A major project to boost energy efficiency and cut emissions at the “Stiga RM” birch plywood mill in Kuldīga is nearing completion, with the company investing more than 7 million euros in its implementation. As part of the project, thermal treatment basins are being built to improve the heat treatment process for birch veneer logs, while a boiler house has been constructed and a new steam boiler is being installed, thereby ensuring the lowest possible energy consumption and reducing environmental impact in line with EU Climate Policy requirements.

“Substantial modernisation of our woodworking and production processes will allow us to meet the requirements set for 2027 on environmental policy guidelines as early as this year, and to stay a step ahead in meeting climate neutrality targets. By introducing the world's best and most innovative solutions, we are not only promoting an environmentally friendly approach and caring for the preservation of the surrounding environment, but also strengthening the company's competitiveness and production capacity,” emphasises Viesturs Krēvics, director of the “Stiga RM” plywood mill.

More energy-efficient thermal treatment basins

With the green transformation activities progressing successfully, construction of the new basins on the mill site, where birch veneer logs will undergo hydrothermal treatment, will be completed as early as December. Unlike the basins used previously, these will increase the efficiency of the treatment process while reducing total energy consumption by up to 2 MW. What is more, the new solution will help to almost entirely eliminate the odour typical of soaking wood, thereby having a positive effect on the well-being of employees and of residents living in the vicinity of the mill.

Sustainable steam energy to power production

Construction of the boiler house is nearing completion, and it will house the world's most innovative steam boiler, meeting all future environmental requirements. Its total capacity is 12 MW, producing up to 20 tonnes of steam per hour and delivering a considerably higher efficiency rating. The new boiler will be fired with low-value wood – wood chips, wood residues and by-products from the plywood production process, thereby promoting sustainable zero-waste consumption and the use of CO₂-neutral energy in industry.