The multi-year investment will go towards upgrading its fibre preparation line, which DS Smith said will drive improved efficiency, sustainability and reliability.
A drum pulping and screening system which “more efficiently” separates contaminants from fibre such as plastics, barriers and coatings will also be installed as part of this initiative.
Kemsley is the largest recycled paper mill in the UK and the second largest in Europe. It produces 830,000 tonnes of paper annually, “crafted from 100% recycled fibre”.
The new line will supply recycled fibre to PM3, which is a paper machine capable of producing white top test liner, plasterboard liner and other corrugated case materials grades.
‘Important’
Niels Flierman, head of paper & recycling at DS Smith said: “Kemsley paper mill is an important part of our business and of the UK’s recycling capacity, recycling up to one million Tonnes of paper and card every year.
“The installation of the new fibre preparation line will ensure that we can continue to make high performing papers more efficiently while delivering on our medium and long-term sustainability goals.”
Benefits
DS Smith outlined that the upgraded system maximises the use of materials in the recycling process in addition to reducing water usage and energy consumption.
The company said a reduction of emissions by more than 6000 Tonnes of CO2 a year “reaffirms DS Smith’s goal” of decreasing scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 46% compared to 2019, by the year 2030.
DS Smith also said the implementation of the new equipment is expected to result in a 39,000-tonne annual reduction in production waste, contributing significantly to DS Smith’s 2030 goal of optimising every fibre for every supply chain and sending zero waste to landfill.
The advancements will also lead to a more than 50,000m3 per year reduction in freshwater use at the Kemsley mill, equivalent to the volume of 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools, DS Smith added.
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