Suzano Reaches Nominal Capacity and 1 Million Tonnes of Production in Record Time with ANDRITZ-delivered Pulp Mill

Suzano has reached remarkable production milestones at its new pulp mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Brazil, delivered by ANDRITZ.

The world’s largest single-line eucalyptus pulp mill achieved average nominal capacity within less than six months after start-up, nearly four months ahead of schedule. Another milestone was met on 8 January when the mill’s production reached its first 1 million tonnes of pulp. When fully operational, the mill will have an annual production capacity of 2.55 million tonnes.

The learning curve at the new mill was completed on 29 December 2024, when Suzano consistently produced bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp at an average daily rate exceeding the planned 7,203 t/d for 30 days.

This achievement is the result of a combination of several factors, including excellent equipment, great suppliers, and very good project execution. The training of the operating team more than a year before the start of operations also played a major role in delivering these extraordinary results.

Leonardo Mendonça Pimenta, Director of Industrial Operations at Suzano in Ribas do Rio Pardo

ANDRITZ supplied a highly resource-efficient pulp mill with leading technologies for fibre production and chemical recovery including gasification plants on an EPCC basis (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Civil Works). To further enhance environmental performance, ANDRITZ supplied a SulfoLoop sulfuric acid plant, which already reached full capacity in January 2025. This plant produces commercial grade sulfuric acid from the mill’s concentrated odorous gases and elemental sulphur, enabling the mill to recycle sulphur from the waste streams and become completely self-sufficient in sulfuric acid.

Suzano’s new mill is equipped with one of the most comprehensive automation and digitalisation packages in the industry, enabling it to achieve an unprecedented level of autonomy and set a new global benchmark. This is made possible by a suite of Smart Series analysers, condition monitoring and vision systems, as well as robotics and Metris advanced process control, simulation and digitalisation solutions.

The excellent collaboration with the customer and the operational expertise of the customer’s team have been essential in achieving this impressive start-up curve. We are honoured to be a part of this flagship project by delivering all state-of-the-art process islands, comprehensive automation and digitalisation solutions, as well as dedicated services.

Jarno Nymark, ANDRITZ Executive Board Member responsible for Pulp & Paper