News Release

NEWS RELEASE - April 1, 2005

FASC PROGRESS REPORT ON WRAP PROJECT IN THE UK


FASC.OB

FROM LONDON

WRAP Project explores new recycling solutions and markets for paper mill sludge

A project to develop the opportunities for recycling paper mill sludge into new products is being funded by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme). Employing innovative technology from Canada, the overall aim of the project is to derive economic benefit from the waste by processing it into usable materials and reducing the amount that is landfilled.

The project, allocated significant funding by WRAP, will use the capabilities of the new KDS Micronex sludge processing plant developed by First American Scientific Corporation (FASC). Sited at Aylesford Newsprint in Kent, the demonstration plant is the first of its kind in Europe.

Paper mill sludge is the main waste product from the manufacture of white recycled papers, and can represent as much as 40% of the material input in the production of higher quality paper grades. In total, UK mills generate around one million tonnes of sludge per annum, and end uses for this material have been limited. As a consequence, most of the sludge is either landfilled, land-spread or incinerated.

“With higher quality requirements for paper, and rising landfill costs, the volume and cost of sludge disposal is becoming an inhibiting commercial factor for the further expansion of recycled paper manufacture,” explains David Powlson, WRAP’s Technical Manager for Paper. “This WRAP project will use new technology to explore the potential for overcoming this barrier and improving the economics of producing new paper products from recycled fibre.”

Up until now, the potential to recycle the sludge has been limited because of its composition. Typically, it is made up of 50% fibre and 50% fillers (minerals used to increase smoothness, gloss and opacity); two components that can be recycled more easily individually than in combination. What the FASC equipment can do is cost effectively dry the sludge into a fluff, as opposed to a compacted residue, allowing the fibre and fillers to be separated out.

The project divides into three stages. Initially, the moisture content of the sludge is reduced from 50% to 10% by the KDS Micronex. The resulting sludge fluff can then be split into its fibre and filler constituents using screening equipment, and the materials assessed for their recycling potential. In the case of fibre, possible end uses include insulation, lower grade paper applications and fuel briquettes, and the filler material has properties that could be beneficial in the manufacture of a range of products, particularly for the construction sector..

Brian Nichols, President of FASC, is confident that the demonstration will deliver positive results.

“The stringent environmental legislation, high disposal costs for waste and high energy costs in the UK and the European Union create a significant opportunity for this type of technology,” he said.

Expected to be running at full capacity in June, the KDS Micronex and associated equipment will be installed and initially operated by RB Plant, which has in-depth experience in this field. The company will also carry out the market development phase, identifying where industrial trials are appropriate.

Simon Denniss, Project Manager at RB, said:

“We are delighted to be involved in this project, and to have the opportunity to show how new technology can open up the recycling options for paper mill sludge.”

The results from the project, which is due to be completed in November 2005, will be fully disseminated throughout the industry. If they are positive, the impact on the industry could be significant, as Chris White, Commercial Manager at Aylesford Newsprint, explained:

“This project could address one of the major challenges facing the paper recycling sector and Aylesford Newsprint is excited to be part of the project team.”

ENDS

Note: More information on WRAP can be found at www.wrap.org.uk

Contacts:

Pat Jennings, Media Relations Manager, WRAP
Office: 01295 819928; Mobile: 07950 923260
E-mail: pat.jennings@wrap.org.uk

David Powlson, Paper Technical Manager, WRAP
Office: 01295 819630
E-mail david.powlson@wrap.org.uk

David Dungate, Vice President of Marketing, FASC
E-mail: dungate@fasc.net

Chris White, Commercial Manager, Aylesford Newsprint
E-mail: chris.white@aylnews.com

Simon Denniss, Project Manager, RB Plant
E-mail: simon-d@rb-plant.co.uk