International Paper (IP), Memphis, Tenn., has announced plans to re-open part of its closed Franklin, Va., paper mill. In a news release, IP says it is investing $83 million to produce 270,000 metric tons of fluff pulp per year at the site.
Mark Sutton, IP senior vice president of printing and communications paper, says the facility will be 89 percent energy self-sufficient, using power generated from 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," he says.
The company says the rest of the mill, which originally produced uncoated freesheet paper, will remain closed.
Repurposing the Franklin mill to produce fluff pulp will begin immediately, with startup targeted for the middle of 2012.
Latest from Recycling Today
- BMW Group, Encory launch 'direct recycling’ of batteries
- Loom Carbon, RTI International partner to scale textile recycling technology
- Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, American Glass Mosaics partner to divert glass from landfill
- CARI forms federal advocacy partnership
- Monthly packaging papers shipments down in November
- STEEL Act aims to enhance trade enforcement to prevent dumping of steel in the US
- San Francisco schools introduce compostable lunch trays
- Aduro graduates from Shell GameChanger program
