Agricultural land spreading is one important way Resolute diverts waste from its operations. Certain waste products, such as organic waste, dehydrated sludge, and wood ash are rich in nutrients that promote plant growth, like phosphorous and nitrogen. Instead of being sent to landfills, these materials can be spread on agricultural land to fertilize the soil. Source: Timberbiz
In 2020, Resolute diverted 28% of its pulp, paper and tissue mill residues to beneficial uses, most of which was land spreading. For example, sludge from paper production can be dehydrated, pressed, and provided to local farmers for application to their crops.
The Thunder Bay (Ontario) pulp and paper mill has distributed nearly 3000 metric tons of wood ash produced by its biomass boiler to area farmers and continues to work with Lakehead University on developing data sets to demonstrate the beneficial use of sludge and ash applications to agricultural fields.
In the US, the company’s Menominee (Michigan) recycled pulp mill and Grenada (Mississippi) newsprint mill have been repurposing sludge and bark boiler ash, respectively, for land spreading for several years. Each mill works with local contractors to supply nearby farms. The soil is tested and approved by the state.
By identifying alternative uses for the mill by-products, Resolute is minimizing waste, creating value in communities, and contributing to the circular economy.
