R&D&I

Ence’s industrial production system is based on research, development and innovation activities.

Research activities in the field of pulp production are focused on the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and, as a result, in the products offered and our continuous adaptation to market needs.

Collaborative projects with customers in the paper industry are particularly valuable for adapting Ence’s product to the market’s actual needs, addressing the specific requirements of the multiple applications of the pulp produced by the company.

More specifically, in the area of ​​transformation and production, the efforts made in R&D&I focus on improving specific yield, by introducing and implementing energy efficiency innovations and reducing wood consumption during brewing (by adapting new continuous-brewing systems).

Ence also researches and innovates in the technological improvements of ECF and TCF Ecological pulps, with a view to improving paper performance, increasing quality and reducing the use of chemical products.

All of Ence’s production centres have a specialized Research, Development and Innovation unit, dedicated to improving industrial processes and the development of pulp features suited to the needs of our customers.

Featured Projects

“Feel Europe”

Project objectives

The purpose of the BITÚMINA project is to research and develop cold and warm bituminous mixtures with improved mechanical and rheological properties, and with a significant reduction in the carbon footprint, through the use of bio-bitumens and bituminous emulsions based on modified Kraft lignin (chemically modified or blended with oils), and also incorporating material from recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) to replace natural aggregate.

Specific Objectives

Regarding bitumens and emulsions with bio-bitumen based on Kraft lignin

• Adjustment and optimization of the conditioning and percentage of modified Kraft lignin (chemically modified or treated with oils) that can be added to conventional bitumen.
• Obtaining a bio-bitumen containing at least 10% modified lignin (chemically modified or with oil additives).
• Determination of the optimal formulation(s) for emulsions

Technical and environmental validation of the optimal bituminous mixture(s) developed through a proof-of-concept test

Environmental Objectives

• Production of cold and warm-mix asphalt with a lower carbon footprint