Research and Development

In its research and development activities, Heinzel Group focuses on three areas: developing customer-specific solutions, optimizing the use of resources and basic research. In addition, Heinzel Group also invests in a Climate & Industry Opportunity fund by Speedinvest, which supports start-ups in reducing CO2 emissions of European industries and in driving digitalization at industrial enterprises. The goal of this investment is to generate new ideas and solutions for Heinzel Group.Customer orientationHeinzel Group strives to meet all customer requirements with its products. Laakirchen Papier focused on expanding the product portfolio by adding the grades “Testliner 2” and “Liner Plus” in 2025. PM10, converted to produce the main grades of “Wave” fluting and “Liner3” testliner in 2017, was fine-tuned to the new grades in several trial runs and the formula was optimized. Both products now regularly run on PM10. In addition, product development activities are ongoing for papers of the grade “Shopper Pro”, which is used to manufacture paper carrier bags. First trial runs have taken place, and further development in this area will be one of the main focal points in 2026.Heinzel Group is also working intensively on further developing the product portfolio in the kraft paper segment. The focus is on implementing technically highly demanding projects in the baking paper, insulation, tapes, paper sticks and release paper segments (PM6). The target is commercialization in the first quarter of 2026.Another focus is on optimizing production costs in the pulp segment and on all paper machines. This is achieved through targeted use of energy and chemicals as well as testing of different fibers, starch and fillers.Resource efficiencyReplacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives was a central element in our decarbonization strategy again in 2025 and will continue to gain importance in view of the global environment. Tests with various renewable, liquid energy sources showed both their potential and their technical and economic limitations. Our intensive efforts to utilize wood dust to substitute natural gas for the rotary kiln in Pöls in the future underlines our strategic focus on security of supply and efficient use of raw materials, while at the same time offering the potential to contribute to decarbonizing the site in the long-term.As a result of the growing production volume of unbleached pulp, it is possible to increase the capacity of the pulp mill towards 500,000 metric tons per year, further enhancing the overall efficiency of raw material usage and the efficiency of the existing energy infrastructure.In Laakirchen, refiner was tested in long-fiber production for the first time. Furthermore, trials with better grades of recovered paper were implemented. This mode of operation has now established itself for some of the new products.Basic researchImportant projects to further develop pulp production processes were initiated in Pöls in 2025 working closely with national partners from industry and research. A multi-year cooperation for the use of green liquor dregs as a raw material was started with Austrian partners in 2025. The capturing and utilization of CO₂ from biological sources in the pulping process is another central topic. This CO₂ offers a variety of applications and has the potential of making a significant contribution to the value chain. However, technical, economic and logistical factors will be thoroughly analyzed before any potential implementation. The research activities underline the company’s commitment to sustainable and pioneering innovation and the continuous development of the industry.Laakirchen Papier is working on advancing decarbonization measures. The submitted research project DEEP (Decarbonized Energy Efficiency Program) analyzes the use of waste heat from PM10 through high-temperature heat pumps for steam generation. At the same time, the Biogas4Industry project for additional biogas potential for the Laakirchen site was completed. Both projects serve to evaluate and prepare future decarbonization measures.Laakirchen Papier AG is also a consortium partner in the FHHW (Future Heat Highway) research project. The project addresses supra-regional district heating systems for the integration of industrial waste heat now and in a decarbonized future. The focus is on work package 8 (Heat Highway Region Salzkammergut).