|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The share of eucalyptus pulp in the global market is growing. New technologies and innovations open up opportunities for new products made from eucalyptus.
ForestBioFacts is publishing a new series of articles on eucalyptus fibres in April. The series has been written by Professor Pedro Fardim from KU Leuven university in Belgium. He has worked in the research and development of eucalyptus for a long time. The articles discuss, among other things, the history, technologies, processes, industrial applications, and innovations of eucalyptus fibres.
“Eucalyptus pulp is an important raw material in the pulp and paper industry. Thanks to the short fibres and even structure, the paper made from it becomes smooth, bright, and even, making it particularly suitable for magazine, printing and packaging papers as well as boards,” says Fardim.
“The advantages of the pulp are its softness, durability, and absorbency, which makes it particularly suitable for use in hygiene products such as toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels.
China, India and Brazil are the main countries that cultivate eucalyptus. The advantages of cultivation are the rapid growth of the tree – it can reach its full size in just 5–10 years – the tree’s adaptability to various growth environments, efficient water usage, drought resistance, and tolerance to sunlight.
“Climate change can both benefit and hinder eucalyptus, depending on the growing location. According to studies carried out in Brazil, most of the growth areas currently in use will continue to be suitable for cultivation in the coming decades. The tree’s rapid growth and high carbon dioxide sequestration capacity make it a valuable species in slowing down climate change.”
New product innovations
”Market analyses predict strong and long-term growth in the use of eucalyptus fibre and pulp, both in traditional paper and hygiene product markets and in entirely new product markets, particularly because production technologies are cost-effective and the energy requirements for production are decreasing. Thanks to these and other new innovations, eucalyptus fibre can be used to develop new products such as clothing, footwear, packaging, even car tyres.”
Fardim particularly wants to emphasise the significance of eucalyptus in the new generation of fibre technologies such as nanofibres, the integration of circular economy, and the development of new fibre-based materials. “In summary, it can be said that eucalyptus is a species that has transitioned from traditional pulp production to becoming one of the most promising renewable raw materials for sustainable materials, smart fibres, and biobased innovations in the future.”
Writer: Minna Saano
Join us at Pulp & Beyond’s Speaker’s Corner stage on 16 April at 13:00 for a snapshot on the new content and the new AI chat. Meet us at our booth 5a26!
For full programme and registration, visit https://pulpandbeyond.messukeskus.com/