Weyerhaeuser Launches New Type of Kraft Pulp

Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, Wash., USA, reports that its Cellulose Fibers business segment has introduced a new grade of kraft pulp for specific segments of the cellulose derivatives market. Cellulose derivatives are used in various products, including lacquers, paints, inks, and thickening agents. Known as Pearl429, the new pulp offers tailored reactivity and viscosity compared with traditional kraft pulps. As a result, it can be blended with other pulps and has the potential to partially replace traditional chemical grade dissolving pulps for many chemical applications. Specifically, Pearl429 pulp's characteristics allow it to be used in a variety of applications using cellulose esters and ethers. The new pulp is produced using a continuous kraft process versus a batch process used to make many other specialty pulps. It is more efficient to produce, generates higher yields from the same amount of raw materials, improves product uniformity, and has a better environmental footprint when compared with typical dissolving pulp manufacturing processes.

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