GRYCKSBO, Sweden, May 5, 2008 (Press Release) - Grycksbo Paper, Swedish manufacturer of G-Print paper, has taken another step towards its vision of 'no one greener'. The board has decided to invest 130 million SEK in order to replace the present oil-fed boiler with a biomass boiler, which will meet the paper mill's entire need for steam when it comes on-line during the second half of 2009. The new boiler will lead to a more sustainable business, both environmentally and economically.
It will be one of the biggest environmental investments during 2009 in the county of Dalarna where Grycksbo Paper is located. The investment comprises: The conversion of the present oil-fuelled boiler into a biomass boiler, a new handling and biofuel storage area, a filter for smoke gas cleaning and renovation of the existing turbine to produce environmentally responsible electricity.
Depending on which biofuel is chosen for the boiler, there may still be some additional investments to come. Currently the mill is looking into the viability of different biofuel alternatives like pellets or woodchips made from branches and treetops. It is important to choose the best combination of flexibility and performance, so that both the mill and customers alike benefit from this substantial investment.
As Grycksbo Paper's MD Mikael Frölander says "We aim to take a leadership position in our industry and our 'no one greener' vision is very important to us, as our aim is to produce G-Print paper in the most environmentally sound way possible," Frölander continues. "We have been taking steps to become more environmentally responsible for many years now; for example in 2003 we started to use railway transport for G-Print on all destinations possible. We also hold Chain of Custody certification in accordance with FSC regulations. Additionally, our emission levels to both air and water are very low, which we also present in our annual EMAS reports."
This investment shows that Grycksbo Paper takes its vision seriously it will abandon oil as an energy source when the biomass boiler starts operation, and the mill's energy needs will be generated from renewable and locally available biofuels. This investment means that the reduction of the mill's fossil CO2-emissions corresponds to the amount that all 27382 cars in the local municipality of Falun emit over the course of a year when driving an average14,000 kilometres per year.
Another environmental aspect of G-Print paper, which is often forgotten, is how its excellent runnability in customer's printing presses actually contributes to a better environment. In a recent market study customers gave G-Print top marks for its runnability. In practice this means that the printers produce less waste while also minimising downtime. Savings on resources are always good for the environment and contribute to better customer profitability and productivity.
Grycksbo Paper, situated in Sweden, is the producer of G-Print - a unique contour coated woodfree paper. The company's customers include paper merchants, printers, publishers and converters. Approximately 93% of the production is exported, mainly in Europe. G-Print has an excellent printability and is well-known for its high bulk and superior runnability. Main end-use areas are direct mail, illustrated books, manuals, catalogues, maps, posters and magazines. G-Print is available in sheets and reels in grammages from 70 to 250g/m². The production capacity is approximately 265,000 tonnes per annum. The company's turnover is 1.7 billion SEK and it employs about 500 people.
