Paper recycling in Ontario takes a hit

Atlantic Packaging Products is closing its recycled newsprint plant in Whitby, because of a “drastic” decline in North American newsprint demand, the high Canadian dollar, and high operating costs in Ontario.

The plant was Canada’s first to produce 100 per cent recycled newsprint, and also pioneered productive uses of the paper fibre biosolids that paper recycling inevitably produces, such as Soundsorb and Nitrosorb. The proper use and regulation of such biosolids has often been controversial.

Until this month, the plant recycled about one third of Ontario’s waste paper, from the Blue Box and other sources. It is not yet clear what impact this closure will have on the Blue Box program.

Atlantic plans to continue making other types of recycled paper products at other, smaller plants in the GTA area.