Energy and waste saving measures for the paper and wood products industry

The forest products industry is one of the largest energy consuming sectors of American industry. As such, it is also one of the eight "Industries of the Future" targeted by the US Department of Energy's Office of Industrial Technologies (DOE-OIT). The Department of Energy is currently spending millions of dollars in cooperative research with forest products firms to develop new energy-efficient technology to improve the competitiveness of US Companies. In addition, DOE has developed technology transfer programs to provide assist in the dissemination of new and existing technology to these firms. These assessments contain recommendations for reducing energy use in all forms (oil, natural gas, electricity, etc.) and cover source reduction of all raw and finished products (water, sewer, paper, packaging, etc.) This paper discusses the various recommendations made during these assessments. It includes the most common energy conservation opportunities and waste minimization opportunities. Sample calculations are provided as well as documentation of resources for additional information.