When discussing biogas, the focus is often on agricultural plants or municipal waste management. However, renewable energy production can also be successfully implemented in complex industrial environments, such as the paper industry.

A concrete example is provided by Cartiere Cardella, which developed an innovative project with the objectives of:

• Optimizing industrial wastewater treatment
• Reducing environmental impact
• Producing renewable energy in the form of biomethane

The core of the project: anaerobic digestion

Through the introduction of an anaerobic digestion section within the wastewater treatment department, it was possible to:

• Reduce the organic load of wastewater
• Generate biogas, a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide
• Convert biogas into biomethane through an upgrading process

Tangible results and environmental benefits

The company is now capable of producing approximately 150 Nm³/h of biomethane, equivalent to the annual gas demand of around 860 households. This achievement has resulted in:

• A significant reduction in CO₂ emissions
• A substantial improvement in overall energy efficiency

A circular economy model for industry

The Cartiere Cardella case demonstrates how green technologies can create value even in traditionally energy-intensive sectors. It represents a forward-looking pathway focused on sustainability, innovation, and ecological transition.