Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Announces Expansion of Biomass Energy Usage in Macon, GA

MARIETTA, Ga., April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), recently announced plans to expand utilization of biomass energy in its paperboard mill located in Macon, Georgia.  Detailed engineering studies and permitting are in progress.  Presently biomass energy generates over 90% of the mill's process steam and 60% of its electric power.

The project will take several years to complete, making the Macon mill self-sufficient from an electrical power and steam generation standpoint. Biomass energy will help stabilize and reduce energy costs and dependency on fossil fuel based alternatives.

Expected project benefits:

• Will provide energy from a sustainable fiber and energy resource and is carbon neutral, utilizing unused waste from logging operations. Using biomass instead of coal reduces emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide (greenhouse gasses).  
• Will generate approximately 38 megawatts of power annually or enough electrical power to support 26,000 homes per year.
• Will reduce greenhouse gas (CO2) by over 340,000 tons/year due to reduction of utility load – about the same as removing almost 59,000 passenger cars from the road.
• Will reduce greenhouse gas (CO2) by over 50,000 tons/year due to idling of a coal-fired boiler – about the same as removing almost 9,000 passenger cars from the road.
• Will improve air quality with modern combustion & emissions controls.
• Will reduce Georgia's dependence on fossil fuels (primarily coal).
• Will contribute to the sustainability of the Macon mill.

"Our mission, to provide packaging that improves the world in which we live, is achieved by engaging in activities that are environmentally responsible, promote stewardship of our natural resources and produce products that add value to our lives," said David Scheible, President and CEO. "This biomass project is another reflection of our commitment to protect our environment through sustainable manufacturing practices — forest management, efficient manufacturing, energy generation and conservation, and fiber recovery and recycling."

The Macon mill is a key component in the middle Georgia economy and an integral part of the forest industry.  It directly employs over 500 employees and has a substantial long-term economic impact on the middle Georgia area.  The mill presently generates over 900,000 lb/hr of steam and 38 MW of electricity to support its production of approximately 1,600 tons of coated paperboard per day.  Additional power required is presently supplied by the public utility.

Graphic Packaging is an active member of the American Forest and Paper Association and the Georgia Forestry Association and invests in research at the University of Georgia to enhance sustainable forestry.  Graphic Packaging conducts wood procurement activities under the requirements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard (SFIS).

Statements of the Company's plans regarding the use of biomass energy and the expected benefits of the biomass project in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on currently available information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's present expectations. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the Company cannot obtain required permits or permit modifications, and the risk that the equipment does not perform as well as expected once the project has been completed.  Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, is a leading provider of paperboard packaging solutions for a wide variety of products to food, beverage and other consumer products companies. The company is one of the largest producers of folding cartons and holds a leading market position in coated-recycled boxboard and specialty bag packaging. The company's customers include some of the most widely recognized companies in the world. Additional information about Graphic Packaging, its business and its products is available on the company's web site at www.graphicpkg.com.

SOURCE Graphic Packaging International, Inc.