News Pulp
Kemira invests $20M to add sodium chlorate capacity to plant

Kemira is adding more sodium chlorate capacity to its Eastover, South Carolina site with a US $20 million investment.

Sodium chlorate is the main component used in the production of chlorine dioxide (ClO2), which is produced on-site at pulp mills and is the primary bleaching agent for kraft pulp.

Construction on the capacity expansion began earlier this year and the new production unit is expected to be operational in early 2020. The construction has contributed to local employment with about 50 sub-contractors working on the Eastover project.

“As global consumption of bleaching chemicals continues to increase, we are excited about this investment in our sodium chlorate capacity in the Americas to ensure our ability to effectively serve our customers globally,” says Kim Poulsen, president, pulp and paper and region head, Americas.