Kingsport Mill Recognized for Sustainability Efforts
KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Domtar’s Kingsport Mill has received the 2024 Business Recycler of the Year award from the Tennessee Recycling Coalition (TRC). The recognition was announced in Gatlinburg on Aug. 23 during the organization’s annual Tennessee Sustainability Conference.
Given to businesses that practice outstanding leadership in recycling and waste prevention, this year’s award honored Domtar’s Kingsport Mill for Project Smoky — the two-year conversion of the facility’s uncoated freesheet paper machine into the company’s first 100 percent recycled containerboard facility.
The mill, which resumed operations in January 2023, is home to the second-largest recycled containerboard machine in North America and is the largest recycled manufacturer in the state of Tennessee.
“To receive this recognition is a tremendous honor, and it reflects our commitment to set the standard as a leader in sustainability,” said Troy Wilson, manager of the Kingsport Mill. “I am proud to accept this award on behalf of our employees — they are the driving force behind our efforts.”
As part of its conversion, the more than 100-year-old mill repurposed approximately 31,500 tons of concrete and brick left over from the demolition of the previous mill for the foundation of the new facility. This action eliminated approximately 1,000 trips that would have been required to transport the material to a construction waste disposal site.
“The conversion of the Kingsport Mill was one of the largest capital investments in Domtar’s more than 175-year history,” said Jan Martin, director of communications and public affairs for Domtar. “Its innovative processes and cutting-edge technology are leading our long-term vision to build a competitive packaging business.”
Since the conversion, the mill’s daily water usage has declined by two-thirds. In addition, the mill now consumes nearly 700,000 tons of recycled boxes and paper each year — enough to fill nearly 1.5 Empire State Buildings. Before being used to make new containerboard products, the material is screened and cleaned, yielding about 50,000 tons per year of waste byproducts that the mill uses to produce energy and electricity instead of sending it to landfills.
Established in 1990, the Tennessee Recycling Coalition (TRC) is a non-profit partnership of private business, federal and state agencies, cities and counties, non-profit organizations, trade associations, educational institutions and individuals. It promotes the statewide adoption of waste reduction and recycling, provides information and education, and addresses waste issues in the Volunteer State.