Suzano reaches nominal capacity and 1 million tons of production in record time with ANDRITZ-delivered pulp mill
Suzano has reached remarkable production milestones at its new pulp mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Brazil, delivered by ANDRITZ.
The world’s largest single-line eucalyptus pulp mill achieved average nominal capacity within less than six months after start-up, nearly four months ahead of schedule. Another milestone was met on January 8 when the mill’s production reached its first 1 million tons of pulp. When fully operational, the mill will have an annual production capacity of 2.55 million tons.
The learning curve at the new mill was completed on December 29, 2024, when Suzano consistently produced bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp at an average daily rate exceeding the planned 7,203 t/d for 30 days.
Leonardo Mendonça Pimenta, Director of Industrial Operations at Suzano in Ribas do Rio Pardo, commented: “This achievement is the result of a combination of several factors, including excellent equipment, great suppliers, and very good project execution. The training of the operating team more than a year before the start of operations also played a major role in delivering these extraordinary results.”
ANDRITZ supplied a highly resource-efficient pulp mill with leading technologies for fiber production and chemical recovery including gasification plants on an EPCC basis (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Civil Works). To further enhance environmental performance, ANDRITZ supplied a SulfoLoop sulfuric acid plant, which already reached full capacity in January 2025. This plant produces commercial grade sulfuric acid from the mill’s concentrated odorous gases and elemental sulfur, enabling the mill to recycle sulfur from the waste streams and become completely self-sufficient in sulfuric acid.
Suzano’s new mill is equipped with one of the most comprehensive automation and digitalization packages in the industry, enabling it to achieve an unprecedented level of autonomy and set a new global benchmark. This is made possible by a suite of Smart Series analyzers, condition monitoring and vision systems, as well as robotics and Metris advanced process control, simulation and digitalization solutions.
Jarno Nymark, ANDRITZ Executive Board Member responsible for Pulp & Paper, stated: “The excellent collaboration with the customer and the operational expertise of the customer’s team have been essential in achieving this impressive start-up curve. We are honored to be a part of this flagship project by delivering all state-of-the-art process islands, comprehensive automation and digitalization solutions, as well as dedicated services.”
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Suzano’s new pulp mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo, supplied by ANDRITZ.
© SuzanoANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and corporate culture. With its extensive portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, ANDRITZ aims to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable future and help its customers achieve their sustainability goals. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydropower and Environment & Energy. Technological leadership and global presence are cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 30,000 employees and over 280 locations in more than 80 countries.
ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.
The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.