ANDRITZ machinery is used to process the widest variety of fibres in cellulose and paper factories all over the world. In 2019, Vienna’s Schönbrunn Zoo came to the firm with an unusual request; the pandas needed grinded raw bamboo treated with additional nutrients, and ANDRITZ was happy to take up the challenge.
“The zoo delivers the bamboo pre-shredded and we grind the material in special apparatus called dispersing machines in our Fibre Research and Development Centre in Graz”, explains Denis Jozic, ANDRITZ’s technology manager. “We have already prepared several portions of bamboo and the zoo was entirely happy – the giant pandas like their special menu.” So much so, in fact, that the partnership is now being continued.
“When we in the research centre see the zoo’s delivery truck turning up with the bamboo, it never fails to raise a smile”, says Laura Liukkonen, head of the Fibre R&D Centre. We are up for taking on any challenge in fibre production, especially when such important customers as giant pandas are involved!”
The international technology company ANDRITZ provides a wide portfolio of innovative equipment, apparatus, systems, services and digital solutions with a strong interest in sustainability. The company is a global market leader in all four of its areas of operation (pulp & paper, metals, hydro and separation) and is listed on the stock market. It boasts some 29,900 employees at more than 280 locations in more than 40 countries.
Schönbrunn Zoo is renowned as the oldest zoo in the world and is one of the few round the world with giant pandas. Yang Yang, the female panda, has been living at Schönbrunn since 2003 while Yuan Yuan, the male, arrived in Vienna in 2019.
