Suzano's new pulp mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Brazil, which operates entirely with ANDRITZ technology, has reached its nominal production capacity of 2.55 million metric tons of bleached pulp per year in record time.
After just three months of stabilization following start-up, the mill entered a production ramp-up and reached nominal capacity within one year a new benchmark in the industry. This milestone establishes the mill as one of the largest and most efficient pulp production facilities in the world.
"Reaching the nominal capacity in a plant of this scale, with all systems operating in an integrated and efficient manner within such a short period, is a remarkable achievement," says Leonardo Mendonça Pimenta, Industrial Operations Director at Suzano in Mato Grosso do Sul. "The performance achieved is the result of a combination of technology, expertise, and dedicated support from ANDRITZ, along with the commitment and excellence of the Suzano team, whose efforts were crucial in turning the partnership into concrete and sustainable results."
ANDRITZ delivered a highly resource-efficient pulp mill with state-of-the-art technologies for fiber production and chemical recovery including gasification plants on an EPCC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Civil Works) basis. To further enhance environmental performance, ANDRITZ also supplied a SulfoLoop sulfuric acid plant. This unit produces commercial-grade sulfuric acid from the mill's concentrated odorous gases and elemental sulfur, enabling the recycling of sulfur from residual streams and making the plant fully self-sufficient in this key input.
The mill also incorporates an advanced automation and digitalization package designed to enhance operational efficiency and support decision-making. This is achieved through a suite of ANDRITZ Smart Series analyzers, condition and vision monitoring systems, robotics, and advanced Metris digital solutions for process control, simulation, and optimization. These technologies represent an important step toward a more intelligent and connected operation.
For ANDRITZ, the achievement reinforces its position as a leading supplier of complete, high-performance solutions for the pulp industry and underscores its strategic partnership with Suzano (suzano.com.br), based on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
