Forscot, the operation behind a proposed integrated sawmill and forest products processing and manufacturing complex in Scotland, says that its plans have been underpinned by new research which shows that Scottish Sitka spruce pulp is on a par with the best market pulps of a similar grade produced in North America.
The research was carried out for Forscot by Finnish company SciTech. It also found that Sitka spruce was the most energy efficient pulp on the market, because it develops its strength characteristics faster than other softwood pulps. It is also one of the most environmentally responsible pulps because it can be bleached to commercial brightness levels using a high proportion of ozone.
The research also proved that the pulp has excellent binding qualities, making it an ideal ingredient for providing the strength required in the manufacture of recycled tissue products.
Managing director Tharald Frette said: “These results confirm that commercially grown Scottish Sitka spruce has enormous potential for establishing a world class pulp and paper mill in Scotland.
“The pulp that Forscot plans to produce will provide UK and European papermakers with a high quality raw material, at competitive prices, for the production of publication papers and recycled tissue products.”
Forscot plans to build and operate its £1bn integrated forest products operation, including a sawmill, at Invergordon in the north-east of Scotland. The project has backing from Ross and Cromarty Enterprise and the Forestry Commission.
The business is approaching potential trade partners in a bid to raise interim funding of £5-10m. The money will be used to secure the site, complete the detailed engineering design, apply for the necessary planning and environmental permits and recruit a senior management team.
