Overview
Traditional pulp and paper producers are facing new competitors in tropical and subtropical regions who use the latest and largest installed technologies and also have wood and labor cost advantages. Due to increasing global competition, forest products prices will continue to decrease. To remain viable, traditional producers must increase revenue by producing bioenergy and biomaterials in addition to wood, pulp, and paper products. In this integrated products biorefinery, all product lines are highly integrated and energy efficient. Integrated products biorefineries give the forest products industry a unique opportunity to increase revenues and improve environmental sustainability. Integrated products biorefinery technologies will allow the industry to make high-value chemicals, fuels, and/or electric power while continuing to produce traditional wood, pulp, and paper products. The industry already controls much of the raw material and infrastructure necessary to create biorefineries, and Agenda 2020 partnerships are speeding development of key enabling technologies. Once commercialized, these technologies will produce enormous energy and environmental benefits. Biorefinery in the Pulp and Paper Industry presents the biorefining concept, opportunities for the pulp and paper industry, and discusses emerging biorefinery process options. This book also highlights the environmental impact and the complex challenges mills will face when considering a biorefinery.
