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Cascades’ Greenpac containerboard mill starts up on schedule

The first roll of lightweight linerboard was produced at the new Greenpac containerboard mill on July 15.

The first roll of lightweight linerboard was produced at the new Greenpac containerboard mill on July 15.

Greenpac is a corporation created by Cascades in partnership with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Jamestown Container and Containerboard Partners.

The construction of the mill was entrusted to Norampac, a division of Cascades. It started-up on schedule July 15. Norampac is also responsible for the management of Greenpac’s operations.

Located in Niagara Falls, NY, the Greenpac mill is considered the most advanced in its category in North America. Greenpac produces a lightweight linerboard, made of 100% recycled fiber, on a 328-inch machine (8.33 meters), with an annual production capacity of 540,000 short tons.

“The start-up of this new mill is a proud moment for Cascades. Equipped with the most advanced technology, this machine will enable us to better meet the needs of our customers,” said Marc-André Dépin, president and CEO of Norampac. “After two years of intensive construction activity, we are anxious for the opportunity to finally be able to demonstrate the possibilities of the quality products that we will be able to offer.”

Greenpac was designed for optimal energy efficiency and with many automated operations. The water is treated and reused in order to reduce consumption as much as possible. In addition, the water treatment system generates gases that are used for steam production, to dry the paper.

“Greenpac is the most important investment in the history of Cascades. It symbolizes the future of this company we founded nearly 50 years ago,” said Alain Lemaire, executive chairman of Cascades’ Board of  Directors. “Thanks to the audacity and leadership of the Norampac team, we are realizing a major project that will take our company to another level in packaging.”

Now that the mill has successfully passed the crucial start-up step, it will now enter the ramp-up phase in which it will gradually increase its production until it reaches maximum production capacity.

Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres.