What the Project Is About
Imagine the paper of tomorrow… LC PAPER is making that vision real today. This family business, founded way back in 1881 and now in its fifth generation, is all about producing tissue and low substance kraft paper. Most of this paper heads out as raw material for paper converters, but some becomes finished products like Away-from-Home tissue, eCommerce tissue items, and paper bags for delivery, fast food, snacks, bakeries, and retail. The real game-changer? Their project focuses on using low purity recycled cardboard instead of virgin plant fibers to make tissue paper. Thanks to a grant from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), supported by the EU’s NextGenerationEU fund, LC PAPER installed cutting-edge industrial equipment. This tech enables a sophisticated multi-stage sorting system that maximizes the use of low purity post-consumer raw materials, pushing the boundaries of circular economy in the paper industry.
Main Benefits of the Project
Here’s why this project stands out:
- First B Corp certified paper manufacturer globally, with a B Corp score of 123.
- Uses renewable electricity (solar) and thermal energy (biomass and biomethane).
- Completely eliminated plastic packaging from their operations.
- Shipments use electrified trains whenever possible, cutting down truck pollution.
- Employs recycled, alternative, or certified managed fibers, with a push for unbleached products to reduce chemical use.
- Exports to over 30 countries, blending traditional craftsmanship with industrial innovation.
LC PAPER’s Commitment to Sustainability
LC PAPER isn’t just about making paper; it’s about rethinking the entire process to eliminate environmental impact. Their zero-impact strategy goes way beyond traditional sustainability. It’s about identifying every single impact linked to paper manufacturing and wiping it out — right now. This bold approach has earned them global recognition and sets a new standard for the industry. From stopping deforestation to recovering water used in production, and powering operations with solar panels, their vision is crystal clear: paper that’s good for the planet, from start to finish.
Innovative Use of Recycled Materials
The heart of the project lies in turning low purity recycled cardboard into quality tissue paper. This isn’t your average recycling effort. Thanks to state-of-the-art sorting technology, LC PAPER can handle post-consumer raw materials that usually get overlooked. This means less waste, more circularity, and a serious reduction in the need for virgin fibers. It’s a clever way to breathe new life into local waste streams and keep materials moving in a closed loop — all while maintaining the high standards customers expect.
Heritage Meets Innovation
LC PAPER’s story is one of evolution. Starting as a local mill, it has grown into a global industrial player without losing sight of its roots. The company combines the craftsmanship of traditional papermaking with a relentless drive for innovation. This blend of old and new fuels their commitment to excellence and sustainability. Exporting to more than 30 countries, LC PAPER proves that heritage and forward-thinking can go hand in hand to pioneer the future of sustainable papermaking.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – maximizing recycled content and reducing waste.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – using renewable energy and electrified transport to cut emissions.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – ending deforestation by reducing reliance on virgin fibers.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – recovering water used in production processes.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – implementing advanced sorting technology.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Paper
The future LC PAPER envisions is clear: paper that’s sustainable, circular, and responsible. No more plastic packaging polluting oceans, no more trucks belching emissions on the road, and no more unnecessary chemicals in the production process. Instead, there’s a future powered by renewable energy, electrified logistics, and innovative recycling. It’s a future where paper not only serves its purpose but also respects the planet — truly tomorrow’s paper, today.
