Production at the mills results in various kinds of emissions, the most important of which are regulated by the mills’ permits from the environmental courts. Billerud is constantly working to reduce emissions, including improving processes and purification methods.
Emissions to water primarily comprise oxygen-consuming substances, nitrogen, phosphorus and metals that come from the wood.
Emissions to air from the mills mainly consist of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are formed during combustion in boilers and kilns.
Extensive measures have been taken to reduce emissions, including improving processes and purification methods.
Waste
Waste from the Swedish pulp mills is dominated by various ash and lime fractions. The largest proportion is green liquor sludge derived from the burning of black liquor in the recovery boiler. Currently most of this sludge goes to Billerud’s own landfill.
Waste is being recycled to an increasingly
greater extent
Organic process waste is processed and turned into energy in the mill. Other waste can be used for a variety of purposes. The pure lime fractions are used as soil improvers. Ash from bark burning is used for a range of construction purposes.
Non-hazardous waste is sorted and the majority goes for material or energy recovery.
Hazardous waste is sent to external recycling companies with the necessary expertise and permits.