World Water Day 2007 

United Nation’s World Water Day, celebrated each year on 22 March, focuses on coping with water scarcity this year.

Coping with water scarcity is becoming one of the greatest global challenges of the century. As global water use is increasing at more than twice the rate of population growth, water scarcity is becoming a worldwide issue that calls for worldwide solutions. Not only is the problem centralized around drought and growing demand of water – scarce water resources are often related to competition and political disputes, as well as to surface water quality and the degradation of ground water.

Stora Enso is decreasing water use

Stora Enso has faced the challenge of sustainable use of water by setting its own process water target. The Group aims to reduce the amount of process water discharged by 10% per tonne of pulp, paper and board production by end of 2010 from 2005. The accomplishment of this target would mean a reduction of about 50 million m3 of water annually. In 2006, the amount of process water discharged was reduced by 3% compared to 2005.

Process water use at Stora Enso mills has generally been on the decline during the last ten years, but in the long term decrease has been dramatic. 30 years ago, process water use per tonne of paper was about 35-40 m3 – now a tonne of paper can be produced by using only 10 m3 water.

Water comes to Stora Enso mills from various sources – in 2006, 97 % of all water used at Stora Enso mills was surface water coming from rivers and lakes, with the remainder coming from ground water and municipal sources.

Why does Stora Enso need water?

Water is an essential element to Stora Enso for paper production. Water acts as hydrogen bonds between fibres, holding the paper structure together. Water is also used for transport, cleaning, cooling, lubrication and as an energy source in the form of steam. High water quality is an important factor in ensuring high product quality, and at most mills fresh water has to be treated to remove solids before use. After water is used in pulp and papermaking processes, it has to be purified from contaminants before discharging it to the environment. Less process water use leads to less water processing in high temperatures, which ends in less energy use and reduced energy costs.

Read more:

Water booklet
Sustainability 2006 report
www.unwater.com/wwd07