Kingsey Falls, Quebec, Canada, 08 July 2010 – Cascades Lupel now manufactures felt paper with recycled fiber for use as backing by the sheet vinyl flooring industry. This change was carried out in anticipation of reducing the mill's environmental footprint and using materials that are recovered by Cascades.
 

The objective was to only use recycled fiber and to improve the environmental balance sheet by reducing the water and energy consumption and the greenhouse gas emissions while obtaining a smoother product. "This paper was one of the rare Cascades products still being manufactured with virgin fiber" mentioned Tony Gonzalez, general manager of Sales and Marketing at the plant.

The mission was accomplished, but it created a considerable technical challenge. Virgin fibers traditionallu have been used to manufacture this type of product for stability. "Over and above the chemical considerations, we had to bring under review the manufacturing system on the paper machine. It is the breadth of all these challenges that make this achievement such a great source of pride for the employees," Gonzalez said.

 

A member of Cascades Specialty Products Group located in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Cascades Lupel is the only Canadian manufacturer of vinyl floor-covering. The Group is a leader in the sectors of industrial packaging, the packaging of consumer products, specialty products as well as the recovery and recycling. It has 44 units spread out across North America and Europe and employs more than 2,500 persons.

 

Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts, and markets packaging and tissue products composed mainly of recycled fibers. Cascades employs nearly 12,500 men and women who work in some 100 modern and flexible production units located in North America and in Europe. Cascades' management philosophy, its more than 46 years of experience in recycling, and its continuous efforts in research and development are strengths that enable the company to create innovative products for its customers. The Cascades shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAS.