Essity unveils the world-first tissue machine operating on geothermal steam

More than 100 people attended the official opening of the newly upgraded tissue machine, including New Zealand and Australian business leaders from the manufacturing, distribution, sustainability and retail sectors, and Kawerau business and community representatives.

“We’ve invested NZD $ 20 million to upgrade our paper machine, which is the world’s only tissue machine using 100% geothermal steam drying in replacement of fossil fuels,” said Managing Director Essity Australasia, Sid Takla.

“This has enabled us to reduce the carbon footprint by 66% since 2009 at the Kawerau production facility, including a 25% reduction with our new technology upgrade. That’s the equivalent of removing 2,200 cars from the road annually,”.

Essity is the only tissue manufacturer in New Zealand, making paper onsite and converting it into finished products. The Kawerau Mill produces hygiene paper products used every day by New Zealanders, including Sorbent and Purex toilet tissue and Handee paper towels. The mill also produces products under Essity’s leading Tork brand.

Alongside celebrating world-first innovation in Kawerau, 2025 also marks 70 years of manufacturing excellence for Essity in the region. Essity has 300 employees in New Zealand, including 200 in Kawerau.

The production of tissue from geothermal steam is part of Essity’s work to use less energy and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.