International Paper sets recycled containerboard production record at Spanish mill
01 Feb 2022 --- International Paper, a leading renewable fiber-based packaging and absorbent pulp solutions producer, set a new production record at its Spanish mill in Madrid in the last quarter of 2021.
At the end of the year, the Spanish mill reached a total production volume of one million tons of high-performance, lightweight recycled containerboard, after the completion of a conversion investment in August 2018.
International Paper says by employing the latest technology, the Madrid mill is home to one of the most advantaged recycled containerboard machines in Europe.
The mill primarily serves the company’s network of 23 corrugated packaging plants across Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA) with its prime product range.
Economic circularity
Eric Chartrain, vice president and general manager at International Paper’s corrugated packaging business in EMEA, says the Madrid mill plays a vital role toward delivering the company’s vision 2030 commitments, supporting the circular economy while making products people require on a daily basis.
“As we strive to further grow our business in the EMEA region, we also continue our capacity increase and product development efforts at the mill to offer even more innovative and [environmentally] sustainable packaging solutions to customers,” he adds.
Looking to promote circularity in all areas of the value chain, International Paper’s efforts to minimize waste and maximize material recovery spans product design and development at mill and box plant level, raw material sourcing, circular manufacturing processes and developing circular solutions with customers and suppliers.
The Spanish mill reached a record production volume of one million tons of lightweight recycled containerboard in 2021.Recycled water system
The company says the Madrid mill was the first in Spain to implement a fully closed-loop recycled water system linked to the municipal system.
Moreover, the mill is entirely energy self-sufficient and International Paper says its recycling business CARPA is one of the largest collectors of old corrugated containers and other waste paper in Madrid, collecting 12,000 tons each month.
This waste paper is then turned into new containerboard at the Madrid mill, for International Paper’s packaging plant network to convert into boxes.
New corrugated packaging facility
The packaging giant also recently announced plans to build a state-of-the-art corrugated packaging facility in Atglen, Pennsylvania, US, expanding its industrial packaging footprint in the country’s northeastern part.
The facility will reportedly add around 150 team members. Construction is expected to start in Q1 2022 and be operational in Q1 2023.
Edited
By Natalie Schwertheim
