Bomullspulp

Bomullspulp (cotton pulp) is a type of dissolving pulp produced from cotton fibers rather than wood. In Swedish contexts it refers to high-purity cellulose obtained mainly from cotton linters and short cotton fibers. The pulp is manufactured using chemical pulping and bleaching to achieve very high cellulose content and low impurity levels.

Production and sources: Cotton linters, the short fibers left after ginning, are processed in established pulping mills using standard chemical methods such as kraft or sulfite processes. The resulting dissolving pulp typically contains a high alpha-cellulose content, often around 97–99%, and a brightness suitable for demanding applications.

Properties: Cotton pulp is characterized by its high cellulose purity, low lignin and impurity levels, and often long fiber characteristics. This combination yields strong, bright papers with good printability, making it well suited for specialized products where fiber quality is important.

Applications: It is used to produce high-end papers, archival and banknote papers, and serves as a feedstock for cellulose derivatives such as viscose and Lyocell. Because of its purity and strength, cotton pulp is favored in applications requiring superior performance and durability.

Economy and environment: Cotton pulp generally costs more than wood-based dissolving pulps due to the price and availability of cotton fiber. Environmental considerations include the impacts of cotton cultivation and chemical processing, with sustainable sourcing and closed-loop processing influencing the overall footprint of production.