Visy unveils US$30M upgrade to Brisbane recycled paper mill

AUSTRALIA – Visy has finished a US$30 million overhaul of its fully recycled paper mill on Gibson Island in Brisbane, enabling production of specialized paper grades for corrugated boxes tailored to Queensland’s agricultural and food sectors. 

The facility, which stands as the state’s sole 100 percent recycled paper mill, processes household recycling into high-quality paper and boxes, keeping materials out of landfills through a closed-loop system.

The upgrade, wrapped up in June 2025, demanded 100,000 staff hours from 170 workers and targeted key areas including sheet formation, drying processes, and energy infrastructure.

Co-located with Visy’s material recovery facility, the site sorts kerbside recyclables from local households and businesses, channeling paper directly into manufacturing. 

This setup diverts thousands of tons of waste annually, supporting Queensland’s circular economy goals.

Mark De Wit, Visy’s CEO, highlighted the project’s impact during the commissioning event. 

He stated that the investment enables local production of new products, aiding Queensland’s agricultural and food and beverage industries to expand. 

De Wit added that it extends help to growers and farmers stretching from the Gold Coast to Far North Queensland, fostering stronger supply chains for fresh produce and beverages.

Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism, the Hon. Andrew Powell MP, toured the upgraded mill to review the enhancements. 

In remarks at the site, Powell noted the facility’s role in cutting waste and promoting eco-friendly packaging options for the state’s vital farming communities.

In a related development, the company announced plans to relocate its glass remanufacturing operations from South Brisbane to a new US$500 million facility in Yatala, south of Brisbane, set for completion in late 2025. 

The move will process recycled glass into food and beverage containers, creating 900 construction jobs and sustaining 300 ongoing positions in green remanufacturing. 

Tied to Visy’s decade-long US$2 billion commitment across Australia, including US$700 million in Queensland, these efforts aim to ramp up recycling rates and slash emissions through advanced tech.

The Brisbane mill upgrade arrives amid rising demand for recycled packaging in Australia, where food exports hit record highs last year. 

By expanding box options with stronger, lighter designs from 100 percent recycled fiber, Visy meets needs for durable transport solutions that withstand Queensland’s tropical conditions.

Industry observers point to this as a timely step, with similar facilities worldwide reporting up to 20 percent reductions in virgin material use post-upgrades.

Overall, the project strengthens local economies while advancing waste reduction targets.

Visy now produces up to one million sheets of recycled cardboard daily at the site, feeding into national supply networks for sustainable goods.

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