South Carolina officials address pulpwood crisis after two paper mill closures

During a recent meeting of the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee in South Carolina, significant concerns were raised regarding the impact of recent paper mill closures on the state's pulpwood industry. The closures of two major paper plants have left a substantial amount of pulpwood unutilized, raising alarms about potential environmental consequences, including increased wildfire risks.

Committee members emphasized the urgent need for solutions to manage the excess pulpwood effectively. One suggestion was to explore international markets, particularly in China, to find ways to make South Carolina's wood products more appealing and merchantable. The committee is seeking specific recommendations on how to facilitate this process.

The discussion also highlighted the challenges facing the domestic pulpwood market. With no new paper mills expected to be built in South Carolina due to stringent regulations, the focus is shifting towards maximizing the use of existing mills and exploring alternative markets for pulpwood. The committee acknowledged that while some existing mills are operating at capacity, regulatory pressures have led to reduced production in others, contributing to the industry's current bottleneck.

In addition to seeking international opportunities, committee members discussed the potential for increasing local demand through renewable energy initiatives, such as sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel. These alternatives could provide new outlets for pulpwood, helping to stabilize the market and mitigate the environmental risks associated with excess wood.

As the committee continues to address these pressing issues, the focus remains on finding both immediate and long-term solutions to support South Carolina's pulpwood industry and ensure sustainable forest management practices. The next steps will involve gathering detailed proposals and exploring incentives that could enhance production capabilities at existing mills.