Puupaperiteollisuus

Puupaperiteollisuus refers to the industry involved in the production of paper and paper products from wood fiber. This industry plays a significant role in the global economy, providing essential materials for various applications, including printing, packaging, hygiene, and construction.

The process typically begins with the harvesting of trees, which are then transported to pulp mills. At the pulp mill, the wood is debarked and chipped. These wood chips are then cooked with chemicals or mechanically treated to separate the cellulose fibers, forming wood pulp. This pulp is then washed, bleached to achieve the desired brightness, and refined to improve its properties.

The refined pulp is then mixed with water and additives, such as sizing agents and fillers, to form a slurry. This slurry is fed onto a large, moving screen called a Fourdrinier machine, where water drains away, and the fibers begin to interlock, forming a continuous sheet of paper. The paper then passes through a series of rollers for pressing and drying, followed by calendering to smooth the surface and achieve the final thickness. Various types of paper are produced, including printing paper, writing paper, newsprint, cardboard, and tissue paper, each with specific properties tailored for its intended use. Environmental considerations, such as sustainable forestry practices, water usage, and emissions control, are increasingly important aspects of the modern puupaperiteollisuus.