Paper Fiber Sources
Fiber is the main ingredient and primary expense in the manufacture of paper and board products. Both its price and availability fluctuate with supply and demand. To be successful, mills must be able to economically source fiber in an increasingly competitive marketplace. This module describes the three primary sources of fiber used in the production of paper and board, wood, non-wood, and recycled.
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Learning Objectives
• List the three primary sources of fiber used in the production of paper and board
• Describe the difference between hardwood and softwood fibers
• Describe how different fibers affect sheet properties
• Explain why different fiber types are blended together
• List the different classifications of recycled paper
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What are some differences between hardwood and softwood fibers?
Hardwood fiber are relatively short and stiff, softwood fibers are relatively long and flexible.
Why do mill sometimes blend different types fiber together in a single product?
Mixing fibers can a create a product with blended properties which are overall superior to what could be achieved with a single type of fiber.
What is the cleanest and easiest to use recycled paper?
Off-spec material which is recycled within a paper or board mill is called broke, and is the easiest to reuse.
How many times can a given fiber be recycled?
It is estimated that wood fiber can be recycled 5 to 7 times before it becomes too short to be useful in papermaking.
What is the greatest source of non-wood cellulose fibers?
The greatest source of non-wood cellulose fibers is agricultural residue, such as wheat straw, or bagasse.
How many times can a given fiber be recycled?
It is estimated that wood fiber can be recycled 5 to 7 times before it becomes too short to be useful in papermaking.
What is the greatest source of non-wood cellulose fibers?
The greatest source of non-wood cellulose fibers is agricultural residue, such as wheat straw, or bagasse.
Sample Video Transcript
Fiber is the main ingredient and primary expense in the manufacture of paper and board products. Both its price and availability fluctuate with supply and demand. To be successful, mills must be able to economically source fiber in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Wood accounts for over 90% of the raw material used today for paper making. Fast growing tree plantations and managed timber lands are a big part of this wood production. Recovery and reuse of waste paper as a fiber source continues to grow. But demand for recovered fiber globally exceeds supply. Some areas of the world are heavily dependent on non-wood and recycled fiber because they lack trees as a fiber resource. Finding a balance between using virgin fiber, recycled fiber, and non-wood fiber sources is a constant challenge for these paper makers.
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