24 Aug. 2026: Essity plans to spend £2.85 million upgrading the Oakenholt mill near Flint. The company, will replace the machine’s hood, burner and heat exchange systems during Q2, 2027.
Essity expects this to cut the mill’s gas use by 11% and its carbon emissions by around 925tpy.
The new burners will run on a mix of hydrogen and natural gas (20:80), with the ability to raise the hydrogen content further, up to 100% is necessary.
Essity has registered Oakenholt as a possible end user of hydrogen through HyNet, the scheme that is laying a pipeline across Flintshire for both hydrogen and carbon capture.
Stuart McCrae, Project Manager at Essity’s Oakenholt mill, told Deeside.Com that “Securing approval for this investment marks an important milestone for Oakenholt following more than three years of planning and development. Oakenholt has been part of the local community for 150 years, and this investment sends a strong message about Essity’s commitment to the site, our people and the wider region.”
Further to this, Andrew Hearns, Technology Area Manager for Energy and Material Savings at Essity, said to Deeside,Com: “By introducing hydrogen-compatible technology, we’re improving energy efficiency today while creating a platform for future innovation.”
Oakenholt has manufactured paper since 1875, and today runs a single machine making hygienic tissue.