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International Paper to invest in fluff pulp production

06 Apr '15

2 min read

International Paper, a global leader in packaging and paper manufacturing, has plans to invest US$ 135 million to expand fluff pulp production at its Riegelwood N.C. Mill.

The investment is expected to convert the mill to 100 per cent fluff and softwood pulp production, adding an incremental 400,000 tons of capacity, with ongoing flexibility to shift between the two products. When the conversion is complete, the company will have the capability to produce up to 1.4 million tons annually of high-quality fluff. The new fluff pulp capacity is expected to ramp up mid-year 2016, the company said in a press release.

Mark Sutton, chairman and CEO, International Paper said, “The investment at Riegelwood proactively repositions assets to serve our customers in the growing global fluff pulp market and best positions International Paper to increase shareholder value.”

Mike Amick, senior vice president, North American papers & pulp and consumer packaging said, “This new capacity will support the growth of IP customers across the globe. Riegelwood is ideally located with access to fibre and proximity to shipping ports critical for supplying a global customer base.”

Fluff pulp, which is projected to grow globally at an annual rate of 3 to 4 percent, is used in a variety of applications including baby diapers, feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products.

As a result of the Riegelwood Mill conversion to 100 percent fluff and softwood pulp, the company will reduce its coated paperboard capacity by 350,000 tons, sell the Carolina brand, a premier coated bristols brand used in a variety of applications including greeting cards, book covers and marketing collateral, to MeadWestvaco (MWV), and focus on the business of supplying customer demand in the food service and packaging markets.

International Paper’s businesses include industrial and consumer packaging along with uncoated papers and pulp. The company employs approximately 58,000 people and is strategically located in more than 24 countries, serving customers worldwide. (GK)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India