Cutting back on steam generation powered by fossil fuels has become a strategic business priority rather than simply an environmental objective, according to Muda Paper Mills.
As one of India's largest industrial paper manufacturers, the company highlighted that steam is essential to its production processes, making fuel consumption a major source of its direct carbon emissions.
With regulatory requirements tightening and future carbon pricing becoming more defined, ongoing reliance on fossil fuels is seen as a risk to long-term operational stability. This is compounded by fluctuating fuel costs, stricter ESG assessments from international clients and increasingly demanding global supply chain disclosure standards.
These factors prompted Muda Paper to explore alternative energy solutions. After assessing several options, the company selected biomass-based steam generation as a viable and effective replacement.
“Malaysia’s plentiful supply of agricultural residues, particularly from the palm oil sector, provides a reliable and locally sourced fuel that can significantly reduce emissions without affecting operational efficiency,” the company said.
Muda Paper partnered with Wasco Greenergy to develop a biomass system tailored to its specific operational needs. Within the first year of implementation, the company achieved a reduction of more than 20 per cent in its Scope 1 emissions.
Buoyed by the system’s performance and dependability, Muda Paper subsequently installed a second, higher-capacity biomass boiler at another facility.
In addition to switching fuels, the company is strengthening its focus on system monitoring and operational stability. Improved performance tracking and data analysis are being used to support predictive maintenance and enhance overall efficiency.
“Clean energy systems can be cost-competitive when properly designed, and the belief that renewable solutions always increase operating costs is not necessarily accurate.
“Customer expectations around emissions reporting, sustainability practices and supply chain transparency are evolving rapidly, which means early adoption provides a competitive advantage rather than an added burden.”
The company added that successful biomass implementation depends on careful system design, consistent fuel quality and collaboration with experienced partners to ensure long-term reliability and risk management.
Looking ahead, Muda Paper sees biomass and other renewable energy technologies as practical solutions for reducing industrial emissions in Malaysia, especially in sectors that depend heavily on steam and thermal energy.
As carbon intensity becomes an increasingly important factor in global supply chains, the company anticipates that more manufacturers will pursue similar transitions in response to both regulatory demands and commercial pressures.
Muda Paper adopts biomass to strengthen resilience
