Across APP’s production facilities, the company has implemented various efforts for a practical and sustainable approach to managing waste and energy use. One of these methods is by adopting the circular bio-economy model where APP focuses on the efficient utilization of natural resources and the reduction of waste. Or in simpler words, generating energy from waste.
In the effort to find alternative energy sources, the company has developed a Wastewater Treatment (WWT) unit that processes wastewater through several stages, including physical, chemical, and biological process to remove suspended solids and chemical oxygen demand. The biosludge produced during this process is dewatered to reduce its water content, making it suitable for use as a fuel substitute in the company's boilers.
“This biosludge is mixed with coal and wood chips to feed into the boiler. This way, we reduce the use of coal by combining it with two different types of biomass,” explained Eman Chitalindo from the Tangerang mill. He added that the process, which was first trialed five years ago, results in 20 tons of biosludge per day.
By incorporating biosludge into the energy mix, the mill reduces its reliance on coal, which helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a cleaner environment.
Separately, in the Serang mill, another process utilizing anaerobic digestion is used to obtain biogas from treating wastewater. In this process, the biosludge is pumped into large tanks called digesters, where anaerobic bacteria, particularly methanogens, break down the organic material in the absence of oxygen, releasing biogas. This biogas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide, can be used to generate electricity or heat, further reducing the company's reliance on fossil fuels.
“The anaerobic digestion process allows us to convert wastewater into biogas, which is then generated into steam to support the paper machine,” said Nova Safarinulloh at the Serang mill. “This not only provides a renewable energy source but also helps us manage waste more effectively.”
This practice aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 12. SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. By using biosludge as a renewable energy source, APP supports the use of sustainable energy alternatives. SDG 12 focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, and APP's circular bio-economy model exemplifies this goal by minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.
This approach to wastewater treatment and biosludge utilization is a practical example of how industries can adopt sustainable practices, and that it is possible to achieve both environmental and operational benefits.
By reducing the use of coal and promoting renewable energy sources, APP makes significant strides towards achieving SDGs 7 and 12. This approach not only benefits the environment but also enhances the company's operational efficiency.