Hamilton, Ohio-based Smart Papers will run its paper mill on 100% renewable energy, breaking ground on a co-generation biomass facility at its manufacturing center in Hamilton, according to an online report from Clean Technology.

The $30 million power plant was expected to be complete by spring 2009. “The production of these papers will leave the lightest environmental footprint of any premium coated or uncoated printing paper produced in North America,” Smart Papers Chariman Tim Needham was reported as saying. The40 MW co-generation system is set to generate electricity and steam to operate the mill. The system is made up of four turbines, two condensers, a cooling tower and auxiliary equipment from Morris Township, Honeywell International. Biomass fuel would be primarily yard waste as well as industrial wood and fiber waste. “We see our approach as the smart choice,” President and COO Dan Maheu said. “We will be a more efficient manufacturer, fiscally and environmentally responsible, and energy independent. This will benefit our business, our customers, our employees and the environment.” By late 2010, Smart Papers said it expects to also start supplying renewable energy from the new plant to the grid, according to the report. The company said its manufacturing centre was a zero process waste discharge facility, where all products are process chlorine free, elemental chlorine free and acid free. All the company’s pulp is certified as sustainable by third-party organisations, including the Forest Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, and the Canadian Standards Association.