How solar power supports our growing electric fleet
In 2014, Coldenhove made a deliberate step in its energy transition by installing approximately 100 solar panels on the site. The installation does not power the mill itself — that would require far more capacity. Instead, the energy is used where it has the biggest and most immediate impact: our electric company cars, forklifts and reach trucks.
“Solar energy helps us electrify the things we can electrify today. Every kilometer driven on solar power is a step closer to a cleaner, smarter system”
Arnoud Roelandse Managing Director
More paper per pallet
The installation produced more than 192 MWh of clean electricity. The equivalent of this energy is used on site to power our growing fleet of electric mobility:
100% electric and hybrid company cars
Fully electric forklifts and reach trucks
Charging points available for employees and visitors
Space to grow
Currently, solar panels cover only a portion of our available roof space. We continuously review how and where we can expand — not only on roofs, but also on unused space around the factory — balancing technical feasibility with grid capacity and other sustainability projects.
Together with heat recovery, energy monitoring and electrification initiatives, solar power strengthens our long-term ambition: a lower-carbon, forward-looking energy system across the entire mill.
Solar as part of our philosophy
Small steps move the mill forward.
Our solar programme isn’t about powering the entire mill — that wouldn’t be realistic. Instead, it reflects a principle that runs throughout Coldenhove: use renewable energy wherever it makes sense, and keep expanding as technology allows. By electrifying our company cars, forklifts and reach trucks, we ensure that the clean energy we generate is used efficiently and directly.
It’s a practical, honest approach to sustainability — making real progress today while preparing for bigger steps 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.
Coldenhove’s electric boiler (eBoiler) operates alongside our existing steam installation as a hybrid system. By generating steam electrically, we significantly lower CO₂ emissions, while becoming less dependent on fossil fuels. The eBoiler can also absorb peaks in the electricity grid by taking in surplus renewable power, helping stabilize the grid.
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.
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.
