In a bid to boost production, Australian Paper has offered a special deal to government departments that send their shredded wastepaper to its Maryvale Mill for recycling.
“Australian Paper needs to access more wastepaper to maximise our recycled paper production, and save landfill and carbon emissions,” says COO Peter Williams.
As an incentive to encourage the Government to get on board, Australian Paper will offer a special rebate for federal government departments and agencies that send their shredded wastepaper to Maryvale Mill for recycling and buy it back as premium Australian made 100% recycled office paper.
“By choosing to dispose of their wastepaper through our state of the art paper recycling plant, government departments can lead the way to improved environmental outcomes, boosting the Latrobe Valley economy and supporting vital local manufacturing jobs,” says Williams.
Australian Paper says new research shows the company’s operations generate almost $1 billion per annum in economic benefits for Australia.
According to a Western Research Institute report released today, the national benefits include $911 million in gross domestic profit (GDP), $495 million in household income and 5,786 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs. In addition, the business generates $1.88 in government revenue per ream of paper produced.
Williams says the research demonstrates the significant economic contribution made by local paper manufacturing, not only to Australia, but also to the regional areas where it is based.
The report confirmed the importance of the company’s Maryvale Mill to the Latrobe Valley in Victoria. The Mill contributes $451 million or 6.8% of the region’s economy, and supports 2,387 flow-on jobs or 5.5% of jobs in the Latrobe Valley.
“Pleasingly, the report confirmed that the company’s recent $90 million investment in a recycling plant supported 218 jobs in Victoria, of which 82 were in the Latrobe Valley,” Williams says.
“The economic benefits flowing from our operations are particularly important for the Latrobe Valley. As most people know, this region has experienced tough times recently, including the announcement of the closure of the Hazelwood power station. Also, with the current difficulties being experienced by ASH in Heyfield, access to secure wood supplies remains a key issue for both our businesses.”