Arauco’s board approved the Dissolving Pulp project for Valdivia Pulp Mill, a $185 million investment to produce a range of products such as textile fiber, cellophane paper and filters. This project –during whose construction peak will employ 1,400 workers—will allow the company to innovate with greater value added products within a global pulp market that is growing increasingly more competitive each day.
At a global level, the textile fiber market represents about 80 million tons. Dissolving pulp, which has experienced a rising trend in recent years, accounts for about 6% of total production.
This initiative will use the existing process and facilities at the Valdivia Pulp Mill, located in the Mariquina commune in the Los Ríos Region. The project will only incorporate a few adjustments to allow for the manufacture of dissolving pulp.
In addition, the application of the technology related to the production of this new pulp will comply with strict environmental standards, the same ones that are currently maintained at the mill. This innovation will also maintain the facility’s authorized annual pulp production level of 550,000 ADMT.
“This is a very good project, in which dissolving pulp stands out for its natural and environmentally friendly process, making it an alternate choice among other fibers in the market”, said Charles Kimber, Arauco Senior Vice President Commercial and Corporate Affairs.
He also explained that “the production of dissolving pulp will allow us to diversify the type of product offer for the global pulp market. This type of pulp has different applications in the textile industry, making it distinctive because its fibers are softer, brighter and purer. It is also used in the food, cellophane and flexible packaging industry, among other various industrial uses”.
