Southern Pine®

Tantanoola Mill

Southern Pine® fluff pulp is made at Tantanoola Pulp Mill, situated in the South East of South Australia.

Commissioned in February 1993, it uses a bisulphite process, with peroxide based, totally chlorine free (TCF) bleaching. The mill pulps plantation grown radiata pine wood from local areas.

Tantanoola MillTantanoola Mill

Like most modern plants, the mill is highly computerised and operates with an advanced DCS (distributed control system) to ensure only uniform quality product is made.

The mill services Kimberly-Clark’s nearby Millicent Mill which takes a large volume for tissue and towelling products. Transport of the pulp in slurry form is via a pipeline between the two Mills.

All remaining pulp goes to the Tantanoola Mill Dryer which makes fluff pulp board for applications mainly in diapers and feminine care products.

Environmental standards

Tantanoola Mill is accredited under both ISO 14001 and PEFC global standards.

Tantanoola from the airTantanoola Mill from the air

A large proportion of the mill’s initial capital investment went towards the purchase of pollution abatement equipment.

The high environmental standards now expected of industry and Kimberly-Clark’s desire to be a responsible corporate citizen necessitated this additional expenditure.

  • The mill’s air emissions are strictly controlled and continuously monitored to meet all relevant EPA requirements.
  • All effluent from the mill first undergoes primary clarification to remove any solid material and then goes forward for secondary treatment in aerated ponds before it is discharged into a nearby receiving water system.
  • Uncooked wood (knots, shives, etc.) from digestion, together with some waste pulp is taken off site by a local contractor and converted into compost for use in nurseries and home gardens.
  • Environmental auditing of manufacturing sites is conducted annually by overseas auditors.

Find out more about Kimberly-Clark’s environmental initiatives.