Kimberly-Clark Australia (KCA) has been recognised for driving sustainable solutions within the manufacturing industry following the installation of a $33 million cogeneration facility in Millicent Mill, South Australia.
The company was recognised by the Australian Business Awards (ABA) 2014 in two categories - innovation and technology.
KCA’s Millicent facility accounts for around 90 per cent of the company’s energy footprint and is home to its Family Care brands which include Kleenex tissues and Viva paper towels.
To reduce the company’s footprint, KCA installed the cogeneration facility in the second half of 2013.
By capturing the waste heat in the exhaust of the gas turbine and using it as a replacement for natural gas in paper drying and steam production, the mill benefits from lower energy consumption, lower energy costs and the overall environmental benefits of reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
One of four cogeneration facilities for Kimberly-Clark globally, the recovery and reuse of the waste heat sets a new benchmark for energy efficiency and is a technology first for the company globally.
Jacquie Fegent-McGeachie, associate director of corporate affairs and sustainability, said the company’s goal is to work toward a more sustainable future.
“Providing 100 per cent of the mills steam and 92 per cent of the mills total electricity, the cogeneration facility is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80,000 tonnes per annum – the equivalent of powering 36,000 average homes for a year,” she said.
KCA’s vice president and managing director, Robbert Rietbroek, said sustainability is vitally important in today’s challenging business landscape.
“I am proud to say that our Australian operations are thriving as we invest in innovation to allow us to continue to make the best products for our consumers, increase efficiencies and reduce our environmental footprint,” he said. Being recognised as an ABA100 Winner in both Innovation and Technology categories is a great achievement for Kimberly-Clark that acknowledges the steps we are taking to driving sustainable solutions throughout our business.’
The ABA program is in its ninth year, according to program director, Tara Johnston.
“With a modernised economy we are experiencing notable change in business with new market and social needs expanding rapidly. The ABA100 Winners are reflective of a nation-wide commitment to innovation and improvement, with the award honouring their evident traction within their respective industries,” she said.