PORTUGAL – International technology group Andritz has been awarded a contract to supply a dry fibreboard recycling line to Sonae Arauco’s mill in Mangualde, Portugal.

This line will convert end-of-life fibreboards into valuable fibres for new production, marking it as the world’s first industrial-scale fibreboard recycling line.

Paulo Pinto De Sousa, director at Sonae Arauco, stated, “Recycling fibreboards is vital for a circular economy, reducing the use of natural resources and energy. We trust Andritz as a reliable supplier for this innovative project.”

The line utilizes continuous steam treatment with Andritz’s Steam-Ex discharger, ensuring low steam consumption and high efficiency. Michael Frint, technology director at Andritz, emphasized the effectiveness of combining their refining systems with the Steam-Ex technology.

Scheduled for operation in Q2 2025, this initiative highlights Sonae Arauco’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the wood-based panels industry. CEO Rui Correia noted the strategic importance of recycling for the company, aiming for 85% recycled wood in certain regions by 2027.

This new recycling line is part of the TransForm project under Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, focusing on business innovation and green agendas.