Introduce new technologies to make pulping operations more resource-efficient (RIA)

Specific challenge: The objective of wood pulping is to separate cellulose fibres from the other wood components (lignin, hemicelluloses, extractives, etc.). Those components end up as side streams, making up a considerable share of the pulp mill’s output. For example, in the case of the dominant chemical pulping process (the kraft process, which accounts for roughly 90 % of the world’s chemically produced pulp), around half of the initial wood substances degrades and dissolves into the cooking liquor or black liquor. Black liquor is concentrated and burnt to obtain energy. However, there are opportunities to obtain more value for the substances diverted to black liquor.
Moreover, the pulp and paper sector is focusing on reducing its environmental impact by consuming less energy, curbing its use of polluting chemical products and bringing down CO2 emissions from its operations. Key to achieving this target is the development of new pulping processes that can be effective at lower temperatures, use fewer chemical agents and make better overall use of the biomass feedstock.
Several disruptive technologies have surfaced in recent years. A study by the Confederation of the European Paper Industries (CEPI) in November 2013 singled out eight breakthrough concepts projected to change the face of pulp- and papermaking processes by 2050.
The specific challenge of this topic is to bring breakthrough concepts in lignocellulosic pulping from lab scale to pilot scale and paving the way for further upscaling and industry uptake.

Identifier:BBI 2018.SO2.R3

Deadline:  06.09.2018