Eren launches consultation on £600m Deeside paper mill  

Istanbul-headquartered Eren Holdings is drawing up plans to redevelop and expand Shotton Mill in Flintshire, creating a facility capable of “recycling all the waste paper generated in Wales”. 

Eren bought the 148-acre site from UPM Shotton last May and announced plans to build around 1m sq ft of additional facilities. 

The project will see Eren upgrade the complex and pivot from newspaper production to the production of containerboard and tissue by recycling waste paper. 

Shotton Mill was founded in 1983 and until recently produced newsprint paper. Due to the decline in newspaper consumption, this operation has now ceased. 

Once redeveloped, Shotton Mill will be capable of producing 750,000 tonnes of containerboard and 210,000 tonnes of tissue every year, according to Eren. 

While older redundant buildings will be demolished, elements of the existing complex, including the renewable energy generation facility and material recovery recycling facility, are to be retained. 

As well as two new-build plants for the manufacture of containerboard and tissue, the Eren’s plans also feature a combined heat and power facility, which will provide the mill with up to 60MW of self-sufficient power. 

Eren is now consulting on its plans for the site ahead submitting a pair of planning applications for the project to Flintshire Council. 

Shotton Mill currently employs 190 people and Eren predicts its redevelopment could create 660 new roles, as well as providing a £600m boost to the local economy. 

“Following closure of the newsprint production at the site, the proposed new containerboard and tissue facility will not only ensure this important outlet for recycled materials is retained but capacity will be increased,” according to Eren.  

“The site will have the capacity to recycle all the waste paper generated in Wales.” 

SLR Consulting is advising Eren on the scheme.