The Saica Group is Accelerating the Decarbonisation of its Nogent-sur-Seine Site with The Commissioning of a New Biomass Boiler

Following on from Venizel and Champblain-Laveyron, Saica is commissioning a new biomass boiler at its Nogent-sur-Seine site (France), marking a major milestone in the Group’s energy transition.

Representing an investment of €86 million, this new facility, designed to produce green energy, replaces the old natural gas boilers, enabling a drastic reduction in the site’s carbon footprint.

A landmark project launched in 2021

Funded by the French Government as part of the Recovery Plan managed by ADEME and financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU to the tune of €14.99 million, this project embodies the objectives of the National Climate Plan, which supports renewable energy and encourages a reduction in the use of fossil fuels.

It involves the installation of a biomass steam generator, divided into four main areas:

- A 49.75 MW thermal biomass boiler with a net low-pressure steam production of 450,000 tonnes per year.

- A unit for processing external fuels consisting of locally sourced wood waste.

- A unit for the recovery of by-products from the cleaning of paper and cardboard for recycling, which serve as raw materials for the production of packaging paper.

- A 5.5 MWe steam turbine producing 37 GWh/year, equivalent to 28% of the mill’s electricity consumption.

Over the past few years, the project has passed through all key stages, from the administrative and environmental procedures initiated in 2021 to the granting of official permits in 2023. Project management work and contracts for the main equipment – biomass boiler, fuel handling and steam turbine – were launched between 2023 and 2024, enabling progress towards the testing and commissioning phases of the facilities, which took place in 2025. The plant was officially completed in May 2026, marking the successful conclusion of this strategic project.

With a thermal capacity of 49.75 MW, the biomass boiler at Nogent-sur-Seine will produce approximately 300 GWh per year, covering 90% of the plant’s steam requirements, with the remaining 10% covered by a biogas boiler. It will thus replace the equivalent of 30 million standard cubic metres of natural gas per year, leading to an 89% reduction in the site’s consumption of this fossil fuel. This energy transition will result in a 75% reduction in the mill’s Scope 1 fossil greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to approximately 50,000 tonnes of CO2 avoided each year.

Beyond its environmental performance, this facility will optimise and secure energy production costs within a demanding industrial and competitive context.

A circular economy and regional development approach

At the same time, this facility will enable more than 97%, or approximately 50,000 tonnes, of by-products from the paper production process to be directly utilised on-site.

The biomass supply, comprising 65,000 tonnes per year of wood waste collected within a radius of approximately 100 km around Nogent-sur-Seine, illustrates Saica’s commitment to establishing a sustainable local supply chain (estimated 40 jobs created). This facility is fully in line with a circular economy approach, promoting the recycling and recovery of available resources as close as possible to production sites.

This commissioning goes far beyond mere environmental and economic benefits. It represents a significant step forward in Saica’s mission to combine industrial innovation with ecological commitment, whilst strengthening its role as a leader in the recycled paper sector.

A strategic site for the Saica Group

The paper mill in Nogent-sur-Seine in the Aube department (France) is a modern facility, established in 2005 and acquired by the Saica Group in 2018. With over 150 direct jobs and close collaboration with local businesses, the mill plays a major role in the region’s economic development. The mill produces recycled paper for corrugated board (PPO), made 100% from recovered paper and cardboard (PCR).

The commissioning of the biomass boiler confirms the key role played by the Nogent-sur-Seine plant in the Group’s industrial and environmental strategy. It establishes the site as a benchmark for the circular economy, whilst helping to secure local jobs, with more than 15 new positions created.

“At Saica, biomass is much more than an energy alternative: it is a cornerstone of our commitment to a sustainable future. By utilising every tonne of end-of-life wood waste in our biomass boiler, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint whilst creating a genuine circular economy at a local level. In Nogent-sur-Seine, this commitment takes the form of a structured supply chain that combines energy independence with respect for the environment. Through this approach, we combine industrial performance with environmental responsibility, an ambition that guides everything we do.” Renaud Guilianelli, Industrial Director, Saica Paper France.