Kingsport Mill Responds to Consumer Trends
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Steve Henry, Domtar's senior vice president of packaging, says that the company's decision to produce containerboard is a natural response to consumer preferences.
"We've been watching the megatrends, and we know the world as a whole wants to shift more of their packaging to sustainable, paper-based packaging materials, so that was a key element in our decision to move into this space," says Henry.
"Containerboard will be the largest market that we focus on, but we're also exploring other paper-based packaging materials that can be made into filler, bags and padded mailers."
The Kingsport Mill conversion is a great example of a circular economy. We're reusing construction materials from the renovation as fill for the new construction. Our raw materials will be recycled corrugated packaging and other paper waste. Materials that can't be recycled will be used to generate steam and electricity for the mill. Also, we are significantly reducing our water usage.
In addition, the containerboard and other packaging materials produced at Kingsport will be sent to independent corrugated converters who are developing innovative, sustainable solutions, such as lightweight, right-sized shipping and product packaging, to meet consumer demand.
The great news is that all of these recycled packaging solutions for boxes, bags and other specialty products can be reclaimed and recycled into even more certified, sustainable containerboard, keeping the cycle going.
