The manufacturing sector takes a considerable part in a society. It is one of the biggest pillars that hold up the economy, and neither its importance to the development of social life, nor its responsibility towards the environment should be underestimated !
Through years, we’ve probably got acquainted with the expression “being eco-friendly”. So, the concept of “going green” eventually gained our attention and entered our system.
In some parts and sectors, we came too late to this knowledge ; as we largely abused over time the environment we live in, and brought severe damage to our natural resources.
But, the message has been finally sent out to the public, and many measures have been put in place to make sure that we - as citizens - are to reduce our environmental footprint.
This was the beginning !
More and more, people are recycling and buying recycled products. They are creating less waste and consuming less water & energy (using electric cars, converting to solar power…) also practicing nature conservation and planting
trees, and using less hazardous chemicals that leave less irreversible environment footprints…and so on.
In paper manufacturing, recycling has been a major pillar to the industry, and has become the major “eco-friendly” activity.
We see today mills using both recycled and virgin fiber to make paper. They incorporate a high percentage of recovered fiber by using bales of recycled pulp which are added to the virgin wood pulp.
Moreover, we see some paper mills recycling their own waste ; an excellent idea to get their need in raw material !
It’s worth mentioning ; that customer demand, environmental awareness, and developing economies, are some of the reasons why mills add recovered fiber to their products which eventually is labelled as an “eco-friendly” product.
Extensions to this eco-friendly behavior is to be seen by reducing energy usage with energy-reducing strategies ; like replacing certain machines/devices with more energy efficient versions for instance.
To push it furthermore, we would integrate renewable energy ; another eco-friendly factor. We will also integrate and implement water-efficiency/effluent treatment programs. We will also integrate the manufacturing of ecofriendly
products...etc.
In the coming pages, we will see how Perla Converting Hygienic Tissue Paper mill found its way to be an eco-friendly mill. We will also learn about BASF’s commitment to sustainability, and what Xerium is to tell for an optimal paper machine performance.
Also, in the following pages, we will learn about how Xylem Inc. introduces its ultimate effluent treatment to improve pulp mills capacities