The project is expected to reduce its annual CO2 emissions by 99,000 tonnes and divert up to 70,000 tonnes of local wood waste from landfill.
Replacing a coal-fired unit, the new boiler will process around 94,000 tonnes of biomass fuel each year.
DS Smith said that the carbon savings are equivalent to the yearly energy use of approximately 13,000 French homes or the same as removing 40,000 cars from the road.
Fuel for the boiler will come primarily from waste wood sourced in Paris and Normandy, including construction debris, furniture waste and paper production by-products.
The approach is part of DS Smith’s broader commitment to move towards the circular economy and the paper company’s 2030 zero-landfill target.
Emilie Machefaux, head of the renewable heat department at ADEME, France’s ecological transition agency, said: “This project illustrates the integration of circular economy principles into the energy transition.
“By diverting wood waste from landfills and transforming it into a valuable energy resource, DS Smith is contributing to France’s decarbonisation goals.”
The boiler’s development followed nine years of planning and collaboration with French authorities and industrial partners.
It was approved under the Regional Biomass Scheme in 2022 and received €15 million in funding from ADEME.
Energy company Engie Solutions will operate the biomass facility and is planning to add a steam turbine capable of generating 10 MW of electricity.
Frank Lacroix, executive vice president at Engie, said: “This project proves that biomass can scale locally to decarbonise industry.
Pierre Jegu, paper cluster director at DS Smith, added: “Our investment in Rouen highlights how waste can become a sustainable energy solution.
“It is a blueprint for future low-carbon manufacturing across Europe.”
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