SUSTAINABILITY

Environmental management

Fibre stock is sourced from responsible forestry plantations. WPI exclusively use Pinus Radiata for its unique properties- a thick fibre wall and large diameter which allows for robust refining and results in value added bulk and stiffness.

The high yield pulping process and our pulps used in paperboard grade end products minimise our impact on the environment by achieving high conversion of raw material to end product.

The local forestry, sawmilling and pulp making are integrated to achieve a modern growing manufacturing symbiosis.  Fibre residuals from sawmilling serve as stock for the pulpmill.  Residual materials (such as bark) that are unable to become products are used to generate energy.

An additional fibre source, we collect non-traditional forestry residuals (binwood) normally left behind during the harvesting process to maximise forest utilisation and protect the health of the forest estate.

WPI’s two manufacturing sites are located together (four kilometres apart on SH 49 in the Central North Island) and close to sustainable forestry to minimise transport time and cost (fuel usage) and serve as an inland hub for receiving fibre.  The pulpmill and sawmill are located on the Main Trunk rail line, enabling all pulp to be transported by train to  Napier Port for despatch to the export market.  Timber is also transported to Napier Port via the same rail connection, when destined for export markets, whilst domestic timber customers are served via truck, often utilising back load opportunities to minimise empty truck running.

Our partners MyNoke operate onsite at the pulpmill processing solid waste from both sites.  MyNoke takes WPI’s solid waste material and uses a specialised worm farming process to convert organic resources originating from our forestry into a soil enrichment additive. 

Whilst providing benefit to local landowners and producing an environmentally sound product for market this initiative has also provided an alternative solution for solid waste disposal.

Waste heat is collected and converted into energy that can be utilised in other processing areas.

Water used during processing is treated using best practice natural biological systems with 90% contaminant removal.

We are proud to be part of an industry that grows, sequesters and utilises natural carbon sources - in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner.

We are committed to continuous improvement program for environmental impact and ensuring our environmental footprint is a positive one.