The Rise of Dissolving Pulp: An Important Raw Material for Various Industries
The Rise of Dissolving Pulp: An Important Raw Material for Various Industries
Blog Article
History and uses of Dissolving Pulp
Dissolving pulp, also known as cellulose pulp, is a form of wood pulp produced specifically for conversion into other products like rayon, acetate and other specialty cellulosic products. It has found increasing usage in recent years due to innovations in manufacturing processes. Dissolving pulp has existed since the late 19th century when it was first used commercially to produce rayon through the viscose process. However, the major growth has occurred from the 1960s onwards driven by from various synthetic fibres and specialty chemical industries.
Rayon remains the single largest end use even today accounting for over 60% of total Dissolving Pulp . It is used to manufacture clothing like shirts, blouses and dresses, home textiles like bed linens and towels and industrial textiles for applications such as conveyor belts, cigarette filters and parachutes. The remaining is met by chemicals production including cellulose derivatives like ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose used in pharmaceutical and food industries as binders and thickeners. Other end uses include cellophane production, liquid crystal displays, cinematic film and explosives.
The wood sources and pulping process
Hardwoods like eucalyptus and birch are preferred sources for producing dissolving pulp due to their higher cellulose content compared to softwoods. The cellulose content needs to be at least 90% for dissolving pulp compared to 40-45% for paper pulp.
Two main pulping processes are used -
sulphite and sulfate (kraft). Sulphite pulping is decreasing due to environmental concerns over sulphur dioxide emissions. The sulfate process uses a combination of heat, pressure and strong alkali chemicals to dissolve away lignin completely. This results in almost pure cellulose fibres required for further modification into derivatives and synthetic fibres.
Bleaching is an important subsequent step to remove remaining lignin residues and make the pulp bright white. This is achieved through multi-stage elemental chlorine free (ECF) or totally chlorine free (TCF) bleaching. Strict controls are maintained during pulping and bleaching to deliver consistently high quality dissolving pulp.
Global drivers
Rise of textiles : Strong from regenerated cellulosic fibre producers like viscose, lyocell and modal fibre has been a key driver. These fibres have found increasing applications in textiles and apparel replacing natural fibres to some extent. Developing economies in Asia have emerged as major manufacturing hubs.
Growth in specialty chemicals: Higher usages of cellulose derivatives in pharmaceuticals, foods, construction chemicals and other specialty applications have boosted . Regulations supporting healthier alternatives to synthetic petrochemical based products also support this trend.
Stringent environmental standards: Regulations phasing out hazardous chlorine compounds from pulp bleaching have increased costs for paper pulp producers. This led several integrated pulp and paper mills to focus on the higher value dissolving pulp segment.
Regional trade dynamics: China emerged as the largest producer as well as consumer of dissolving pulp. Environmental issues led to capacity closures creating shortages and higher prices from 2016-18. This disrupted supply chains and influenced trade flows within regions.
Substitutes and innovations: Alternatives like bio-based chemicals and new high-purity eucalyptus varieties pose competition. On the other hand, emerging technologies for conversion to higher value niche products present new opportunities.
Future outlook
Continued textiles growth in developing nations is projected to steadily drive for rayon grade dissolving pulp at around 2-3% annually according to analysts. Specialty chemical applications are expected to see stronger 4-5% increases led by pharmaceuticals and construction sectors.
Global production capacities are expanding beyond traditional regions. South American producers are expanding volumes, while new large scale plants are coming up in the southern United States. Sustainable forest practices will be critical as the depends on wood sourcing.
Technology innovations can boost yields and create derivatives with superior properties. Enzymatic processes may replace chemical modifications. Carbon dioxide based solvents instead of hazardous derivatising agents present opportunities. Overall, the dissolving pulp segment is poised for stable long term growth underpinned by synthetic textiles and specialty chemical consumption. Strict environmental compliance will be necessary from producers to sustain social acceptance.
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About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the research . She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)