From Paper Recycling Waste to Clean Energy: CPTM Co-authors a Groundbreaking Study on Pulper Rejects Pyrolysis




Consorzio Polo Tecnologico Magona is proud to announce the publication, in the prestigious Journal of Environmental Management, of a scientific study that presents a concrete and sustainable solution for the valorization of non-recyclable waste from paper recycling, known as pulper rejects.

The research, developed in collaboration with the University of Pisa and RDM Group, demonstrates the technical and environmental feasibility of an integrated double-stage thermal pyrolysis system to convert this heterogeneous waste into thermal and electrical energy, directly reusable within the paper mill production cycle.

Key results:

  • ✅ Treatment of 1,800 kg/h of wet pulper rejects

  • ⚡ Generation of approximately 2 MW of electricity

  • Production of 1,300 kg/h of medium-pressure steam

  • 72% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to fossil fuels

  • Qualification of the fuel as Recycled Carbon Fuel under the European RED III Directive

A concrete solution for the paper industry

This process offers an innovative alternative to incineration or landfilling of pulper rejects by transforming a problematic waste stream into a renewable and sustainable energy source. The expected benefits are significant:

  • Lower disposal costs

  • Energy self-sufficiency for mills

  • Reduced environmental impact

  • Alignment with European goals on decarbonization and circular economy

A multi-stakeholder research initiative

CPTM actively contributed to the project through its role as a bridge between research and industry, supporting the techno-economic analysis and technology transfer. The study was co-authored by Letizia Marchetti, Mariangela Guastaferro, Marco Vaccari, Federica Annunzi, Mirco Faè, Leonardo Tognotti, and Cristiano Nicolella.

The involvement of RDM Group, a European leader in recycled-based cardboard production, ensured strong industrial validation of the process and data.

Reference

From Pulper rejects to paper mill resources through double-stage thermal pyrolysis,
Journal of Environmental Management (Elsevier), 2024.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126014

For CPTM, this work represents a further step in promoting low-emission technologies and supporting the green transition of local industries.