised in technologies in which we don\u2019t have expertise, can add knowledge where we otherwise wouldn\u2019t have\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To support the development process, and in the context of R&amp;D National Funding and Incentive System Portugal 2020, a new project had funding approved: \u201cCaimaChem \u2013 Research and develop new techniques for recovery and valorization of acetic acid and furfural from dissolving pulp evaporation condensates\u201d (POCI-01-0247 FEDER-045125), project co-funded within R&amp;D Incentive System from COMPETE 2020, Portugal 2020 and FEDER.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This project goal is to research new techniques to recover and purify acetic acid and furfural resulting from the condensate stream from the evaporation which occurs during the dissolving pulp production process employed Caima. With this project, new products can be developed which will follow the principles of the Circular Economy. This support R&amp;D project kicked off in April 2019 and will run through until March 2021.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong><strong>Valorization of wood sugars is another area of research within Altri Group<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Another area of research within Altri group is the valorization of Eucalyptus wood sugars, namely xylose and glucose. Xylose is the base for several high value-added products as xylitol (natural sweetener), furfural (solvent), animal protein, among others. In the other hand, glucose is the base for the food industry and it is one of the building blocks for biofuels production.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[gallery format=\"short\" ratio=\"3:2\" ids=\"3526,3529,3532,3535\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To support this initiative, DIDT is looking to partner with Technology Centres and Engineering Companies that have specific expertise on these sectors. In addition, when possible, real practical industrial examples will be used as guidepoints to steer the activity of DIDT on these areas. This will enable Altri group to accelerate the knowhow in adjacent areas to its pulp production core business.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong><strong>Innovate circular economy product at the group\u2019s factories<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Working closely with the Industrial Department, a new project was created to evaluate the possibility of using fibres from residue streams existing on the group\u2019s mills for pulp production.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fibres from residue streams usually cannot be reincorporated into the production process because the existing cooking technology cannot cope with such fine material. Currently, such material is therefore separated and sent to the boilers for energy generation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Given the existing restrictions on accessing raw material in Portugal, and in an attempt to reduce dependency on imported wood, the team started to assess the possibility of incorporating and using this material to manufacture pulp.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What do they hope to discover? Which technology can be implemented at Celbi, which will enable to use group\u2019s fibres from residue streams in order to produce a pulp equivalent to the pulp currently produced?&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>According to Gabriel Sousa, \u201cWe\u2019re talking about manufacturing the same product, not a different one\u201d. The idea is to encourage the circular economy within the group and maximise the value creation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cWe are focused in making sure we don\u2019t waste anything which has additional value. This material is already generating value, by being converted into electrical energy, but it will be more valuable if it\u2019s re-directed towards pulp production.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4><strong><strong>Using Sulphur gases to produce a raw material<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Another project under analysis is the possibility of Celtejo treating so-called non-condensable gases, a residue stream from kraft process, by using an alternative technology. Such gases are rich in sulphur and other organic compounds which are usually treated in the recovery boiler for oxidisation and energy production.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The DIDT studied the alternative possibility of using this sulphur-rich gas stream by employing an innovative technology to convert the sulphur in these gases into sulphuric acid, which is another chemical used in the pulp production process. The advantage of this is two-fold.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[gallery format=\"short\" ratio=\"3:2\" ids=\"3541,3538\"]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On one hand, a residual chemical is recovered and converted into raw material with an economic value. On the other hand, the entire manufacturing process produces electricity, given that the process would itself generate energy.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Gabriel Sousa tells us \u201cDuring this process we produced a large volume of important information regarding the technology used, cases in which it has already been implemented, the difficulties involved, the risks and the assessment of its impact on the mill.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_en_post_name":"","_en_post_excerpt":"","_en_post_title":"Innovation strategies","edit_language":"en","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[431,445,442],"class_list":["post-3514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tema-de-capa","tag-edicao-5","tag-estrategias","tag-inovacao"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3514","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3514"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3514\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3856,"href":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3514\/revisions\/3856"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3517"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3514"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3514"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conteudos.xl.pt\/altri-news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3514"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}