Kruger Launches $23.75M Carbon Capture Pilot Project at Wayagamack Mill in Québec
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Kruger Inc. has announced an investment of $23.75 million to implement a groundbreaking carbon capture and reuse project at its Wayagamack Mill in Trois-Rivières.
This demonstration project aims to test advanced carbon capture technology at an industrial scale, positioning Kruger as a leader in sustainable practices within Canada’s pulp and paper industry.
The announcement was made at a press event on November 1, 2024, attended by federal and provincial officials, including Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne, and Québec’s Minister of Labour Jean Boulet. The initiative has garnered substantial governmental support, with the federal government contributing $8.15 million through Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation Program (IFIT) and Québec providing $9.5 million via the Technoclimat Program.
Kruger’s project is being undertaken in partnership with Mantel Capture Inc., a North American startup founded by MIT engineers and scientists. Together, the companies have committed $6.1 million to bring Mantel’s pioneering carbon capture technology to Kruger’s Wayagamack Mill. At the heart of this technology is a unique absorption fluid made from molten borate salt, which can operate efficiently at temperatures of up to 600°C. This high-temperature capability allows the system to be integrated directly into the mill’s steam boiler, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability.
The innovative technology captures carbon emissions and produces clean steam, which can be reused within the papermaking process. As part of this demonstration phase, the project aims to capture up to five tons of CO₂ daily, with the potential for further scaling if successful. Installation of the necessary infrastructure begins this month, with a two-year testing phase scheduled to launch in the fall of 2025. Should the results align with expectations, Kruger intends to expand the use of this technology across its other facilities, with an ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
“This project underscores Kruger’s commitment to intensifying its efforts to improve its environmental footprint and promote more sustainable prosperity,” said Justin Paillé, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Kruger Pulp and Paper.
Officials in attendance underscored the project’s alignment with Canada’s sustainability goals. Minister Champagne noted the project’s impact on local communities and job creation within the forest sector. Meanwhile, Benoît Charette, Québec’s Minister of Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, highlighted the importance of innovative solutions in achieving Québec’s net-zero emission goals by 2050.
“This investment is an excellent example of how we can continue to reduce emissions while helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of Canada’s forestry sector,” commented Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
