Energy Efficiency Could be Lifeline for Aging Paper Mills

According to a report released by the World Resources Institute this week, the 93 paper and pulp mills in the Midwest are older and less efficient than the nation’s fleet as a whole, hence they could stand to benefit even more by investing in efficiency overhauls. These include different procedures and new equipment for drying paper, bleaching and other parts of the pulping and paper-making process; and better maintenance of equipment like steam traps.

The report says such investments will pay off relatively quickly. Midwestern manufacturers could save $240M annually if all pulp and integrated paper mills met the same efficiency