Genera Expands Sustainable Packaging Operations in Tennessee with ANDRITZ Non-Wood Pulping Technology

ANDRITZ systems powering Genera’s sustainable packaging production in Tennessee, USA.

(IN BRIEF) Genera has expanded its Vonore, Tennessee facility with the successful installation of advanced non-wood pulping and stock preparation systems from ANDRITZ. The new equipment enhances production efficiency and enables the manufacture of compostable molded fiber packaging made from locally grown grasses. This milestone strengthens Genera’s leadership in sustainable packaging and deepens its long-standing partnership with ANDRITZ, supporting both environmental goals and local agricultural economies.

(PRESS RELEASE) GRAZ, 7-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — ANDRITZ has successfully supplied and commissioned advanced non-wood pulping and stock preparation systems for Genera, a leading U.S. manufacturer of sustainable molded fiber packaging. The new systems mark a key milestone in Genera’s large-scale expansion of its Vonore, Tennessee facility, where locally grown regenerative grasses are transformed into eco-friendly, compostable packaging solutions.

The state-of-the-art pulping and stock preparation equipment from ANDRITZ ensures a consistent supply of high-quality pulp for Genera’s thermoforming systems. These systems produce durable, high-performance molded fiber packaging for food applications, supporting the global transition toward a circular economy and away from fossil-based plastics.

The ANDRITZ scope of supply included multiple refiners, stock preparation units, and additional pulp washing and dewatering equipment. Together, these components enhance Genera’s operational efficiency, expand its production capacity, and contribute to a more sustainable manufacturing process.

Genera first partnered with ANDRITZ in 2019 to establish its non-wood pulping operations and has since maintained a close collaboration to drive innovation and sustainability in fiber-based packaging.

“We were thrilled to continue our partnership with ANDRITZ as we expanded our production capabilities,” said Ben Mascarello, Chief Executive Officer of Genera. “Their pulping and stock preparation systems are essential to our mission of producing high-quality, compostable packaging. This expansion allows us to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging and reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Headquartered in Vonore, Tennessee, Genera operates North America’s largest vertically integrated non-wood molded fiber facility. By partnering with local farmers to source regenerative grasses, the company supports rural economies while providing sustainable packaging solutions for foodservice, retail, healthcare, and institutional markets through a circular, farm-to-compost model.

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the publicly listed group employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.

As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers’ plants over their entire life cycle. ANDRITZ. FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.

The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.

Media Contact:

Susan Trast
HEAD OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
susan.trast@andritz.com

SOURCE: ANDRITZ