Columbia Pulp’s new $250-million straw pulp mill in Washington is undergoing its start-up process.
For feedstock, Columbia Pulp uses waste straw sourced from eastern Washington, which is said to be one of the densest wheat-growing regions in the world. Traditionally, excess straw from a harvest has been burned, which is a major source of CO2 emissions.
The mill was originally projected to start up in October 2018, but experienced construction delays that were compounded by harsh winter weather, according to Pulp & Paper Canada.