Catalyst Paper advances sustainable products and innovative solutions

Globally recognised for its innovations and environmental stewardship, Catalyst Paper has taken an industry-leading role in transforming pulp and paper into a sustainability-driven business. The company is one of the first industry players to embrace sustainability as a core operating principle. It has invested approximately C$1 billion (HK$7 billion) over the past 25 years to soften its carbon footprint through upgrades in its boiler infrastructure and effluent treatment systems, and fuel switching to clean biomass energy.

"Compared to petroleum-based products, pulp and paper are better alternatives - they come from trees that are renewable, particularly when sourced from sustainably managed forests," says Joe Nemeth, president and CEO. "The industrial process to make paper is built on a naturally renewable cycle, resulting in virtually zero waste."

With its successful initiatives towards energy efficiency, supply chain sustainability and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, Catalyst has gained positive recognition from major environmental groups. These include Greenpeace Canada, Sierra Club BC, ForestEthics and the World Wildlife Fund. Catalyst has also been distinguished among Corporate Knights Magazine's Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada for seven consecutive years.

"We believe that our sustainability focus is giving us a true competitive advantage," Nemeth says. "We are reinforcing that with the rollout of innovative and environment-friendly solutions."

Catalyst has pioneered lightweight printing papers with improved brightness and printability. This is achieved through the use of fillers to increase ink holdout and opacity, and lessen show-through. Requiring fewer resources to produce and transport, the firm's lightweight grades carry key environmental advantages.

Catalyst is also the first in the world to adopt on-machine soft calendering and online coating to give its products a glossy and smoother finish.

For its eco-conscious customers, Catalyst introduced its Sage line, which highlights the environmental care taken to produce papers responsibly. Made using 100 per cent certified fibre sources and manufactured carbon-neutral based on ISO 14064 standards, Catalyst's Sage-designated products offer customers peace of mind. Sage's superior environmental pedigree is supported by GreenBlue's paper assessment tool.