“We feel Metsä Fibre adds value to us, and consider them a major partner.”
we sell internationally, we also want to keep paper pro- duction in the region in the long-term.” Abdullah Al-Khateeb , Managing Director of IPM and CPM, agrees. “The location of Abu Dhabi as a regional hub is very important. It is easy to cover the region logistically. On the other hand, there are challenges with running a paper mill in the middle of the desert.” Succeeding in such a situation requires great cooperation between the mills, suppliers, and partners, as well as a good understanding of sustainability issues. Working together with Metsä Fibre has ensured a relia- ble and sustainable supply of mainly softwood. Ensuring the availability and quality of materials is only one aspect of the relationship, however. “At CPM we have worked with Metsä Fibre for over ten years. We know that we can get the high-quality materials we need, but they also give full technical support, share problem-solving tools with us, and provide excellent ser- vice. We feel Metsä Fibre adds value to us, and consider them a major partner,” says Amin. REDUCING EMISSIONS AND COSTS For Ittihad International Investment LLC, fulfilling sustain- ability requirements is an important part of production. “One of our main advantages here is the technology, as our machines are very new and highly efficient,” Viertola says. “This helps make IPM an excellent factory from a sus- tainability point of view. Energy emissions are a fraction of the legislated amount. For example, IPM produces zero process carbon dioxide emissions, with gas boilers con- nected directly to the factory providing steam for the pa- per machines. This helps the environment but also lowers the costs of production.” Unsurprisingly, supplying fresh water in the desert is a problem.
“As well as producing zero carbon emissions at IPM, we also need to minimise water consumption”, Al Khateeb notes. In this regard, a phase 2 water treatment plant, due to open during 2022–23, is currently under construction within the mill itself. A phase 1 water treatment plant is already in operation. The fact that IPM and CPM sell internationally also means that their products must reach global standards, such as the EU’s Ecolabel. “To do business in Europe and the US we need to comply with regulations, register and certify our products, and fulfil recycling requirements,” Amin points out. Cooperation with Metsä Fibre helps the mills to meet these demands, as the supplier also follows relevant envi- ronmental legislation and certification. “I am proud to be working on these areas,” says Al Khateeb. •
ITTIHAD PAPER MILL The largest printing and writing paper mill in the MENA region. • First Uncoated Woodfree Paper Mill in the GCC • 325,000 tonne annual capacity • Zero process carbon dioxide emissions • Opened in 2018 CROWN PAPER MILL A producer of jumbo tissue paper rolls, located in Abu Dhabi. • 100,000 tonne annual capacity • Covers an area of 50,000 square metres • Established in 1996 • Was acquired by Ittihad International Investment in 2018
Abdullah Al Khateeb Managing Director of IPM and CPM, who has worked for Ittihad for 11 years.
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