TORRES NOVAS, Portugal — Portuguese tissue manufacturer Renova has inaugurated a new €11 million decarbonization project at its Factory 2 in Torres Novas, replacing most of the natural gas used in tissue production with renewable biomass and cutting operational carbon emissions by more than half.

The project, officially launched on June 30, forms part of the company’s long-term energy transition strategy and received €5.8 million in funding through the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).

Biomass Plant Replaces Natural Gas

At the center of the investment is a new biomass energy plant that now provides the majority of the thermal energy required for tissue manufacturing.

According to the company, natural gas will only be used as a backup fuel during scheduled maintenance or unexpected operational interruptions.

The transition has enabled Renova to reduce its combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon dioxide emissions by 50.6% compared with 2020 levels, exceeding the project’s original target of a 43% reduction.

Project Expected to Avoid 54,000 Tonnes of CO₂ Each Year

Renova estimates the new energy system will prevent approximately 54,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, significantly lowering the environmental footprint of its tissue production operations.

Beyond the biomass facility, the investment also included several energy-efficiency upgrades designed to improve manufacturing performance.

These include:

• Installation of the company’s first electric paper drying unit
• Expansion of residual heat recovery systems
• Enhanced environmental monitoring of industrial processes

The improvements are intended to reduce energy consumption while increasing production efficiency and supporting the company’s broader sustainability objectives.

Decarbonization Supports Competitiveness

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Renova Chairman and CEO Paulo Pereira da Silva described the investment as a major milestone in the company’s energy transition.

He said the project strengthens Renova’s competitiveness by lowering energy costs, reducing carbon emissions and improving the environmental profile of its tissue products.

The investment reflects a growing trend across the European tissue industry, where manufacturers are replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources to meet climate targets while improving operational efficiency.

European Tissue Industry Accelerates Energy Transition

Energy-intensive tissue production has become a major focus for decarbonization efforts as European manufacturers respond to rising energy costs, stricter emissions regulations and corporate sustainability commitments.

Investments in biomass boilers, heat recovery technologies and electrified production systems are increasingly being adopted across the sector to reduce dependence on natural gas and improve long-term energy resilience.

Headquartered in Torres Novas, Portugal, Renova manufactures premium tissue products sold in more than 60 countries, with a portfolio known for innovative product designs and environmentally focused manufacturing.

Last Updated on 10/07/2026 by Jota Machinery