Mondi South Africa has strengthened the operational resilience of its Merebank paper mill in Durban through a new energy project and flood-protection measures, reinforcing supply continuity for its paper-based packaging operations.
The site has installed a condensing steam turbine that enables it to generate 60% of its electricity needs, reducing reliance on external power and supporting long-term operational stability. The turbine uses excess steam from the mill’s boiler and is supported by new cooling towers, piping, and control systems.
“By generating power on site, we reduce our dependency on external electricity supply, reduce costs and take a step towards energy independence, climate resilience and long-term operational stability,” said Donovan Naidoo, Operations Director at Mondi Merebank. “Once the cooling tower upgrade is completed, the new turbine will produce more electricity than the mill consumes.”
The energy upgrade contributes to reducing the mill’s carbon footprint and supports Mondi’s MAP2030 sustainability targets. While the project directly impacts mill operations, its benefits extend to packaging industry customers reliant on consistent paper supply.
To further safeguard production, Mondi South Africa completed two flood-proofing projects at the site. These include the installation of flood gates and the use of inflatable flood barriers that can form temporary water-catchment dams. The measures aim to mitigate disruptions from extreme weather and protect both the mill and surrounding areas.