Sustainable pulp production from agricultural waste

• Published in: Resources, conservation and recycling conservation and recycling, 2002-04, Vol.35 (1), p.85-103
• Main Authors: Rousu, Pasi, Rousu, Päivi, Anttila, Juha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical pulp; Chempolis process; Formic acid; Nonwood; Silicon; Sustainable development
• ISSN: 0921-3449; 1879-0658
• DOI: 10.1016/S0921-3449(01)00124-0

This paper introduces a new type of chemical pulping process technology. In the design of the process, significant efforts have been made to attain sustainable utilisation of natural resources. The paper discusses the essential issues to be taken into consideration when annual fibres are used in the pulp and paper industry. The paper focuses on the physical and chemical properties of the raw materials and their relationship with the environmentally friendly concept of cellulose and paper production. The chemistry and structure of the Chempolis process as well as certain properties relevant to pulp and paper qualities are described. The concept of the Chempolis process is based on three major stages: delignification, bleaching and recovery of acids. In acidic delignification conditions, the dissolution of silicon present in the raw material is prevented, while the nutrients are dissolved. Furthermore, the hydrolysis of xylan can be controlled. To minimise the cost of recovery, cooking chemicals are selected from the compounds which are formed during the processing of lignocellulosic. Alkaline TCF conditions are used in bleaching to enable totally effluent-free operation. The Chempolis process is based on a closed system. Apart from the bleached chemical pulp, the output flows include solid organic biofuel, which can be used to generate energy for the mill and fertilizer for the cultivation of raw material. Due to the simplicity of the process and the efficient raw material utilisation, the mill economy is attractive.