Kruger Receives $675,153 Grant for Energy Efficiency Projects at Gatineau Tissue Mill

Kruger Products L.P., Canada, has received $675,153 in financial assistance from the Quebec government’s EcoPerformance program to implement two energy efficiency projects at its Gatineau tissue mill. Kruger Products’s Gatineau Mill produces and distributes paper towel and tissue products for household and commercial use under brands including Cashmere and Scotties. With this financial assistance, the company was able to complete a condensate management improvement project and will implement a heat recovery project.

At the Gatineau mill, tissue paper is produced on three production lines and dried on three yankee dryers. Condensate from these dryers provides hot and warm water for various steps in the manufacturing process and for related equipment, which is a form of heat recovery. Kruger Products has improved condensate management across the manufacturing process through technical solutions, and now uses re-vaporized condensate to produce low-pressure steam to optimize the energy recovered from condensate. This solution increases the temperature of the condensate that builds up in the tank, thereby reducing energy required to re-introduce condensate into the de-aerator. This project has significantly reduced the mill’s consumption of heavy fuel oil and gas.

Kruger Products installed a hot-water cleaning shower with high-pressure and oscillating jets at its Gatineau mill to reduce steam use at the pick-up felt cleaning shower. With this new process, which is replacing a steam-cleaning shower, a previously under-used heat recovery system is generating hot water ranging in temperature from 40°C to 50°C. The project will reduce the amount of heavy fuel oil and natural gas needed to generate steam.

"Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Québec government places great importance on the energy sector and that it encourages companies to make the green shift.  With this investment, Kruger Products L.P. will be a benchmark for energy efficiency and innovation for the Outaouais," said Maryse Gaudreault, MNA for Hull.

"Our government continues to demonstrate leadership by offering business people the support they need to implement energy efficiency measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Québec. I applaud Kruger Products’ initiative, which, through these projects, will reduce its GHG emissions by more than 2,707.6 metric tons annually. That’s the equivalent of taking 800 vehicles off the road," said Stéphanie Vallée, minister of justice, minister responsible for the status of women and minister responsible for the Outaouais region.

"By supporting energy efficiency projects, the Québec government shows vision and encourages companies like ours to continue their efforts to reduce their environmental footprint.  We are very proud of these initiatives, which are part of a long-term strategy and help to make Kruger Products a sustainability leader," said Daniel Dumont, GM, Region East, Kruger Products.

"Job creation and economic recovery are two of the Québec government’s priorities. By supporting the energy efficiency of companies in Québec through initiatives such as the EcoPerformance program, we are promoting the development of a greener economy, among other things," said Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord, for Pierre Arcand, minister of energy and natural resources and minister responsible for the Plan Nord..

"Through the Green Fund, which derives its income primarily from the carbon market, the government is supporting Québec companies as they transition to a low-carbon world. In addition to promoting economic recovery and sustainability, this concrete measure, which is part of our 2013-2020 Climate Change Action Plan, will enable us to fight climate change for the benefit of our children. Let’s do it for them!" said David Heurtel, minister of sustainable development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change.

Financed by the Green Plan, the EcoPerformance program aims to reduce the energy consumption and GHG emissions of companies by funding projects or measures related to energy consumption and production as well as process improvements.