The NSW Government has praised an investment of more than $400m by Amcor Australasia for a new paper recycling facility at Botany. The new facility is expected to be the most advanced and environmentally sustainable mill of its type in the Asia Pacific.

The facility will consolidate Amcor's entire recycled paper production for Australia and New Zealand, creating an Asia-Pacific centre for paper making.

NSW treasurer Eric Roozendaal said the investment would be the largest proposed capital investment in the 140 year history of Amcor.

He says, “Amcor has operated recycled paper machines at its Botany site for 50 years and has a proud history of paper making at the site. But growing international competition saw the Botany Mill facing possible closure with its work being consolidated elsewhere.

“The upgrade will mean that existing employees will have a chance to secure employment in the upgraded mill and additional new employees will be required at several levels to operate the mill.”

The new plant will be capable of producing Amcor’s total requirements of cardboard each year from recycled paper.

Also commenting, Member for Maroubra, Michael Daley said in addition to supporting the jobs of current employees, the project will create major work opportunities for new mill employees as well as sub-contractors and suppliers.

Daley says, “The upgrade is also expected to support more than 800 jobs during construction. I’m especially pleased that the new mill as will have a significant reduction in odours for local residents. This is something we have been working hard on for a long time.”NSW Government backs Amcor mill investment