Tucked away in the heart of Alsip, Illinois, a small but mighty factory is changing the game in the world of cardboard boxes. The Alsip Mini Mill, owned by Corrugated Supplies Company (CSC), is not your average paper mill. It’s a powerhouse of recycling and innovation, churning out high-quality corrugating medium that forms the backbone of countless cardboard boxes we use every day.
Key Takeaways:
- Alsip MiniMill produces 100% recycled corrugating medium
- The mill recycles over 250,000 tons of cardboard and paper annually
- Production began in January 2016
- The facility focuses on sustainability and high-quality output
- Alsip MiniMill is a key supplier for CSC and select trading partners
The Heart of Cardboard: What Alsip Mini Mill Makes
At its core, Alsip Mini Mill is all about one thing: corrugating medium. But what exactly is that? Imagine the inside of a cardboard box – that wavy, fluted layer sandwiched between two flat sheets. That’s corrugating medium, and it’s what gives cardboard its strength and structure.
The Secret Sauce: 100% Recycled Materials
What sets Alsip Mini Mill apart is its commitment to sustainability. Every single piece of corrugating medium that rolls off their production line is made from 100% recycled materials. That’s right – those old boxes and papers you toss in the recycling bin might just end up here, getting a new lease on life.
Recycling Impact
250,000+
Tons recycled annually
100%
Recycled content
From Trash to Treasure: The Recycling Process
The journey of a cardboard box from your recycling bin to becoming a new box is pretty cool. Here’s how it happens at Alsip MiniMill:
- Collection: Old cardboard and paper are gathered from recycling centers.
- Sorting: The materials are sorted to remove any non-paper items.
- Pulping: The sorted materials are mixed with water to create a pulp.
- Cleaning: The pulp is cleaned to remove any remaining impurities.
- Refining: The pulp is refined to the right consistency for papermaking.
- Papermaking: The refined pulp is spread out and dried to form sheets of corrugating medium.
Why Alsip Mini Mill Matters
You might be thinking, “Okay, they make cardboard. So what?” But Alsip MiniMill is doing more than just making packaging materials. They’re:
- Saving Trees: By using recycled materials, they’re reducing the need for fresh wood pulp.
- Cutting Waste: They’re keeping tons of paper and cardboard out of landfills.
- Creating Jobs: The mill provides work for local people in Alsip.
- Supporting Business: They supply materials to their parent company and other businesses, keeping the economy moving.
The People Behind the Paper
At Alsip Mini Mill, it’s not just about machines and processes. It’s about people. The mill prides itself on creating a safe and collaborative work environment. They offer good pay and benefits, showing that they value their team members as much as their products.
Looking to the Future
As more people become aware of the need for sustainable packaging, Alsip MiniMill is in a great position to meet that demand. They’re constantly looking for ways to improve their processes and make even better products.
Future Outlook
- ✅ Increased demand for eco-friendly packaging
- ✅ Potential for expanded recycling capabilities
- ✅ Continued focus on product quality improvement
- ✅ Possible expansion to serve more customers
Wrapping It Up
Alsip MiniMill might not be a household name, but its impact is felt in homes and businesses across the country. Every time you receive a package or pick up a box at the store, there’s a chance that Alsip MiniMill played a part in making it happen. And they’re doing it in a way that’s good for the planet, good for the economy, and good for the community.
So next time you break down a cardboard box for recycling, remember – you might be sending it on a journey to become something new, thanks to places like Alsip MiniMill.
