In conversation with Samir Masoud, Supply Chain Director at Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH)
- Can you provide an overview of the achievement that Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH) recently accomplished and the specific record that you set?
Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH) has achieved a significant milestone by setting a new Guinness World Records for the highest tissue paper production rate within a span of 24 hours. The feat was accomplished at our Al Nakheel Paper Mill in Abu Dhabi, where a record 2,623,738 metres of top-grade tissue paper was manufactured in a single day. Operating at an impressive pace of 2,222 metres per minute, the production process resulted in tissue paper with a density of 13.2 grams per square metre (gsm). This achievement not only demonstrates our industry prowess, but also establishes a new industry standard.
- What is the significance of the Guinness World Records recognition for the highest tissue paper production rate within a 24-hour period for Fine Hygienic Holding?
The Guinness World Records validates our dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation and production excellence, especially when you take into account the fact that there have been world-class multinational companies involved in the tissue industry for decades, with rich histories and experiences. So, for a humble, second-generation family-run company such as Fine Hygienic Holding to achieve the record really is something incredible. We have always believed our standards of excellence could compete with anyone, and this world record proves it. There is now no doubt that FHH can stand toe-to-toe with company in this industry and be competitive.
- What role did the Guinness World Records officials play in validating Fine Hygienic Holding’s achievement, and what aspects of the production process did they inspect?
The whole process began with an initial inquiry and subsequent discussions between the Guinness World Records’ (GWR) commercial department and our team to fully comprehend the record we were trying to set. Following this, the Guinness World Records team conducted preliminary research to verify the feasibility of monitoring the record-setting attempt.
Upon contacting the GWR team and apprising them of our achievement, they requested a more in-depth explanation. We provided the necessary details, which they then discussed with their team. Subsequently, they acknowledged that it could indeed be a world record. However, they indicated that we needed to progress to the next step, which involved engaging an approved ESOMAR (a membership organization for market, social, and opinion researchers) market research company. We identified the appropriate company, shared their name and credentials, and received the green light from GWR to proceed with them.
The chosen market research company presented their methodology for GWR’s approval, after which they began preparing a comprehensive report that encompassed global players. This report was then shared with GWR for careful analysis. After several weeks of studying the submitted report, GWR reviewed its content, posing questions and seeking clarifications as needed. Fine Hygienic Holding diligently adhered to the formalities throughout the process. These efforts culminated in the successful validation of our achievement by GWR.
- Fine Hygienic Holding is recognised for its diverse range of products. Can you provide some examples of these products and elaborate on the company’s commitment to sustainable practices as mentioned in the press release?
Indeed, FHH has strong concerns for sustainable causes, and we are committed to doing everything possible to protect the environment. Our jumbo rolls are then converted into sterilized facial tissues, table napkins, toilet rolls, and kitchen towels, and all are produced at our Abu Dhabi factories. All our paper products at the mill are made from 100% virgin pulp taken from responsible suppliers that are FSC certified. For every tree cut, our suppliers plant up to five.
Additionally, we are proud to be a part of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) network. In fact, we were the first paper mill in the region to join it. Furthermore, we have made efforts to increase the amount of recycled pulp used in our products. In 2022, at Al Nakheel, we recycled enough pulp to save 17,000 trees from being cut that year alone.
We also use oxobiodegradable nylons, which break down quicker in the environment compared to traditional nylons. We preserve water by building state-of-the-art water treatment plants in our factories, and the treated water is used in production and irrigation. As for Al Nakheel, the company has made significant progress in reducing water consumption at the mill.
In 2022, Al Nakheel Paper Mill consumed 4.0m3/tonne, which is the lowest water consumption in the industry, while the best in class worldwide is 5.5m3/tonne. The company has also demonstrated continuous improvement in water consumption over the past few years, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. In 2022 alone, the company saved 36,000m3 of water, the equivalent to the water used by 1,200 people in Asia during an entire month.
We also work constantly on reducing emissions. Al Nakheel has successfully reduced its carbon emissions year-on-year. In 2022, it saved 2.3 million kWh compared to the previous year, which translates to a reduction of 497 tCO2e. In addition, the company has saved emissions in 2022 by reducing water intensity by 6 tCO2e and waste by about 1,000 tonnes of paper, equivalent to 20 tCO2e.
Al Nakheel Paper Mill has also changed its chemicals to higher solid content, which has reduced transportation by 48 per cent and saved 21 tCO2e in 2022. The trend in power consumption shows that the company has reduced its energy consumption from 1,182 kWh/t in 2019 to 1,052 kWh/t in 2022.
- With over 65 years of operations, Fine Hygienic Holding has received various awards. Could you elaborate on the Excellence in Sustainability Environmental Certificate from CHEP and how it reflects the company’s dedication to sustainability and minimising environmental impact?
Al Nakheel Paper Mill recently received the Excellence in Sustainability Environmental Certificate from CHEP, a global provider of supply chain solutions. This recognition is a testament to our significant efforts towards sustainable practices and minimising its environmental impact. CHEP cited that the mill made notable contributions in 2022 to protecting the environment and creating a regenerative supply chain by saving wood resources equivalent to 91,071 cubic decametres, which is equal to preserving 88 trees. Additionally, CHEP acknowledged that A Nakheel successfully reduced emissions by more than half a million kilograms [551,688kg] and minimised waste by 40,008kg.
Al Nakheel Paper Mill is also the only paper mill in the UAE to be certified with ISO 50001, a global standard for energy management systems that help organisations improve energy performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This certification, which we received recently, demonstrates the company’s commitment to efficient energy use and management, and our efforts to minimise carbon footprint.