Waste

Mill Waste and Residuals

Elimination of waste production and minimization of waste we cannot eliminate are our primary objectives. If waste cannot be eliminated from the production process, it is used beneficially and becomes a secondary product. Reducing waste production and using waste in a beneficial manner allows Glatfelter to continuously lessen its environmental impact from its production processes. Ways in which we achieve these objectives include:

• Application of wastewater treatment plant sludge for agricultural benefit
• Sale of off-quality material for secondary, lower-grade applications

Conserving Our Resources

From investing in technology to improving recycling practices, Glatfelter is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and, in turn, the environmental footprint of its customers. Creating production processes that conserve resources and ensure efficient resource utilization are some of the steps taken to reduce our environmental footprint. Waste reduction and in-house recycling programs extend across the company while specific manufacturing processes have been implemented to assist in reducing our carbon footprint.

Recycling Initiatives

Recovering the waste stream for recycling also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling reduces the amount of waste that is land-filled, where it would decay and release methane into the atmosphere. The energy required for production is also reduced because recovery extends the fiber supply. Recycling conserves resources and reduces environmental impacts such as energy use, air and water pollution, as well as solid waste during manufacturing.

• Reprocessing offcuts to recover the good quality fiber for use in production
• Finding alternative recycling outlets to dramatically reduce disposal to landfill
• Finding agricultural benefit for fibers that are unsuitable for use in production processes