SMART Papers Breaks Ground On $30 Million Project to Produce Environmentally Responsible Premium Printing Papers

“This move to carbon-neutral production is the centerpiece of our environmental and energy strategies. It enables us to have a future that is completely independent of volatile energy markets,” said Dan Maheu, President and COO of SMART Papers. “We will reduce production costs, make carbon-neutral papers and greatly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. We will also be a positive contributor to the green power needs of Ohio and the Midwest.”

Maheu said SMART Papers has bought and sold power from the local utility for the last 10 years. But the current power generation facility at the mill did not maximize return of its fuel inputs. New turbines were needed to substantially increase the amount of electrical energy that could be produced.

The biomass fuel that will be used in the co-generation facility is made up of short-fiber cellulosic waste material that is typically landfilled. Biomass is widely available in the region. The State of Ohio ranks No. 7 nationwide in the availability of biomass stocks, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

SMART Papers said the project will generate carbon credits that can be bought and sold on the open market.

“We see our approach as the smart choice,” said Maheu. “We will be a more efficient manufacturer, fiscally and environmentally responsible, and energy independent. This will benefit our business, our customers, our employees and the environment. We will always push to exceed customer expectations when it comes to environmental stewardship.”

About SMART Papers
Hamilton, Ohio-based SMART Papers is the largest independent North American manufacturer and marketer of environmentally responsible, premium cast coated, matte coated and uncoated text, cover and writing papers. The company markets a wide range of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified premium papers to paper distributors, printers, designers and specialty converters in North America, Europe and Asia. It also sells papers directly to consumers.