Manufacturing uses process chemicals such
as sodium hydroxide and sodium chlorate in
the cooking and bleaching processes.
Different additives and auxiliary chemicals
are also used.
The cooking chemicals used in the pulp manufacturing process can be recycled more than 10 times. All the chemicals are checked before use regarding environmental risks, health and safety and product safety. More environmentally friendly chemicals are brought into use as soon as this becomes possible.
REACH
In 2010 Billerud concluded its work on registering all chemical substances manufactured in the mills in line with the EU’s new chemicals legislation, REACH, which seeks to protect public health and the environment.
Work on safety under the REACH regulations is being implemented and updated safety data sheets for chemicals are being drawn up. Billerud is primarily a user of chemicals, known as a downstream user, and as such has secure procedures for and documentation of how the chemicals are handled at each facility. Current safety data must be checked in terms of area of use and risk of exposure for humans and the environment.
Billerud has worked to adapt its operations to the new legislation jointly with other European pulp and paper mills.
Testing, compiling the results and registration have been procured and carried out jointly, saving tens of millions of Swedish kronor.