Dissolving pulp is produced through a different pulping process than traditional paper pulp. The goal is to extract the cellulose fibers in as pure a form as possible without any lignin residues. This is typically done through a chemical pulping process using hydroxide solutions known as the sulfate or kraft process.
Wood chips are cooked in a pressurized vessel with a strong sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium sulfide (Na2S) solution called white liquor. This separates the cellulose fibers from the lignin bonding them together. The liquor is then drained and the resulting pulp washed to remove residual chemicals and impurities. The pulp is screened and processed further to remove any remaining lignin fragments or other residuals.
Properties and Uses
The end goal of this production method is cellulose fibers free of lignin, hemicellulose and other compounds. This makes the dissolving pulp highly pure and dissolved more easily than traditional paper pulp. Its main properties are:
- High alpha-cellulose content above 90% providing maximum dissolution
- Low knot content and fibrillation for optimum spinning characteristics
- Minimal ash and residual metal content that could impact downstream applications
This high purity dissolving pulp finds major uses in the textiles and specialty cellulose industries where it can be chemically transformed. Some key applications include:
- Viscose Rayon - dissolving pulp is dissolved and extruded to produce regenerated cellulose fibers for clothing, fabrics and other textile products. Viscose is a major end use representing over 50% of global dissolving pulp demand.
- Cellulose Ethers and Esters - Dissolving pulp reacts with chemicals to produce cellulose derivatives like carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), methyl cellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) used as thickeners, stabilizers and emulsifiers in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- Specialty Papers - High alpha dissolving pulp plays a key role in the production of cigarette filters, banknotes and technical applications requiring optical brightening properties.
Global Markets
The global market for dissolving pulp has grown steadily in recent years driven by increasing textile and regenerated fiber demand in Asia. China is by far the largest viscose producer and consumer of dissolving pulp globally. Other major markets are in Asia as well as Western Europe and North America.
Some key characteristics of the dissolving pulp industry include:
- Production centered in Northern Hemisphere - Major suppliers are located in Canada, Northern Europe and Brazil able to produce from low lignin wood species like eucalyptus and birch.
- Oligopolistic supply - Top global players including Borregaard, Sappi, Rayonier Advanced Materials and Bracell collectively control over 50% of capacity. Smaller regional players also exist.
- Supply constraints - Limited wood species availability, environmental regulations and long lead times to construct sizable production lines have tightened supply at times when demand rebounds. This leads to price volatility.
- Demand from textiles - Over half of pulp demand is for viscose production supplied to huge textile industries in Asia, particularly China. Demand therefore tracks growth in the apparel sector.
- Substitution risks - Dissolving pulp competes with other fiber sources like cotton and alternatives like modal and lyocell which use different production methods that may displace viscose in future.
Looking ahead, most analysts project continued growth in global dissolving pulp demand of 2-4% annually through 2030. Rapid expansion of the middle class and textile consumption particularly in Asia is expected to be a long-term driver. Supply is seen gradually catching up as producers expand and debottleneck existing sites.
Prices should remain strong supported by demand fundamentals and tight capacity. However, increased competition from alternative man-made cellulosic fibers and potential overcapacity could pose risks in the medium-term. Overall, dissolving pulp is forecast to retain its importance as a base raw material for the large and growing textile and specialty chemicals sectors worldwide.
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About Author:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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