Processes and problems of pulp and paper industry: an overview

Abstract The pulp and paper industry is a highly energy-intensive and water-consuming industry. This industry is known for the utilization of a wide range of raw materials, containing cellulose fibers (generally wood, recycled paper, and agricultural residues), for the production of various grades of paper. There are several processes involved in the conversion of raw materials to the paper product such as raw material preparation, pulping, pulp washing and screening, bleaching, stock preparation, papermaking and chemical recovery. All the processes are facing issues regarding process efficiency, product quality, energy & water consumption, and cost and environment. There is a need for further improvement and upgrading the technologies but the scale of operations, technological obsolesce and cost of implementing new technologies are some of the major issues. The main thrust areas of pulp and paper processing require major interventions in the adoption of green and clean technologies.