IP to Repurpose Portion of Franklin, Va., Mill to Fluff Pulp

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International Paper, Memphis, Tenn., USA, plans to repurpose a portion of its closed Franklin, Va., facility as a fluff pulp mill capable of producing up to 270,000 metric tpy of high quality fluff pulp for the global market. With an investment of $83 million, repurposing the Franklin Mill for the production of fluff pulp will create approximately 200 jobs. The project will begin immediately with startup planned for mid-year 2012.

"IP is currently the third largest global supplier of fluff pulp and this investment gives us greater participation in a growing market," said Mark Sutton, IP’s SVP, Printing and Communications Papers the Americas. "IP is a leader in the use of renewable energy. The Franklin fluff pulp facility will be 89% energy self-sufficient, utilizing power generated from carbon-neutral biomass on-site. The capability of producing energy from renewable biomass resources makes the remaining portions of the Franklin Mill site an ideal location for other partners looking for on-site green energy options."

IP adds that it will continue to actively evaluate additional repurposing options for the Franklin site with third party partners. The company’s decision to permanently shutdown the Franklin Mill for uncoated freesheet (UFS) production remains unchanged.

IP explains that a number of factors influenced its decision to locate a fluff pulp mill in Franklin, including a skilled local workforce, the condition of the mill's current assets, a wide range of transportation options, and the availability of U.S. southern pine in the region. The unique fiber length and absorption properties of this species makes it ideal for producing high quality fluff pulp.

"With roughly 90% of the world's fluff pulp made from U.S. southern pine, this is a great opportunity to use a distinctively American material to produce a globally competitive product," Sutton commented. Fluff pulp is used in a variety of absorbent products (baby diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, etc.) and in airlaid products such as cleaning and baby wipes.