Brussels, Belgium / Madrid, Spain – January 26, 2022 – International Paper (IP), one of the world’s leading producers of renewable fiber-based packaging and absorbent pulp solutions, achieved a major production milestone at its Madrid Mill in Fuenlabrada, Spain. In the last quarter of 2021, the state-of-the-art mill reached a total production volume of one million tonnes of sustainably made high-performance light-weight recycled containerboard since the completion of the conversion investment in August 2018.
Employing the latest technology, the Madrid mill is home to one of the most advantaged recycled containerboard machines in Europe and primarily serves IP’s network of 23 corrugated packaging plants across Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA) with its top notch Prime® product range.
“We are proud of this significant milestone, and the progress we continue to make. The Madrid mill plays a vital role as we work towards delivering on our Vision 2030 commitments and bringing the circular economy to life while making products that people depend on every day,” said Eric Chartrain, Vice President & General Manager of International Paper’s corrugated packaging business in EMEA. “As we strive to further grow our business in the EMEA region, we also continue our capacity increase and product development efforts at the mill to offer even more innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to customers.”
Looking to promote circularity in all areas of the value chain, IP’s efforts to minimize waste and maximize material recovery spans product design and development at mill and box plant level, raw material sourcing, circular manufacturing processes as well as developing circular solutions with customers and suppliers. In Spain, the company has been recognized multiple times for its continuous sustainability commitment and ongoing efforts to bring the circular economy to life. Most recently in 2021, International Paper has been awarded with the “Community of Madrid Sustainability Awards” and the “El Suplemento Sustainability Awards”.
Leading the way in sustainability, the Madrid mill was the first in Spain to implement a 100% closed loop recycled water system linked to the municipal system. Moreover, the mill is 100% energy self-sufficient. Not least, the company’s recycling business CARPA is one of the largest collectors of old corrugated containers and other waste paper in the Madrid region, collecting some 12,000 tons each month. This waste paper is then turned into new containerboard at the Madrid mill, for IP’s packaging plant network to convert it into boxes again. And the cycle continues.
Read the full news release here.