The Paper Making Process

The Furnish:

The papermaking process begins in the pulp processing area, where ten or more semi-trailer loads of our raw material, (raw fiber), are received each day from suppliers within a 500 mile radius of Ladysmith.   Post-consumer recycled paper such as sorted office paper comprises most of the CityForest's raw fiber.  The mill also uses post-industrial printing grades of recovered paper, virgin pulp and some purchased de-inked fiber to meet specific customer needs.

Raw fiber is mixed with hot water in one of the plant's three pulpers, (pulpers are like giant blenders), and re-constituted.  Contaminants of all types are removed through a series of screens, cleaners and de-inking/de-watering operations.  The end result is a "slurry" or "slush" of exceptional uniformity and cleanliness that can be processed into high quality specialty tissue grades on our two paper machines.

The Paper Machines:

The processed slurry is sent to our two paper machines where it can be further enhanced using dedicated fiber stocks stored at each machine.  Both CityForest paper machines are computer controlled to meet the exacting specifications of our customers.  An in-line scanner provides continuous, real time data on moisture content, basis weight and stretch.   CityForest's papermaking machines are capable of manufacturing a total of 140 tons of tissue paper per day.  Each machine also has a rewinder, a specialized machine that provides our customers with the required roll sizes in a one, two or three ply format.  A final quality inspection of each roll is performed as the rolls are produced.  Rolls are then wrapped and labeled to customer specifications using the latest in stretch wrapping technology.  Finally, rolls are stored in our finished goods warehouse or prepared for immediate shipment by either truck or rail.

Energy and Water:

The steam generating plant, fueled by natural gas, provides heat energy for processing the pulp and drying of the paper during the manufacturing process.

Much of the water used in our papermaking operations is re-circulated to reduce usage and conserve energy.  All water that is used in the mill is treated and tested in our waste water treatment facility that now has the capacity required to treat waste water from a city with a population of 5,000 people.

The Benefits:

CityForest really is a self-contained, highly responsible and responsive papermaking operation with all the capabilities to serve our quality conscious customers - worldwide.

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