30% of Eastman’s energy needs covered by own residues
Eastman’s factory in Kohtla-Järve, Estonia, produces chemicals essential for everyday life. Adven has built a unique energy center for the factory, which helps to simultaneously address the challenges of handling production residues, environmental protection, and efficient energy use.
This partnership has enabled the direct utilization of residues in the factory’s energy production, covering up to 30% of its total energy needs.
The global specialty materials company Eastman operates a factory in Kohtla-Järve that produces benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, and plasticizers for export. Plasticizers are additives utilized in the production of various plastic items.
Benzoic acid, which is found in natural form in cranberries and lingonberries, is produced synthetically to ensure, for example, better preservation of cosmetics or food products. The production of benzoic acid produces a by-product that requires special handling.
Previously, the residue had to be transported kilometers away for safe and controlled processing.
Residue management reduces costs and creates energy
Managing the production by-products was resource-intensive and as the production volumes increased, finding an appropriate energy solution became crucial for Eastman.
A practical and innovative concept was designed by Adven that not only reduces waste management costs but also turns it into a valuable energy source.
Now, a quarter of the factory’s energy needs is covered by the production process residues right here on the premises. This, of course, results in gains both in efficiency and environmental protection.
Steam as energy-as-a-service
Adven, as the provider, owner and operator of an energy solution now operates the plant producing steam for usage in various processes of the factory.
The equipment meets high environmental requirements and is specially designed for the re-use of a specific by-product, i.e. cube residue.
“In the Nordic region, Adven is at the forefront of developing energy solutions, with a growing emphasis on utilizing residual heat, wastewater, or by-products as energy sources. This approach not only saves energy but also reduces environmental impact and stored waste,” explains Priit Tiit, Director of Projects at Adven Estonia.
He noted that Eastman’s unique solution was also uniquely challenging for Adven’s experienced team.
“We worked with a substance that is solid under normal conditions but becomes liquid at 90 degrees, and it’s an amorphous mixture of dozens of substances, each with distinct properties. Handling it was a complex process,” explains Priit Tiit.
The project took several years, during which Adven searched for suitable partners, obtained permits, conducted test combustions, and commissioned environmental impact assessments for various tasks.
Smooth and long-term partnership with the customer
Priit Tiit says that in the testing phase, numerous tasks arose that needed prompt actions, also finding new solutions.
“We needed experts in a very niche field – finding the right people was crucial”.
In such projects, collaboration is the key, and I must say that our cooperation with the customer was exceptionally smooth. Through an open-minded and communicative approach, we found solutions to all the challenges.
“Now, energy matters are entrusted to us, allowing the client to focus on their core business”.
The energy service agreement was signed between Adven Eesti AS and Eastman Specialities OÜ for more than ten years ago. The equipment for the new energy solution was sourced from Europe, and construction and installation works were contracted to local companies.
Adven’s energy site at Eastman’s factory area in Kohtla-Järve.
Facts about the site:
- The proportion of waste generated in the production process decreased by 98%
- Energy production: 24 GWh per year
- Share of energy obtained from by-products: 30%
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability.
The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries.
The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA.
Additional information:
Adven, Teemu Helistekangas, Industry Lead, Chemical & Process Industry, teemu.helistekangas@adven.com, tel. +358 40 532 2414
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