Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has achieved a major sustainability milestone at its Merebank mill in Durban, South Africa, with the installation of a new turbine in the site’s power plant. The mill is now able to generate 60% of its electricity, significantly reducing reliance on grid-supplied power and improving operational efficiency.
The project includes the installation of a new condensing steam turbine, cooling towers, piping and control systems, using excess steam from the mill’s boiler.
“This project is a game-changer for the mill,” says Donovan Naidoo, Operations Director at Mondi Merebank. “By generating power onsite, we reduce our dependency on external electricity supply, reduce costs and take a step towards energy independence, climate resilience and long-term operational stability. Once the cooling tower upgrade is completed, the new turbine will produce more electricity than the mill consumes – a significant milestone in our journey towards self-sufficiency.”
In addition to increasing energy self-sufficiency, the new turbine project will also reduce the mill’s carbon footprint.
Alongside this energy investment, the mill has completed two flood-proofing projects to mitigate risks from natural disasters. The projects include the installation of flood gates and the deployment of inflatable flood barriers, allowing for the rapid creation of water-catchment dams. Together, these measures help protect the mill’s operations and nearby communities from extreme weather events, helping ensure business continuity.
The turbine generator project and flood-proofing projects contribute to the Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030) sustainability commitments.