The pulp and paper industry stands at a crucial juncture. The traditional kraft pulping process, a cornerstone of paper production, is in focus due to its huge biogenic CO2 emissions concentrated to each pulping site and the relatively low product yield. This has spurred a transformative project aimed at finding ways to reimagining pulping processes to radically decrease emissions and increase product yield. The Emission Free Pulping (EFP) project, a collaborative endeavour between academia and industry, seeks to address these challenges head-on, aiming not just for reduced emissions but for a holistic improvement in the way we utilize our wood resources.
Why Embrace Emission Free Pulping?
The pursuit of emission-free pulping is driven by several critical factors. The escalating cost of wood and its limited availability in certain regions call for a more efficient use of this precious resource. By improving fiber yield and recovery, the EFP project aims to enhance the overall resource efficiency of pulp mills.
“The traditional pulping process emits roughly 2 tons of biogenic CO2 per ton of kraft pulp produced, primarily from the recovery boiler, the lime kiln, and the biomass boiler. There is a pressing need to find in-process measures to minimise and avoid these emissions.” Per Tomani, Scientific Lead, RISE
The project seeks not only to mitigate these emissions but also to consider the broader impacts on energy and water balances, aiming for solutions that are both environmentally and industrially viable. The project seeks to identify and understand alternative ways to liberate the fibres from a wood structure.It identifies ways that need lower input of resources (energy and chemicals) and result in higher total product yield. The fibre quality and the energy balance/type of energy are expected to be some of the most decisive parameters to reach industrialisation.
Challenging the Status Quo: The Need for Novelty
The current pulping processes are facing future demands where their emissions of biogenic CO2 and the economic challenges posed by rising feedstock prices are a burden. The EFP project, therefore, explores truly novel pulping methods that could offer new sustainable alternatives to meet future fiber demands, steering away from a product-oriented development. The focus is not on incremental improvements of today’s processes but on the process development which will meet future demands.
“There's a huge amount of capital and experience invested in the pulping processes today. So, we of course, in some parts of our work, want to use that when we explore options for entirely new processes. At the same time we hope that some findings will contribute to improvements in the existing processes as well” Per Tomani, Scientific Lead, RISE
Novel analytical methods are an important part of the EFP program. By leveraging new tools such as Infrared photo-induced force microscopy and advanced neutron scattering technology at the MAX IV laboratory, the EFP program hopes to offer unprecedented insights into how the fibre liberation can be done in the most resource efficient way. The new understanding of the wood and fibers will hopefully in turn support novel methods for pulping.
Collaboration across industry and academia is pivotal
The vision for the future of pulping through the EFP project is ambitious yet pragmatic. There is a need for strong international collaboration between industry and academia to be successful when chemistry and units operations are challenged in this ambitious way. By reimagining fiber liberation and recovery processes, the project aspires to significantly reduce the CO2 footprint of pulping operations, moving closer towards an emission-free paradigm. Striving for zero emissions in pulping is a critical objective.
The execution of the EFP program is structured through a steering group where academia and industry jointly decide and guide the project. The program is rooted in a collaborative ethos, with academia bringing innovative ideas and industry providing practical real-world insights. Projects within the EFP framework are grouped into thematic clusters where workshops are held, fostering an Research Forum twice a year for sharing knowledge and inspiring novel solutions.
Looking Ahead: Expected Outcomes and Impact
The expected outcomes of the EFP project extend beyond mere technological advancements. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive toolbox for the industry, enabling more sustainable pulping processes that significantly reduce environmental impacts. By cracking the code for optimal fiber liberation, optimal energy- and water balance and addressing recovery challenges, the EFP project aims to lay the groundwork for the next generation of pulping technology.
The Emission Free Pulping -program is open for new partners, please do not hesitate to contact alina.ruonala-lindgren@vtt.fi or per.tomani@ri.se for more information!