Maine company Cerealus gains $261K award toward new paper mill filler technology

By James McLaren, Senior Editor, PPI Pulp & Paper Week, RISI

SAN FRANCISCO, June 28, 2011 (RISI) - The Maine Technology Institute awarded Cerealus Holdings $261,849 for a new filler technology that will enable paper mills to reduce costs by substituting ash filler for pulp fiber.

The award was one of four development awards totaling $761,348. The awards were matched with $890,047 from the companies.

Cerealus in Waterville, ME, said it has been evaluating, developing and licensing sustainable technologies to address a number of specific market applications since 2004.

Its CEREGEL-Cerecarb is the latest generation in strength and retention that will save paper mills as much as $50/ton though implementation of "best practices" process improvements. The new technology will provide paper mills with new or enhanced capabilities, such as increased bond strength and reduced retention agents.

"Our new processes will enable mills to increase their starch utilization, which will allow the use of more ash and save fiber," the company states on its website.