Constructed in 1979, Bear Island produces newsprint paper from wood fiber and recycled fiber in various basis weights, ranging from 40.0 grams to 48.8 grams.

 In 1994, the mill began operating its recycled fiber facility and expanded it in 1998. The recycling system is a multi-stage two-loop process that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, converting old newspapers and magazines into high-grade recycled pulp.