Expansion plans for Shotton paper mill revealed

Turkish-based Eren Holdings has revealed plans to build the UK’s largest paper mill, as well as a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, on its Shotton site in Flintshire.

Eren’s plans for the Shotton paper mill include upgrading the facility to have a production capacity of 750,000 tonnes a year of containerboard and 210,000 tonnes a year of tissue. It would potentially be able to recycle all the waste paper generated in Wales.

The plans would also expand and repurpose the current site, but keep its renewable energy generation, materials recovery and recycling facilities.

Arup has been appointed to lead the transformation of the paper mill, which is due to be fully operational in 2024.

Arup Associate Director Andy Pennington said: “This development will create one of the most technologically advanced paper mills in the world.

“It exemplifies what’s best in sustainable development, bringing significant investment and new jobs to the Deeside area, as well as significantly increasing recycling capacity for this part of the UK.”

Shotton Paper Mill opened in 1983 and now plays a key role in the UK’s recycling infrastructure. Recycled paper and other recyclable materials, including household glass and plastics collected across the UK, are also brought to site for reprocessing.