Torraspapel, part of the Lecta Group, has announced the activation of an ambitious investment program at its Monta-ana (Zaragoza, Spain) plant. The 23.3 million Euro investment allocated to 13 projects will allow for emissions reductions, enhanced emissions quality and odor elimination, in addition to enabling the plant to continue operating at current employment levels.     

The plan was launched at the end of March with contracts being awarded for the supply, assembly and start-up of two electrofilters in the mill's recovery boilers. This first phase entails an investment of 7.5 million euros and will reduce emissions levels of solid particles into the atmosphere by 40% as compared to current levels. The two electrofilters will be started up in May 2012.

This significant environmental investment plan is part of a clear and well-defined sustainability policy that Torraspapel has been developing for some time now, one that has established the company as an environmental leader, with environmental figures well above the limits set by current regulations. All of the group's mills hold the strictest environmental management certifications available, guaranteeing the sustainable origin of raw materials, particularly wood and cellulose.

In addition to the technological and environmental enhancements resulting from a more competitive mill, this plan entails maintaining current pulp and paper production levels, thereby preserving the direct employment of the more than 500 persons currently working at the Zaragoza factory, not to mention its impact on indirect employment, according to industry estimates, over 3,000 people.