CMPC signs agreement to optimize operations in Chile and Brazil using artificial intelligence

In partnership with technology companies Emerson and AspenTech, the forestry company is installing new software to maximize pulp production while reducing energy consumption.

CMPC has expanded the alliance with Emerson and AspenTech as part of its Corporate Program for Advanced Control and Process Optimization for Plants in order to implement the Aspen DMC3 technology in its facilities in Chile and Brazil.

Through the use of artificial intelligence, this software will optimize the workflows of 15 processes within CMPC’s pulp production – washing, bleaching, drying, water treatment and using turbo generators, among others – by using faster and more precise models. Estimates suggest that the use of this system will improve performance by 2 to 5%, increase production by 3% and reduce energy consumption by 10%. 

Implementing this technology is part of the company’s commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040 and reach the scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions reduction goals that have been certified by Science Based Targets.

“Attaining the competitiveness goal by 2030 set out in our strategy means we need the best technologies available on the market, even going beyond the boundaries of our industry. Here we have an excellent example with this agreement. This partnership gives CMPC the opportunity to incorporate cutting-edge technology in advanced process control and connects us to the AspenTech development roadmap in optimization and advanced control technologies,” said Matías Jory, who leads factory competitiveness.

This partnership is expected to be implemented over a five-year period, during which training will be carried out by Emerson and AspenTech to build a CMPC team specialized in using Aspen DMC3 software. Classes are already underway in Los Angeles, where workers from the APC factory competitiveness team and the CMPC Santa Fe plant systems engineering team have taken the initial course to learn about this innovative system. They will continue getting training until full implementation is complete.

Marcelo Landa, Vice President of the Southern Cone at Emerson said, “We are pleased to be recognized as a strategic partner in industrial technology for CMPC, supporting the delivery of smart solutions in key sectors for Chile and Brazil, such as the forestry and paper industry. We will continue our close collaboration to optimize the competitiveness of their processes, aligned with their productivity and sustainability goals.”