Cascades Inc., Kingsey Falls, Que., Canada, reports that its Specialty Products Group broke ground this week for a $10 million investment at the company's East Angus, Que., mill. The investment is for a new unit that will allow production of kraft recycled pulp at the mill.
A new building will be added to the premises to house a pulper, loading platforms, and a warehouse for waste paper. The unit will be able to convert more than 200 metric tpd of old corrugated containers (OCC) into recycled pulp. The integration will also enable Cascades to increase the recycled content of its kraft papers from 43% to 70%.
Despite a difficult market, Cascades notes that it continues to invest in the production of environmentally sound paper products. "The East Angus plant initiated a shift a few years ago towards products that were more respectful of the environment. The integration of recycled content and obtaining FSC certification were some of the actions that were implemented, but also the reduction of water and energy consumption," said Mario Plourde, president and COO of Cascades Specialty Products Group. "Whether it is for the production of envelopes, bags, packaging, or construction products, Cascades kraft papers will better serve its diversified customers by offering eco-friendly advantages."
OCC that will be converted will come from the company's sorting centers. "This investment integrates perfectly with our desire to include maximum recycled fiber content in our products," Alain Lemaire, president and CEO of Cascades, explained. "It is an effective way of reusing local materials that would have probably ended up in a landfill site, while ensuring the longevity of the plant."
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