AFRY awarded EPCM project for Arauco’s new pulp mill in Brazil


Chilean forestry group Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. (Arauco) will invest $4.6 billion in building a bleached eucalyptus market pulp mill in Brazil. Bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp is used in various products, including traditional paper products and hygiene products. The new pulp mill will be the world’s largest pulp mill project with the production capacity of 3.5 million tonne pulp per year. The new mill is estimated to start-up in the second half of 2027. The mill will feature advanced technologies and sustainable practices aimed at maximising energy efficiency, reducing operating costs, and minimising environmental impact.

AFRY is responsible for detailed engineering, procurement, and construction management for the balance of plant (BOP). The BOP assignment includes interconnections between main production process units and auxiliary facilities and units like turbine generator, pipe rack, water intake and effluent disposal, cooling tower, and central control room. AFRY’s order value is not disclosed.

AFRY has been involved in the project since the conceptual and environmental licensing studies, basic engineering, as well as detailed engineering for the site infrastructure and site infrastructure management.

“We are proud to contribute to this significant milestone for Arauco, enhancing its production capabilities and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and innovative practices. Latin America is one of our key pulp and paper competence regions and this assignment further strengthens our position as an international engineering and design company with focus on lifecycle solutions for any industrial plants,” emphasizes Fábio Bellotti da Fonseca, Head of AFRY Process Industries Latin and North America.

Photo: Arauco