A report by Finnjo Gräbke
On Friday, 7 March 2025, we had the opportunity to visit the Steinbeis paper mill in Glückstadt and gain an exciting insight into sustainable paper production. We were welcomed on site by Jan, who gave us a brief introduction to the history, structure and sustainable production of the company.
Our tour of the production halls then began. We first went to the sorting hall, where the waste paper delivered is separated from foreign materials such as plastic or cardboard. We then moved on to the hall where the sorted waste paper is processed. Here, the waste paper is dissolved in large drums with water and other additives so that the fibres separate from each other. The so-called deinking process uses soap and air to remove printing inks and impurities, which brightens the fibres without using aggressive bleach.
At the paper machine, we were able to observe how the cleaned fibres are dewatered on a long screen, pressed and finally dried by heated rollers. The result is an endless paper sheet that is wound onto large rolls – each of which weighs several tonnes and is kilometres long. Lastly, we visited the sizing equipment, where the finished paper is cut into various formats and prepared for dispatch.
Steinbeis consistently focusses on sustainability and resource conservation. Thanks to state-of-the-art recycling technologies, the company saves around 73% energy and 79% water compared to conventional paper production and reduces CO₂ emissions by 42%. The company’s own power plant ensures an efficient energy supply, while the entire production process is based on 100% recycled paper – a true role model in terms of the circular economy.
Before we headed back to Hamburg, we rounded off the successful morning with a meal together in the city centre of Glückstadt.
The visit to Steinbeis was not only informative, but also impressively demonstrated how innovative technology and environmental awareness interact in modern paper production.