Our new electric boiler reduces gas use, lowers CO₂ emissions and even helps stabilize the electricity grid. A major step toward a cleaner, more flexible energy system.
Coldenhove is taking a big step forward with one of the largest sustainability investments in our recent history: our new electric boiler (eBoiler), fully operational since November 2025.
This state-of-the-art installation reflects our confidence in the future and our commitment to modernizing the energy system that drives our paper production. Working alongside our existing steam boiler, the eBoiler creates a flexible hybrid setup that prepares us for long-term, reliable, and cleaner energy generation.
“The fact that we are able to make this commitment shows the strength and stability of our organization. We choose to invest because we believe in a sustainable, future-proof way of operating.”
Arnoud Roelandse Managing Director
A more efficient, future-proof steam system
For operations, the new setup is just as meaningful. “The eBoiler makes our steam production more flexible and efficient,” explains Maikel Brummelkamp, Director of Operations. “It gives us an additional way to generate steam — one that doesn’t rely on gas — and that makes our process more resilient for the future.”
With the hybrid system in place, Coldenhove can dynamically choose the most efficient and sustainable energy source based on demand, availability and grid conditions.
Strengthening the regional electricity grid
Beyond its impact on our own mill, the eBoiler also plays a role in improving energy stability in our region. Maikel explains: “The grid is seeing more peaks and dips because of solar and wind production. An eBoiler can help absorb those fluctuations by using surplus electricity and converting it into heat. That stabilizes the grid, and at the same time helps us run more sustainably.”
This ability — often referred to as power-to-heat — supports the broader transition toward renewable energy in the Netherlands.
Ready for the future
Building a cleaner, more resilient mill for the decades ahead.
With the installation complete and the system now running daily, Coldenhove has taken a concrete step toward cleaner production. “The eBoiler is an investment that pays back in sustainability, reliability and long-term competitiveness,” Arnoud says. “It helps us operate more responsibly today and prepares us for the energy landscape of tomorrow.”
Surrounding our mill, Coldenhove maintains 35 hectares of Natura2000 protected forest in close cooperation with local authorities and nature-management experts. This forest is never used for fiber sourcing. All pulp for our papers comes from FSC® certified production forests, so we protect nature locally while sourcing responsibly.
We reuse 95% of all process water. Through advanced purification and smart recirculation, the same water travels through our mill again and again, drastically reducing the need for fresh water. The remaining 5% is treated at our water treatment facility IWE, where it is thoroughly cleaned before being safely returned to nature.
Our production generates a constant stream of warm water — and instead of wasting it, we use it. By recovering excess heat, we warm our own facilities, nearby buildings and even supply heat to Eerbeek’s public swimming pool, helping to lower gas consumption across the community.
Our solar installation powers our fully electric company cars, forklifts and reach trucks, helping us electrify mobility across the site and cut local emissions. These steps form an important part of our broader shift toward sustainable energy use at Coldenhove.
By redesigning our mini-jumbo rolls from 40 cm to 38 cm, we fit up to 30% more paper on every pallet. This single change significantly reduces transport emissions per delivered tonne — and helps customers lower their footprint too.
All our papers are made from FSC®-certified virgin fibres, sourced only from responsibly managed production forests. This supports sustainable forestry practices and ensures long-term availability of high-quality fibre for future generations.
With detailed monitoring of every machine, smarter heat recovery and more efficient equipment, we have already achieved major reductions in electricity and gas use. These investments translate into substantial energy savings — and lower CO₂ emissions year after year.
