Figure 14: PULP AND PAPER MILL MATERIALS USEDPulp and Paper Mill Materials Used

Our overall materials consumption has been positively affected by factors such as increased operating efficiency and greater use of recycled materials. (Materials consumption data for pin chip pulp and BSWK appears in section 3.2).

 materials-background

Efficient Conversion of Wood to Pulp

Figure 15: WOOD CONVERSION EFFICIENCYWood Conversion Efficiency

Note: Wood conversion factor is based on pulp production only (paper excluded).

Our target for conversion of wood to pulp in 2013 is 3.75 adt (pulp) per adt (wood).

As mentioned above, our investment in mechanical debarking has resulted in a significant amount of biomass left on the forest floor, helping to protect the soil and prevent erosion.

The lower weight of dry wood reduces both transport costs and emissions. As an indication, a three per cent decrease in wood moisture equates to 300,000 tonnes less wood by weight per year.

While overall consumption has increased in line with our mill operating at optimum capacity, the minerals, pigments and chemicals required per tonne of pulp (ADT) is significantly reduced compared with 2010. The greater efficiencies gained through optimum asset utilisation are evident in data throughout this section of this Report.

Reducing Materials Use

Figure 16: MINERALS, PIGMENTS AND CHEMICALSMinerals Pigments and Chemicals

Recycled Materials
Replacing Fossil Fuel with Biogenic Fuel

Figure 17: BLACK LIQUOR BIO-FUELBlack Liquor Biofuel

Biomass - A Significant Energy Source

Figure 18: BIO-FUELS USED FOR ENERGYBio-fuels used for energy

Biogenic fuel such as palm husks and effluent sludge reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and our fossil generated carbon releases. Transport distances related to biomass fuels are far lower than those associated with fossil fuels, so we are also achieving reductions in indirect energy use and emissions. (Biogenic carbon fuels are in some cases, considered carbon neutral).

The decrease in biomass energy source between 2011 and 2012 reflects the greater volume of biomass left on the forest floor as a result of our mechanical harvesting and debarking initiative.

While bark previously added to our biogenic fuel volume, it also helps stabilise and protect soil when left at the site of harvesting.