Crossett Paper Mill Recognized by EPA for Energy Efficiency Achievement


04/10/2024


The Crossett paper mill operated by Georgia-Pacific in Crossett, Arkansas, has been acknowledged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its commendable achievement in reducing energy intensity by 15.8%. This surpasses the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry target by 5.8% within a span of three years. The ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry is a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in American manufacturing operations. The EPA acknowledges manufacturing facilities that achieve a minimum 10% reduction in energy intensity within five years.
 
The achievement at the Crossett mill can be attributed to various strategic measures, including operating a single boiler and discontinuing the standby operation of a backup boiler to decrease overall natural gas usage. Additionally, the management has implemented careful monitoring of the boiler burn rate during extended periods when the paper machines are not in operation. They have also optimized costs by comparing natural gas and electricity expenses, opting for purchasing electricity from the local utility when it proves to be more cost-effective than generating it onsite.
 
Deb Coduto, the Vice President and Mill Manager of the Crossett mill, expressed pride in the team's accomplishment over the past three years. She emphasized the alignment of this recognition with Georgia-Pacific and the mill's commitment to environmental stewardship, further stating the ongoing dedication to discovering additional avenues for reducing energy intensity.
 
Notably, Koch Industries Inc., the parent company of Georgia-Pacific, has been honored with the EPA's ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award five times, consistently maintaining its status in ENERGY STAR's Sustained Excellence category. The Crossett mill now joins other Georgia-Pacific facilities, such as the Leaf River Cellulose mill in New Augusta, Mississippi, and the containerboard mill in Brewton, Alabama, in being recognized by ENERGY STAR for their sustainability initiatives.
 
Among the five Georgia-Pacific facilities in Arkansas, the Crossett mill plays a significant role. Throughout the state, Georgia-Pacific provides employment to 1,760 individuals, and since 2013, the company has invested $867 million in capital and acquisitions.
 
Click here, to know more about Georgia-Pacific’s approach to environmental stewardship.