Wood, Data and Sustainability. Modern Industry Without Compromise
72 ǀ POSITIV TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY | TECH+
Do you implement projects in advanced automation
or digitalisation of production, including AI
or data analysis?
At the Paskov plant, we are already at an advanced level
of automation. Many production processes are centrally
controlled from the control room or operate in fully
automated mode. This ensures the stability and efficiency
of operations. A certain challenge remains in the area
of wood processing, where automation has not yet
reached the level of other parts of production.
Last year we launched the first stage of modernisation –
and we plan to gradually continue with the entire wood
supply system feeding into the cooking process. This
project is important for increasing capacity and improving
working conditions.
In terms of data analysis, we have implemented a plant-
wide system for collecting and monitoring production
data, which enables us to track and evaluate processes
across the entire operation.
One of the latest innovations we are currently
working on is a new system for collecting and sharing
innovative ideas across the Lenzing Group. This tool
incorporates AI features that allow for automatic
comparison of proposals from different plants – for
example, between Paskov and Brazil – thereby fostering
mutual learning and improvement across various areas
of production.
Our goals in digitalisation and automation are not only
about technologies – they are about creating a smarter,
more efficient and more sustainable operation that
is prepared for the challenges of modern industry.
What are you planning for the coming year in terms
of new production technologies, and how does
the construction of the new DMC2 hall
fit into these plans?
We plan to continue with the gradual optimisation of the
plant with the goal of reaching a production capacity
of 300,000 tonnes of pulp per year. Achieving this requires
consistent improvements in the efficiency of existing
processes. We are continuing with the replacement
of pulp bleaching filters, which enables us to achieve
higher output quality.
We also plan to install equipment for the automatic
control of viscosity – one of the most important
parameters guiding the entire production process. This
step will significantly increase the accuracy and stability
of production.
Another planned innovation is the implementation
of a software solution for the automatic control
of the bleaching process, allowing us to better
respond to changes in input parameters and optimise
the consumption of raw materials and energy.
In addition to these specific technologies, a number
of optimisation projects are underway in the plant,
focusing on savings in thermal energy, reduced chemical
consumption and increased efficiency of the wastewater
treatment plant. These projects contribute not only
to economic efficiency but also to our sustainability goals.
The construction of the new DMC2 hall will enable us to
modernise logistics management, streamline material
flow and reduce operating costs.
The company is almost energy self-sufficient
and feeds surplus energy into the grid.
Are you planning to expand your energy
technologies further?
Yes, Lenzing Biocel Paskov is an energy self-sufficient
plant, and we regularly supply surplus energy to the
public grid. What is crucial, however, is that all of this
energy comes from renewable sources – specifically
from wood, which serves as the raw material for our
production. Only 1–2% of energy comes from natural
gas, and this is used solely in cases of technological
outages or specific operational situations. We are very
proud of this system.
Energy is becoming an increasingly important part
of our biorefinery concept, and that is why we want
to continue focusing on it intensively in the future.
At present, we are analysing several options for further
development – considering which technologies
would best complement our existing system while
also contributing to its long-term sustainability.
We are focusing not only on further possibilities for
using renewable resources but also on improving
the prediction of energy consumption and production,
as well as the integration of new equipment.
Thank you for the interview.
Lenzing Biocel Paskov is a modern biorenery belonging
to the global Lenzing Group. It produces high-quality
pulp, which serves as the basis for environmentally
friendly texle bres. From its origins as a paper
pulp producer, the plant has gradually transformed
into a high-tech operaon focused on sustainability
and innovaon – today the plant manufactures pulp
for viscose bres with a minimal ecological footprint.