CANADA – Corrugated packaging firm, Kruger Packaging has invested US$22.4 million (C$30m) to modernize its Place Turcot Containerboard Mill in Montréal.
The company will install advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence technology at the mill, as well as upgrade its existing manufacturing equipment.
Kruger announced the investment in the presence of Canadian Justice and Attorney General Minister David Lametti, Québec Natural Resources and Forests Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina and other government officials.
In support of this innovative project, the government of Canada is contributing US$ 7.50 million (C$10m) through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program.
The Quebec government is also providing a combined sum of more than US$2.25 million (C$3m) through the Innovation Bois Program, as well as the ÉcoPerformance program, which stems from the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy.
Kruger Packaging expects the project to increase the mill’s productivity, reduce its waste and diversify its product lines.
The modernization works are scheduled to complete in 2025 and will make the Place Turcot mill the first in North America to manufacture 100% recycled saturating kraft board.
In addition to kraft board, the facility will use fully recycled fibers to produce other specialty products, including gypsum board paper, customized board for residential construction and folding box board.
The Mill is also expected to reduce its GHG emissions by more than 2,200 tonnes per year once the modernization is completed.
The transformation project will help to secure the mill’s 153 jobs and contribute to reducing its overall environmental footprint, while also reinforcing Kruger’s leadership as the largest recycler of paper and paperboard in Canada.
Kruger fiber, biomaterials and sustainability corporate vice-president Maxime Cossette said: “With this transformation project, our aim is to secure the future of our Place Turcot Mill and to consolidate its position as a key player in the circular economy.
“We’re especially proud to take part in the efforts of the governments of Canada and Québec to strengthen our industry by investing in technology, energy efficiency and cutting-edge AI capabilities.
“This project will give us more flexibility to meet the ever-changing needs of the market and enable us to keep making better products with a smaller environmental footprint.”
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