Kruger Canada Expands Its Presence in the Hygiene Market with a US$333 Million Investment

The project includes the construction of a new production facility in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, adjacent to Kruger’s Wayagamack paper mill. The site will feature an Andritz Wetlace hybrid line, the first of its kind in Canada, designed to produce advanced solutions for hygiene and cleaning applications.

According to the company, the initiative is part of its diversification strategy and aims to expand its presence in high-growth segments by leveraging its expertise in fiber processing and wet-laid manufacturing technologies.

The decision to enter the wipes market follows several years of analysis and development. According to Kruger, the global wipes market is valued at approximately US$25 billion and continues to grow, driven by increasing demand for products with a lower environmental footprint.

Wetlace technology combines wet-laid and dry-laid manufacturing processes to develop high-performance materials for hygiene applications. The products to be manufactured by Kruger will be composed primarily of natural fibers sourced from responsibly managed forests and will not contain plastic fibers or certain chemical binders traditionally used in the market.

 

The company also stated that the solutions produced at the new facility will be biodegradable and compostable, in line with growing consumer and brand demand for more sustainable alternatives in everyday products.

Before selecting Andritz’s technology, Kruger evaluated several alternatives, focusing on product performance and the ability to deliver sustainable solutions without compromising quality. The company noted that there are similarities between papermaking processes and the selected technology, which will facilitate operational integration and support the development of this new business unit.

In addition to addressing sustainability trends, the investment aims to capitalize on opportunities related to supply chain resilience and demand for differentiated products. According to the company, its competitive strategy will be based on innovation, quality, and performance, with the goal of strengthening its position in the market for hygiene and personal care solutions.