Smurfit Kappa has completed a programme of investment in the UK depot network, as part of its efforts to increase recycling operations in the country.
The company has developed a new depot in Snodland of Kent to process locally-sourced paper and cardboard, which will then undergo recycling at the new Smurfit Kappa Townsend Hook mill on the same site.
The site includes a modern 5m lightweight paper machine, which can produce around 250,000 tonnes of containerboard material per year.
In addition, the new depot will supply recycled paper grades for other mills.
Smurfit Kappa has also installed new balers at the Snodland, Blackburn and Glasgow depots, as well as an additional weighbridge in Nottingham to control traffic flow in the depot.
The company has installed Bollegraaf HBC 120 balers at the Snodland and Glasgow depots, while the larger HBC 140 baler in Blackburn depot.
According to the company, locally-collected paper and cardboard will be made into compacted bales, which are then transported to paper mills for recycling.
The company has also invested in other health and safety improvements across its depot network to improve pedestrian and transport segregation.
The investment was used to install new gates, A-Safe barriers, as well as to improve lighting and signage.
Smurfit Kappa managing director Paul Clarke said: "At Smurfit Kappa Recycling we are committed to sustainable development as we strive to enhance environmental performance, safety and customer service.
"This round of investment in the facilities at our Snodland, Glasgow, Blackburn, Nottingham, Birmingham and Tamworth depots is further evidence of this commitment."
With two paper mills in the UK, Smurfit Kappa will reprocess around 500,000 tonnes of paper and cardboard per year.
