The Washington-based American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) recently announced its 2021 Sustainability Award winners. The award recognizes exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry.
New-Indy Ontario, a containerboard mill in Ontario, California, received a Leadership in Sustainability Award in the Paper Recover and Recycling category. A joint venture between The Kraft Group and Schwarz Partners LP, New-Indy Containerboard is an independent manufacturer and supplier of recycled containerboard in the corrugated box industry with locations across North America. The New-Indy Ontario facility produces liner and medium or boxes and receives 1,300 tons of old corrugated container each day.
New-Indy Ontario set out with a goal to optimize fiber recovery, reduce overall waste to the landfill and lower operating costs. A study identified shortcomings in New-Indy’s trash removal process, an imbalanced whitewater system and bottlenecks in screening and pulping stages. It also quantified the benefits of fiber recovery.
To achieve its goals, New-Indy Ontario invested in upgrading its screenings, pulping and de-trashing equipment and improved its existing process. An engineering consulting firm, equipment suppliers, operations and maintenance workers and a municipal recycling facility all played a part in the improvements, which led to:
- 5,500 tons of fiber now recovered each year thanks to new screening and de-trashing equipment
- 10,000 tons of mixed paper now diverted from the landfill, thanks to a partnership with a local municipal recycling facility
- Cost savings, increased efficiency and consistent quality
- A greater supply of recyclable paperboard products for customers and end-users
Watch this video to learn more about the mill and its recent award, and read a recent article about New-indy Ontario and other AF&PA sustainability winners.
