A large-scale old corrugated containers (OCC) recycling and pulp production facility in Chesapeake has been placed on the market, creating a rare opportunity for investors and recycled fiber producers seeking near-new pulp manufacturing assets.

The sale is being managed by Tiger Group and Can-Am Machinery on behalf of Total Fiber Recovery @ Chesapeake, whose operations were interrupted shortly after startup due to funding challenges.

Modern Recycled Fiber Plant Available

The facility was designed to process 100% post-consumer recycled fiber, converting recovered OCC into kraft-wrapped recycled pulp bales.

Located in a 45,000-square-foot plant, the operation was engineered to deliver approximately 200,000 metric tons of unbleached recycled pulp annually.

According to the sale organizers, much of the equipment was installed between 2022 and 2024, with many systems having logged only limited operating hours.

$85 Million Replacement Value

Industry representatives estimate the project would cost approximately $85 million to replicate today.

The facility includes technology from leading suppliers such as:

• Kadant Black Clawson
• Bellmer Kufferath
• TSI
• Clarage
• Hauck

“This state-of-the-art, 600-tons-per-day OCC pulping, screening and drying system was just beginning operations in 2024 when funding issues halted the project,” said Dan Nigrosh, President and Founder of Can-Am Machinery.

Advanced Drying System Included

One of the major highlights is a TSI rotary drum dryer system, which includes:

• Hauck burner technology
• Clarage induced-draft fan
• 16-foot by 70-foot drum design
• Airflow capacity of 146,124 cubic feet per minute
• Operating temperatures reaching 500°F

The system is designed to process a variety of materials, including recycled pulp, sludge, and renewable biomass products.

Comprehensive OCC Processing Equipment

The plant includes a complete recycled fiber processing line featuring:

Pulping Systems

• Kadant 10DR Hydrapulper
• Hydrapurge II-X detrasher
• Wash tower
• Trash well
• Ragger system

Screening and Cleaning

• Primary, secondary and tertiary coarse screens
• Float purge systems
• Liquid cyclone cleaners
• Sand separation equipment

Dewatering and Thickening

• Screw presses
• Drum screens
• Gravity disc pre-thickeners
• Clarification systems
• White water handling systems

Utilities and Support Infrastructure

• Generators
• Air compressors
• Electrical distribution systems
• Motor control centers
• Variable frequency drives
• Process pumps

Strategic Location Near Port of Norfolk

The Chesapeake facility benefits from proximity to the Port of Norfolk, one of the largest logistics hubs on the U.S. East Coast.

This location offers advantages for:

• recovered fiber sourcing
• export markets
• domestic pulp distribution
• transportation efficiency

Industry Significance

The availability of a nearly new recycled pulp facility comes at a time when demand for recycled fiber continues to grow across packaging markets.

As containerboard and sustainable packaging producers seek greater access to recycled raw materials, facilities capable of processing large volumes of OCC remain strategically valuable assets.

Final Thought

The sale of Total Fiber Recovery’s Chesapeake operation represents one of the more significant recycled fiber asset opportunities currently available in North America. With modern equipment, substantial production capacity, and a strategic logistics location, the facility may attract interest from pulp producers, packaging companies, recycling operators, and investors looking to expand their presence in the circular fiber economy.

Last Updated on 05/06/2026 by Jota Machinery