Abstract

Since the 1960s, the Chilean pulp and paper industries have worked to meet various environmental challenges and operate production facilities to increasingly strict environmental regulations. Companies have made important investments to increase production capacity whilst reducing the environmental impact of processes. Whilst pulp production capacity has risen from 1200 Adt/ day in 1985 to 3500 Adt/day in 2002, liquid effluent generated per tonne of pulp produced has fallen from 117 cu m to 54 cu m. Similarly, levels of COD, organochlorides, suspended solids and odorous emissions have fallen. New technologies being installed at production plants include effluent colour removal, continuous monitoring, and risk control techniques. Waste solids are being disposed of to controlled industrial landfill with appropriate groundwater monitoring, runoff management and energy recovery from gases generated. Process developments have included chlorine-free bleaching, condensate recovery and cleaning, efficient energy use, minimum water consumption, and the controlled and safe management and storage of chemicals. Environmental impact assessments are being introduced, and these should improve relations between pulp production plants and local residents concerned with the impact of facilities on their health and environment. During the last fifteen years, the Chilean pulp and paper industry has invested over $3000 M in its operations. Over the next decade, pulp production will rise to over 1.5 M tonnes, consolidating the industry's global leadership position and its important role in the Latin American pulp and paper markets.