What is Paper Pulp

The pulping process starts with what kind of input material is being used.

When using wood, the main goal of pulp production is to separate the cellulose fibers from the lignin. Cellulose fiber is the structural backbone of paper products. Lignin is a natural glue-like substance that holds the cellulose together.

Softwoods, like pine, and hardwoods like oak or ash are both used to make pulp. Softwood pulp has longer fibers and is used for products that need strength, like cardboard- what the industry refers to as containerboard, - or paper grocery bags.

Hardwood pulp has shorter, fatter fibers that add bulk to products. They also make something softer. This makes it good for things like toilet paper and paper towels.

When using recycled paper, papers that are recovered for reuse are mixed in a giant blender called a repulper. This helps separate the fibers so they can be washed, screened and turned into something new.