Spotlight on Eugenio Ciucani, Energy Engineer at Holmen Board and Paper

Background and introduction

Please provide a brief introduction to yourself and your current role within the carton and cartonboard industry.

My name is Eugenio, and I am the Energy Engineer at Holmen Board and Paper Workington, over in the United Kingdom. In my role, I am responsible for analysing and improving the energy efficiency of our cartonboard production processes.

How did you first become interested in this field, and what led you to your current career path?

Interestingly, my roots are in a small Italian town not far from Fabriano, a place with a rich history as one of the earliest paper mills in Western Europe so I grew up very familiar with the industry. Later, in 2017, while completing my master’s degree at KTH in Stockholm, Sweden, I was presented with the opportunity to undertake my thesis at Holmen’s site in Iggesund. This experience proved to be the starting point of my journey with Holmen as I have been with the company ever since.

Your career journey

Can you describe the key milestones and experiences that have shaped your career in this industry?

During my initial step into the industry as a thesis student I focused on process simulation at the Iggesund mill. Following this, I was able to move into a fixed-term position within the projects department at Holmen’s Braviken site. Ultimately, this led me to my current role in the UK at the Workington mill. For me, a significant aspect of my professional development has been the opportunity to work across different Holmen sites, each with its own unique characteristics and operational approaches.

Daily work and responsibilities

What does a typical day or week in your current role look like?

A typical day involves a thorough analysis of our energy consumption data across all production stages, reviewing daily, weekly, and monthly metrics. This helps me easily identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. I also troubleshoot energy-related issues, working alongside Holmen’s operations and maintenance teams to implement effective solutions. I’m able to proactively use this data to drive continuous improvement, suggesting operational changes or new technologies. Additionally, I collaborate with other local energy-intensive industries to share knowledge and explore potential partnerships.

Are there any specific projects or initiatives you’ve been involved in recently that you find particularly exciting or innovative?

Absolutely! I’m quite excited about a couple of studies we’ve been undertaking that are focused on significantly enhancing heat recovery within our Workington site. In a large-scale industrial process like cartonboard manufacturing, a considerable amount of heat is generated. Traditionally, some of his heat is dissipated. However, we’re working on exploring innovative ways to capture a higher fraction of this otherwise lost thermal energy and use it in our processes.

What makes these projects particularly exciting is their potential for substantial energy savings and a significant reduction in our overall energy footprint. The potential to not only lower our operational costs but also make a more significant contribution to environmental sustainability is a real motivator. It’s rewarding to be involved in initiatives that push the boundaries of energy efficiency and have a tangible impact on making our operations more environmentally responsible.

Industry impact

How do you believe your work contributes to the sustainable and environmentally friendly aspects of cartonboard packaging?

My focus on minimising the energy needed for cartonboard production in the UK directly supports sustainability. By making our processes more energy-efficient and less energy-intensive, we reduce our reliance on resources and lessen any associated environmental burdens, helping to reduce each site’s footprint and ultimately, the final product. This all contributes to positioning cartonboard as the perfect packaging choice.

What trends or developments in the industry are you most excited about, and how do they influence your work?

I am particularly excited by the increasing momentum within the industry towards both energy optimisation and the principles of the circular economy. The growing recognition of the importance of resource efficiency and waste reduction strongly influences the direction of my work. It reinforces the significance of projects focused on heat recovery and process optimisation.

Additionally, the circular economy trend encourages us to think beyond energy efficiency and consider the entire lifecycle of materials and resources, inspiring me and others to explore innovative solutions to further streamline operations.

Advice and inspiration

What advice do you have for individuals considering a career in the carton and carton board industry?

I would definitely recommend this sector to anyone looking for a fulfilling career. It presents a unique set of challenges that keep things interesting, and it’s rewarding to work with a product – cartonboard – that is so tangible and plays a visible role in our everyday lives. You see and use it almost everywhere!

What is the one reason why you are proud to work in the carton and cartonboard industry?

It’s not just talk; you see the tangible efforts, the innovative processes, and the real dedication to responsible sourcing and production. Representing an industry that actively knows what it takes to truly implement sustainable practices, from forest to shelf, is something I find incredibly rewarding.