The financing by Lecta – a leading European manufacturer and distributor of paper – of a refuse-derived fuel (RDF) boiler on its Condat paper mill in France wins the IJGlobal ESG Award 2023 for energy from waste (EfW) in Europe.

One of the judges supported the submission saying it was “good support to innovation”.

This financing supports Lecta – advised by Linklaters – in its construction of the Condat RDF boiler at the paper mill which specialises in paper used for advertising publishing, luxury books and the press, as well as labels.

The boiler project is based on circular economy, as it will collect from local sources the waste with high biogenic content that will be used as fuel. This will help to reduce the volume of waste that currently cannot be recovered and would otherwise end up in landfills.

This energy transformation project – once operational mid-2024 – will reduce the site's natural gas consumption by 280GWh per year, avoiding some 55,000 tons of fossil CO2 emissions per year.

The boiler's installation requires a total investment of €56 million in capex, with €45 million funded by Kyotherm, an investment company specialising in renewable heat/steam and energy performance projects.

Apart from achieving net carbon reduction, this project will promote a more sustainable and circular economy, contributing to waste reduction and encouraging the use of local resources. Additionally, it supports Lecta's growth strategy by enhancing its environmental performance and providing a competitive advantage in the market.

Throughout its lifecycle, the project is expected to have several positive impacts on the environment, the economy, and the company itself.

For the Lecta Group, the project aligns with its sustainable development plan, which aims to transition to new growing markets and implement more sustainable energy sources.

By enhancing its environmental performance through this CSR boiler project, Lecta can strengthen its market position and build a competitive advantage in the paper manufacturing industry.

In terms of social impact, the project will raise awareness on sustainable practices and eco-friendly initiatives among local communities, ultimately fostering a more environmentally conscious culture.