Often, the need for raw materials necessary to make some of the most basic and crucial objects that people take for granted gets overlooked. Wood pulp is one of these essential materials that individuals often don\’t take the time to consider.

Though it is not purchased commonly as a raw material, wood pulp is an essential part of many industries\’ processes and is primarily used in paper-making and furniture and board manufacturing. Unsurprisingly based on its name, the substance is made up of a broken down collection of wood that is separated into smaller pieces to be used for other purposes.

Prior to the discovery of these fibers, paper was very expensive. It was previously created from bits of linen and was much more of an investment, often purchased only by wealthier individuals. It wasn\’t until the mid 1800s that wood pulp was discovered as an excellent alternative, providing more common access to paper and the ability to write and record information. The industry continues to grow today.

These fibers can be achieved from a raw piece of a tree through various processes. Chemical mixtures are available to dissolve the natural material that holds the fibers together, creating pieces of varying sizes not connected to one another. Manual separation is also possible through a mechanical process.

A basic woodchipper can break down trees to what one would imagine is this product, but actually these machines are typically only used to produce materials for processed wood products and mulch. Materials for paper production most often come from the sap and heart of the tree, and the bark is discarded altogether from the process. In order to use materials more efficiently, factories and mills are able to use the discarded bark as fuel.

The fibers are used for making various goods after they are cleaned. The most common use is for making paper. If the fibers have been bleached, white paper is manufactured, but unbleached paper made with natural fibers is becoming increasingly popular. Different fibers are used for different types of paper.

Depending on the tree species the pulp comes from, it differs for its uses and by its texture. Even the same species of tree in different locations can provide different fibers. Most often, the materials come from softer trees like spruces, firs, larches, hemlocks, and pines, or some of the more common hard trees such as aspens, birches, and eucalyptus. The variations suit the needs of different paper-makers.

There have been many changes due to shifting social and political pressures surrounding the environment. Many companies have started substituting a pulp made from recycled paper or boxes as an alternative to the traditional tree bits. The logging industry has also grown more responsible for its practices and uses management techniques to ensure that the number of trees remains stable and that the environmental impact is reduced.

The reduction of print newspapers has also hurt the industry. Wood pulp continues to be in high demand, however, as manufacturers revise their products to better suit their target customers.

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Category: Business Management
Keywords: technology, industry, manufacturing, business, producing, pulp, science, environment, logging