Kemira Oyj, Finland, reports that it has successfully started up its new sodium chlorate plant at Ortigueira, Paraná, Brazil. The sodium chlorate produced at the plant is used for on-site generation of chlorine dioxide, a key bleaching agent in bleached pulp production. 

Kemira's plant is built adjacent to Klabin SA's new pulp mill, securing a long-term partnership between the two units. According to Kemira, this concept is a good example of sustainable circular economy where the production facilities make use of renewable energy from the pulp mill, Kemira providing the pulp production sodium chlorate it needs. Electricity is the main raw material for sodium chlorate.

"Kemira is a global leader in the production and supply of chemicals for the pulp and paper industry and has the most comprehensive offering for pulp production. The new plant strengthens our capabilities to serve the growing demand for pulping chemicals in the South American market," said Billy Ford, Kemira SVP, Pulp & Paper, Americas.

The new pulp mill in Brazil (Puma Project) is the largest investment in Klabin's history and will almost double the company's production capacities. The unit has a capacity of 1.5 million metric tpy of pulp, with 1.1 million metric tpy of bleached hardwood pulp (eucalyptus) and 400,000 metric tpy of bleached softwood pulp (pine). The new mill will also generate a renewable and sustainable bioenergy surplus of 150 MWh/h.