Hybrid Separation Techniques used in Industries

IMPORTANCE OF PULP & PAPER INDUSTRY

Ø What Is Pulp ? 

Pulp is made from breaking down the fibrous part of plants, primarily trees or recycled paper, and refers to the main ingredient in the papermaking process. Pulp made from trees (wood fiber) is the most common source of fiber for papermaking and the base for many paper and wood products 

 

The pulp and paper industry, which makes products such as office and catalog paper, glossy paper, tissue and paper-based packaging, uses between 33–40% of all industrial wood traded globally. As one of the largest industrial sectors in the world, the pulp and paper industry has an enormous influence on global forests

 

 Ø  Earliest History

Before the widely acknowledged invention of papermaking in China around 105 AD, paper-like writing materials such as papyrus and a master were produced by ancient civilizations using plant materials which were largely unprocessed. Strips of bark or bast material were woven together, beaten into rough sheets, dried, and polished by hand. Pulp used in modern and traditional papermaking is distinguished by the maceration process which produces a finer, more regular slurry of cellulose fibers which are pulled out of solution by a screen and dried to form sheets or rolls

 

The earliest paper produced in China consisted of bast fibers from the plant along with rag and net scraps. By the 6th century, the mulberry tree was domesticated by farmers in China specifically for the purpose of producing pulp to be used in the papermaking process. In addition to mulberry, pulp was also made from cotton and bamboo. Papermaking using pulp made from hemp and linen fibers from tattered clothing, fishing nets and fabric bags spread to Europe in the 13th century, with an ever-increasing use of rags being central to the manufacture and affordability of a factor in the development of printing

The use of wood pulp and the invention of automatic paper machines in the late 18th- and early 19th-century contributed to paper's status as an inexpensive commodity in modern times. The first commercial pulp mill was built, in Sweden. It used magnesium as the counter ion and was based on work by Carl Daniel Ekman. By 1900, sulfite pulping had become the dominant means of producing wood pulp, surpassing mechanical pulping methods

 

Key Importance

Technology has contributed to the development of a global market that consists of consumers around the world who are committed to sustainability. As a result, manufacturers have sought alternatives to petroleum-based products and have identified biodegradable and environmentally-friendly options

Some people think the pulp and paper industry will eventually be hindered by the current digital age in which we live. While it sounds logical, that’s not the reality of what’s happening. In fact, the pulp and paper industry has been thriving and will continue to do so in 2022. Notably, leaders in the industry must continually innovate to meet the changing demands. Pulp and paper have adapted to the changes that have occurred in recent years and are continuing to thrive

Paper along with packaging companies face complex logistics and manufacturing challenges. These vary from warehousing and transportation to asset downtime and process management. Logistics and operational efficiency can be improved with digital transformation by analyzing and capturing data from vehicles, machines or products; it allows better simulations, predictions, and decisions. The possible early failures and reduction in unplanned downtimes can be done by analyzing sensor data from machines 

Few digital tools e.g. machine learning can help make the most out of your workforce. The technology providers with strategic partnerships who understand how to synthesize emerging technologies to address core business processes are the main ingredient to success in the paper and packaging industry. Companies can more easily reinvent their industry for a digitally driven world by partnering with technology solutions providers, where their products don’t have to be devalued and commoditized

 Some of the key points listed below that shows how importance does this industry holds

Increased Online Sales

The online sales of pulp and paper products are growing in the United States and China, which are the biggest markets. It’s partly due to online shopping that has required innovation in packaging to optimize the display of products on shelves. There is also an increase in the number of products that are required immediately with very little lead time. This includes both same-day and next-day product delivery services. From a production standpoint, the goal is to provide services faster without sacrificing quality

Recyclable Products

The ability to recycle pulp and paper products is non-negotiable for some consumers. As a result, there is an increase in recyclable products. This has been a challenge in that some products contained coatings that were waterproof and problematic for recycling. Now there is a push to use protective coatings that are recyclable, and it’s a trend that will further develop in 2022 and beyond. The growing concern over the amount of packaging that could not be recycled has resulted in the involvement of the European Union in the area of plastic packaging. This offers many future opportunities for pulp and paper

Hygiene Products Packaging

Another trend that will continue in the pulp and paper industry is the increasing growth of hygiene products and the subsequent need for packaging. This includes toilet paper, wipes, tissues, and paper towels, to name a few. The growth is partly due to the increased purchase of these items by the middle class. In some regions of the world, this is attributed to an actual increase in the middle-class population and thus an increase in the consumption of these products. Manufacturers in the pulp and paper industry have exploited this growth in socioeconomic status by producing packaging that accommodates an increasing demand

 

Use of Big Data

Another trend that’s in play in the pulp and paper industry is the use of big data. This is for the purpose of analyzing industry trends and needs to optimize the results of production, marketing, and sales. There’s also the use of new technologies, including intelligent systems and connected devices, during the production process for improved outcomes. The capabilities will continue to develop, such as smart systems that assess pulp and paper products’ condition and quality. Analytics are even used for the purpose of assessing the volume and growth of trees that can be harvested for raw materials. The use of big data is expected to expand in 2022 and subsequent years

 

Anti-Plastic Sentiments

There are on-going efforts to reduce or eliminate the use of plastic for packaging. This anti-plastic sentiment is beneficial to the pulp and paper industry in that it encourages biodegradable alternatives. In fact, the use of plant-based raw materials is being explored. This is being driven by governmental agencies and by consumers that are health conscious and committed to finding eco-friendly options. Simply put, the problems associated with plastic result in a tremendous number of opportunities in the pulp and paper industry. The development of alternative products will continue into 2022 and beyond, especially as it relates to the banning of single-use plastic products

Pulp and paper will continue to play a major role in the world. Despite the changes that have occurred because of technological advancements, this is an industry that has thrived and will continue to do so in 2022. In fact, the digital revolution of recent years has led to an expansion in the pulp and paper industry. As the world continues to evolve, so will the industry. Check out the information below, where you’ll find statistics related to pulp and paper industry importance

Pulp and Paper Industry Stats and Growth Projections in 2022 that shows its Importance

v In 2022, the global production of pulp and paper will reach 490 million tons                 

v More than 15% of pulp and paper sales in the United States will occur online by 2022  

v For the past 20 years, China has been the largest producer of pulp and paper, followed by the United States 

v A goal of collecting and recycling 55% of all plastic packages has been set by the European Union and is expected to be reached by 2030. This will impact the pulp and paper industry

v Only does pulp and paper production add around R3. 8 billion to the South African economy annually 

v Growing and harvesting of trees, making of paper products and recycling them provides sustainable jobs for thousands of people