## Kruger Inc. Invests $23.75 Million in Carbon Capture Technology at Wayagamack Mill
In a significant move towards a greener future, Kruger Inc. has announced a $23.75 million investment in an innovative carbon capture and reuse demonstration project at its Wayagamack Mill in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. This ambitious project aims to significantly reduce the mill’s environmental footprint and could pave the way for the facility to achieve carbon neutrality.
The R&D project, unveiled at a press event attended by government officials and industry leaders, will see Kruger partner with Mantel Capture Inc., a North American start-up specializing in cutting-edge carbon capture technology. Mantel Capture, founded by engineers and scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has developed a promising technology that has already demonstrated success at the laboratory scale. The project at the Wayagamack Mill marks the first time this technology will be tested in an industrial setting.
A Groundbreaking Approach to Carbon Capture
One of the key features that sets Mantel Capture’s technology apart is its use of a cutting-edge absorption fluid, molten borate salt. This unique material can withstand extremely high temperatures, up to 600°C, allowing for direct integration of the capture system into a steam boiler. This direct integration makes the process more efficient and cost-effective than other carbon capture methods.
Furthermore, the technology is energy-efficient and sustainable. It captures carbon while producing clean steam, both of which can be reinjected into the papermaking process. Kruger’s demonstration project aims to capture up to 5 tons of high-quality CO2 per day, showcasing the technology’s potential for large-scale impact.
Government Support Fuels Innovation
This ambitious initiative has received strong support from both the Canadian and Quebec governments. Natural Resources Canada contributed $8.15 million through its Investments in Forest Industry Transformation Program (IFIT), while the Quebec Ministry of Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks provided $9.5 million through its Technoclimat Program.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
The project, which begins with preparatory work this month, is scheduled to enter a two-year test phase in the fall of 2025. If the project meets expectations, Kruger intends to deploy the technology across all mill operations, bringing the facility closer to its goal of carbon neutrality.
Key Quotes:
“This investment is an excellent example of how we can continue to reduce emissions while helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of Canada’s forestry sector.” – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Canada
“We are pleased to support the development of effective technological solutions to meet our climate goals, including net-zero emissions by 2050.” – Benoit Charette, Minister of Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks of Quebec
“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of testing this promising new technology, which has the potential to help us, as well as the entire manufacturing sector, achieve our goal of decarbonizing our operations.” – Justin Paillé, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing, Kruger Pulp and Paper
About Kruger Inc.
Founded in Montreal in 1904, Kruger Inc. is a major provider of tissue products, 100% recycled containerboard, corrugated packaging, pulp and paper products, and renewable energy. The company is also a leader in paper and paperboard recycling in North America. A privately held family company, Kruger Inc. employs 6,000 people across facilities in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the United States.
