Project description

Neucel produces some of the best specialty cellulose in the world – and will now do so more sustainably, thanks to this unique offset project. The mill has reduced – and intends to eliminate over time – its use of oil for fuel. Instead, it is using hog fuel, a wood waste product from lumber processing. This has required substantial changes to production equipment, as well as new standards, training and operating procedures for employees.

How it reduces emissions

Neucel has taken a two-pronged approach to lower oil use in its facility and replace it with biomass fuel. First, Neucel undertook major upgrades to enable hog fuel – a waste product produced during lumber processing – to be more efficiently processed. This diverts waste from landfills and decreases the mill’s dependency on oil as a primary source of fuel. Second, a cultural shift program was implemented to encourage employees to use hog fuel instead of oil. Prior to mill upgrades, hog fuel was significantly more difficult to work with to maintain consistent output – and therefore less likely to be used as a fuel of choice.

Other benefits

Neucel’s new fuel source diverts waste from landfills and decreases the mill’s dependency on oil.

The mill is the major employer in Port Alice. These innovations will give the mill a new competitive advantage in the international market, sustaining existing jobs, while providing more new employment opportunities for area residents.