Catalyst Paper advances sustainable products and innovative solutions
Globally recognised for its innovations and environmental stewardship, Catalyst Paper has taken an industry-leading role in transforming pulp and paper into a sustainability-driven business. The company is one of the first industry players to embrace sustainability as a core operating principle. It has invested approximately C$1 billion (HK$7 billion) over the past 25 years to soften its carbon footprint through upgrades in its boiler infrastructure and effluent treatment systems, and fuel switching to clean biomass energy.
Globally recognised for its innovations and environmental stewardship, Catalyst Paper has taken an industry-leading role in transforming pulp and paper into a sustainability-driven business. The company is one of the first industry players to embrace sustainability as a core operating principle. It has invested approximately C$1 billion (HK$7 billion) over the past 25 years to soften its carbon footprint through upgrades in its boiler infrastructure and effluent treatment systems, and fuel switching to clean biomass energy.
"Compared to petroleum-based products, pulp and paper are better alternatives - they come from trees that are renewable, particularly when sourced from sustainably managed forests," says Joe Nemeth, president and CEO. "The industrial process to make paper is built on a naturally renewable cycle, resulting in virtually zero waste."
With its successful initiatives towards energy efficiency, supply chain sustainability and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, Catalyst has gained positive recognition from major environmental groups. These include Greenpeace Canada, Sierra Club BC, ForestEthics and the World Wildlife Fund. Catalyst has also been distinguished among Corporate Knights Magazine's Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada for seven consecutive years.
"We believe that our sustainability focus is giving us a true competitive advantage," Nemeth says. "We are reinforcing that with the rollout of innovative and environment-friendly solutions."
Catalyst has pioneered lightweight printing papers with improved brightness and printability. This is achieved through the use of fillers to increase ink holdout and opacity, and lessen show-through. Requiring fewer resources to produce and transport, the firm's lightweight grades carry key environmental advantages.
Catalyst is also the first in the world to adopt on-machine soft calendering and online coating to give its products a glossy and smoother finish.
For its eco-conscious customers, Catalyst introduced its Sage line, which highlights the environmental care taken to produce papers responsibly. Made using 100 per cent certified fibre sources and manufactured carbon-neutral based on ISO 14064 standards, Catalyst's Sage-designated products offer customers peace of mind. Sage's superior environmental pedigree is supported by GreenBlue's paper assessment tool.
Catalyst is the largest producer of mechanical printing papers in western North America, offering a comprehensive portfolio ranging from newsprint to high-gloss grades for magazines, brochures, retail flyers and catalogues. It operates three low-carbon mills in the coastal British Columbia communities of Crofton, Port Alberni and Powell River.
At its Crofton mill, the firm also manufactures high-quality softwood pulp, which has gained a strong following among Asian papermakers.
"With our full line of mechanical printing products, we are able to target niches that are not exposed to electronic substitution," Nemeth says. "The next big push for Catalyst is to diversify its end uses, and China will be a big part of this."
Catalyst sees opportunities in speciality applications of paper products, including use in medical gowns and masks, tape bases, and decor and laminates. These market niches require a lightweight but strong paper base, which Catalyst can provide.
"We are excited about the long-term prospects of the industry," Nemeth says. "The pulp and paper mill of the future will produce a whole range of high-value synergistic products, serving as green alternatives to those based on petrochemicals."
www.catalystpaper.com