Specialty chemical technologies for high-quality, sustainable and cost-effective chemical pulp production - Paper Technology International 2023 - Paper Technology International 2023 - Flipbook - Page 31

Specialty chemical technologies for high-quality, sustainable and cost-effective chemical pulp production - Paper Technology International 2023

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
Specialty chemical technologies for high-quality, sustainable and cost-effective chemical pulp production - Paper Technology International 2023
Ari Rannankari, Pulp Segment Team Leader, BIM Kemi Group
INTRODUCTION:
Pulp production plays a key role in the bioeconomy, the transition and transformation to a fossil-free society and circular economy,
producing not only the original bio-based product, but also products replacing fossil-based products. In this respect, pulp production is an
enabler of a sustainable future, but can they do it on their own?
Changing global market conditions require pulp producers to
manufacture pulp of a higher quality while lowering overall operating
costs. Together with variable fibre supplies, sources and qualities,
the need to meet regulatory goals and quality improvements at
lower capital cost, can create a challenging situation. The pulp and
paper industry has improved its environmental record by reducing
its pollution of rivers and high water consumption by closing water
circuits in pulp and paper mills. Fresh water consumption has
been drastically reduced in the last decades especially in Europe,
and continues to be reduced as more and more water circuits are
closed. This development requires an adaptation of technology, as
well as the chemicals used. With these environmental, quality and
economical requirements in pulp production constantly increasing,
mill and supplier business partnerships are essential.
Specialty chemicals for sustainable and cost-effective pulp
production
High quality finished paper and board require high quality
fibre. However, the fibre line is only as strong as its weakest link and
any problem in the fibre line will impact the final paper. To eliminate
weak links and reduce costly bottlenecks in pulp mills many interrelated, and sometimes competing, reactions need to be managed
in an efficient way. By understanding the complex chemistry and
having access to chemical expertise that can help in analysing
and optimising the chemical processes, mills can get big gains
and savings - all the way from wood preparation to pulping, while
maintaining a sustainable profile.
Figure 1: Optimising chemical processes from wood to pulp.
Specialty chemicals and smart technologies can support in
reducing bottlenecks in pulp production, to improve brightness and
reduce bleach usage and to keep the mill running efficiently. Cost
benefits, removing bottlenecks and production increases can be
achieved through very small changes in the system to a complete
process change.
31

Paperturn flipbook system