ABC ONLINE
Sodra may still invest in Gunns’ pulp mill: analyst
An industry analyst says a Swedish pulp mill company could still invest in Gunns’ proposed Tamar Valley mill, despite setting tough preconditions.
Sodra says any mill it’s involved with will have to use 100-percent plantation timber, be totally chlorine-free, and certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council.
The Wilderness Society says Gunns’ project fails all three tests, but analyst Robert Eastment says the differences aren’t insurmountable.
He says the quantity of logs Gunns expects will come from plantations is increasing, and its use of some chlorine also wouldn’t deter Sodra:
“Yes, I think it wouldn’t be a party stopper,” said Mr Eastment.
“Certainly ECF, which is Elemental Chlorine-Free, would be acceptable to Sodra, with all its catchments, processing, containment, chemical processes that Gunns has in place, I think would be quite acceptable, yes.”
