Wood pulp; mechanical wood pulp

HS code 470100 covers the trade of wood pulp, which is a fundamental raw material for the production of paper, paperboard, and other cellulose-based products. This industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, as the demand for paper and packaging materials continues to grow, driven by factors such as e-commerce, publishing, and the need for sustainable packaging solutions.

The production of wood pulp involves mechanical or chemical processes that separate the cellulose fibers from the wood. Mechanical pulping uses physical means, such as grinding or refining, to break down the wood into pulp. Chemical pulping, on the other hand, utilizes chemicals to dissolve the lignin that binds the cellulose fibers, resulting in a purer pulp product.

The main inputs for the wood pulp industry include various types of wood, such as softwood and hardwood, as well as chemicals like sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and chlorine compounds used in the chemical pulping process. Additionally, the industry requires specialized machinery, such as pulp mills, digesters, and refiners, to facilitate the pulping and processing of the raw materials.

The primary output of the wood pulp industry is, of course, wood pulp, which is then used as a key input for the production of 470200 Chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades, 470300 Chemical wood pulp, soda or sulfate, other than dissolving grades, and 470500 Chemical wood pulp, sulfite, other than dissolving grades, among other paper and paperboard products. The wood pulp industry is closely linked to the broader paper and packaging industry, as its output is essential for the manufacturing of a wide range of products.