Finncao is currently investigating potential new applications and carrying out research and experiments together with various partners. "In the future, deinking sludge and ash from the Mänttä mill could be recycled more extensively in applications such as sub-layers in jogging tracks, cross-country skiing trails, sports tracks and fields, golf courses, and downhill skiing slopes. Thanks to its excellent formability and low permeability, it makes an excellent material for structures such as noise barriers. Soundwalls and embankments are in fact the next big applications we are looking into. In structures like these, it absolutely makes sense to recycle industrial by-products rather than use virgin raw materials," said the Mänttä mill's Environment and Quality Manager Jonna Haapamäki-Syrjälä, who has been involved in Finncao's recent projects.
"Mänttä's de-inking sludge offers outstanding features such as low water permeability, light weight compared with rock-based raw materials, excellent formability, and flexibility—all which are definite advantages in the construction and use of jogging tracks and ball parks," Haapamäki-Syrjälä added.
"Finncao offers us an interface for maximizing the sound and efficient recycling of industrial by-products generated during our production processes," Metsä Tissue's CEO Hannu Kottonen, said. "We currently recycle 98% of our deinking sludge, and we intend to maintain a high recycling percentage, even though reduced possibilities at landfill construction and inflexible environmental permit procedures in Finland have made this more difficult."
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