In the Netherlands, many people work passionately with biomass as a raw material. They work on innovations, improve (production) processes or create policy for a fossil-free future. We have had a series of conversations with people who work at companies where bio raw materials are central. In this mini-series we highlight what drives them to work on the transition to a sustainable world. In the eighth episode we have a conversation with Eelco Anninga, who works at Crown Van Gelder.
Innovation in the paper industry has reached a new dimension with the emergence of sugar beet paper. Eelco Anninga, Product Technologist at Crown Van Gelder, enthusiastically shares his insights into the use of bio-raw materials for sustainable paper.
Eelco, born and raised in Haarlem, studied industrial design in Enschede. His interest in technology and creativity led to a specialization in packaging during his master's degree. “I really enjoy optimizing products. How can I have a positive impact on the environment? That was my motivation,” says Eelco. His journey through South America strengthened his awareness of environmental issues, which led to his search for a company that could combine his passion for the environment and technology.
At a packaging company, Eelco discovered the art of optimization, especially when producing corrugated cardboard boxes. “How do you make a box stronger with less cardboard weight? That was the challenge,” he explains. His expertise and search for new projects eventually brought him to Crown Van Gelder. Growing up in Haarlem and often taking the ferry by bike that is close to the factory, Eelco could not have imagined that he would one day come to work here. And with that this circle is also complete.
Crown Van Gelder was looking for a professional who wanted to work on alternative fibers as a raw material for paper. Traditionally, wood fibers are used, but Crown Van Gelder strives for a closed circular approach by upcycling waste streams from other industries. Eelco's passion for this sustainable process is clear: “Using waste flows and upcycling into a product, thus creating a closed circle, really appeals to me.”
With more than 125 years of experience, Crown Van Gelder has reinvented itself to deliver specialized products for various applications. They also make paper with which the print quality is high. Because the less ink you need, the better it is for the environment. Their commitment to innovation is evident in the development of alternative fibers for sustainable paper.
Crown Van Gelder strongly believes in the future of sustainable paper with alternative fibers. By replacing wood fibers with fibers from agricultural residual flows, such as sugar beet pulp, they significantly reduce the CO2 footprint of paper. With their sugar beet paper, called Crown Native, they have proven to be at the forefront of this development. They aim to obtain at least 2030% of their fiber from alternative sources by 20.
Crown Native, the result of this innovative approach, is not only strong and affordable, but also food safe and reusable up to seven times. It is mainly used in packaging materials, but Crown Van Gelder is also investigating other options.
Eelco explains: “At Crown Van Gelder we use sugar beets. After the harvest they make sugar from it, we receive the residual flows and process them into a fiber fraction that we can use in paper. The sugar bag is then made from this paper, so you have a nice circle; towards a circular economy.”
The choice of sugar beet pulp as a raw material is strategic because it contributes well to the strength of the paper. It is a local residual flow with minimal ecological impact. The sugar beets are harvested within a radius of 150 km around the factory, reducing transport movements and CO2 emissions.
Although other fibers such as elephant grass are also suitable, Eelco emphasizes the benefits of sugar beet pulp. “Elephant grass as an example also has a very strong fiber. But for that you have to cultivate a piece of land. Then it is no longer a residual product. Then you embark on a completely different path. If you want to properly unlock those fibers, a lot of energy and chemical treatment are required. That is why sugar beet pulp was chosen. Beet pulp is now widely used as animal feed, but we can use it for other applications such as paper. “
Crown Van Gelder wants to halve their CO2030 emissions by 2. Eelco emphasizes the implementation of sensors, new technologies and artificial intelligence in the production process. In addition, they are planning to invest in an electric boiler, which will allow them to use electricity from a nearby offshore wind farm instead of natural gas.
As a Product Technologist, he is looking at how alternative (bio) fibers can be processed into paper. Together with a team, he continuously works on improving the process.
The colleagues who have worked in the paper factory their entire career know no better than paper is made from wood fibers. They first had to get used to the idea, but as soon as the first 'beet paper' rolls off the conveyor belt they are very proud. They feel very involved in the entire (development) process.
Innovation, sustainability and commitment to a greener future are central to Crown Van Gelder. Eelco and his team remain committed to integrating alternative fibers into their high-quality paper products, with the aim of continuing to exceed market standards and contributing to a more sustainable world. Changing the world of paper.
