Essity to begin production at UK paper recycling facility

Global hygiene and tissue paper manufacturer Essity has confirmed the opening of its recycled paper facility in Prudhoe, Northumberland, which is set to start up in March and officially open April 9.

The Swedish company began construction on the $36 million upgrade  in January 2023 and represents its largest investment across its six U.K. sites in the past decade.

The project replaces a former 50-year-old building and includes an updated pulper designed to handle a wider range of lower-grade materials, including old corrugated containers. Traditionally, Essity has used sorted office paper and other high grades as feedstock, but because of supply issues, has pivoted to using more mixed paper and packaging grades.

The upgrade also is expected to increase Essity’s recovered paper processing capacity to more than 100,000 metric tons annually.

“This major investment in British manufacturing reinforces Essity’s long-term commitment to sustainability, circularity and innovation, while enhancing the capability and resilience of its U.K. operations,” the company says in a statement.

The Prudhoe mill is Essity’s largest facility in the U.K., employing more than 400 people, and produces Essity brands like Velvet, Cushelle and Tork, as well as making private-label products for U.K. customers.