Zaragoza, Spain, 03 May 2011 -- Torraspapel, part of the Lecta Group, is beginning an ambitious investment program at its Montañana (Zaragoza, Spain) plant. The EUR 23.3 million investment allocated to 13 projects will reduce emissions, enhance emissions quality and odor elimination, and enable the plant to continue operating at current employment levels.

The plan was launched at the end of March, with contracts being awarded for the supply, assembly, and start-up of two electrofilters in the mill's recovery boilers. This first phase entails an investment of EUR 7.5 million and will reduce emissions levels of solid particles into the atmosphere by 40% compared to current levels. The two electrofilters will be started up in May 2012.

This significant environmental investment plan is part of a clear and well-defined sustainability policy that Torraspapel has been developing for some time, one that has established the company as an environmental leader, with environmental figures well above the limits set by current regulations. All of the group’s mills hold the strictest environmental management certifications available, guaranteeing the sustainable origin of raw materials, particularly wood and cellulose.

In addition to the technological and environmental enhancements resulting from a more competitive mill, this plan entails maintaining current pulp and paper production levels, thereby preserving the direct employment of more than 500 persons currently working at the Zaragoza factory, and indirect employment, according to industry estimates, to more than 3000 people.