Essity closes paper mill in South Glens Falls, New York

Global health and hygiene tissue product manufacturer Essity announced last week it was ceasing its tissue manufacturing operations in New York state and consolidating production at its other U.S. sites.

The Swedish company announced July 20 the immediate closure of its South Glens Falls, New York, paper mill and the eventual closure of two other upstate New York sites: a converting facility in Greenwich and a warehouse and distribution center in Saratoga.

“Our operations in upstate New York have had a long, productive history and have always benefitted from the extraordinary commitment of our employees,” says Michael Olive, plant director for Essity’s New York-based sites. “This decision is in no way a reflection on the skills, capabilities or dedication of our employees here. We are grateful for their decades of service and support we have always received from the surrounding community.”

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In 2019, Essity invested $3.6 million to upgrade the South Glens Falls paper mill to be able to accept more recovered fiber. At the time, then-site manager Steve Duell told The Post Star that the company obtained most of its recovered fiber from industrial printing shops but was looking to source more from residential curbside streams to use in its production of tissue and kraft paper.

A two-story addition was added to the facility to accommodate a new compactor and screens to filter out contaminants as well as a new conveyor belt, pulper pump and motor, water pumps and other equipment.

At the time of the investment, the South Glens Falls site processed up to 300 tons of paper per day and about 100,000 tons annually. Essity did not respond to Recycling Today’s request for comment on the current production capacity.

The company had also piloted what it says is a “globally unique” pilot program at the South Glens Falls paper mill where it installed a fiber recovery unit in its recycled paper process, enabling it to recirculate most fiber of sufficient quality back into the process. Essity says the program improved its yield of recycled fiber use by 20 percent.

The paper mill already has ceased operations, while the Greenwich and Saratoga sites will remain open and continue to operate “as long as needed to ensure a smooth transition for customers,” Essity says.

The company will continue focusing on manufacturing and selling its Tork brand products while sunsetting products it says are not as relevant in today’s market. “This action will support the growth of Tork-branded products and innovative solutions, positively impacting Essity’s ability to continually reinvest in North America,” Essity says in a statement.

A total of 300 employees will be impacted by the closures. Layoffs of South Glens Falls employees will begin around Oct. 20 followed by layoffs at the other two facilities at a later date.