Manufacture of pulp

NACE code 17.11 covers the manufacture of pulp, a crucial raw material for the paper and paperboard industry. Pulp production is a fundamental part of the broader paper and forest products sector, which plays a significant role in the global economy. The pulp industry supplies the essential fibrous material used to create a wide range of paper-based products, from printing and writing paper to packaging and tissue products.

The primary production technique for manufacturing pulp is the chemical pulping process. This involves breaking down wood or other cellulosic materials into their constituent fibers through the use of chemical treatments. The most common chemical pulping methods are the kraft process and the sulfite process, which use different chemical compounds to separate the cellulose from the lignin and other wood components. Mechanical pulping techniques, such as groundwood and refiner mechanical pulping, are also used to produce pulp through physical means without extensive chemical treatment.

The main inputs required for the pulp manufacturing industry are wood or other cellulosic raw materials, such as agricultural residues or recycled paper. Significant amounts of water, energy, and various chemical compounds, such as sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, and sulfuric acid, are also necessary for the pulping and bleaching processes. Specialized machinery, including digesters, washers, and drying equipment, is essential for the efficient production of pulp.

The primary output of the pulp manufacturing industry is various grades of pulp, which are then consumed by the 17.12 Manufacture of paper and paperboard industry to produce a wide range of paper-based products. These include printing and writing paper, packaging materials, tissue products, and specialty papers. The pulp industry also generates byproducts, such as tall oil and turpentine, which can be further processed and utilized in other industries.