Construction of a £30 million recycling facility has begun that will enable Essity to use lower grade fibre in its tissue products.
The company has received planning permission to replace its 50-year old plant at its Prudhoe Mill in Northumberland that mainly processed sorted office papers into pulp. But following the granting of planning permission, the new facility will contain technology that will allow it to turn lower fibre grades into tissue.
As a result of the construction, the existing complex will be demolished.
Four replacement buildings will then be constructed, and are expected to be completed by 2025.
Essity programme manager Paul Oliver said: “The significance of this investment cannot be overstated. It will enable us to recycle lower-grade paper and board, enhance our ability to segregate plastic and metal contaminants, reduce waste sent to landfill and improve energy efficiency.
“Our old Unifibres facility was at the end of its working life and this scale of investment helps secure the future of the mill, helps us to continue meeting demand for our products such as Cushelle, Velvet and Tork and, importantly, provides a more attractive and safer working environment for employees.”
