Wood Chips

Wood chips are small pieces of wood that are obtained by cutting or chipping logs or branches. They are the main raw material used in the pulping process. The size and quality of wood chips can vary depending on the desired end product. Wood chips are typically stored in large piles or silos before being transported to the pulping facility.

Once at the pulping facility, the wood chips undergo further processing to extract the fibers needed for paper production. The chips are first fed into a chipper, which breaks them down into even smaller pieces. These smaller wood particles are then screened to remove any impurities such as dirt or bark.

Next, the wood chips are sent through a digester, a large vessel where they are cooked under high pressure and temperature. This cooking process helps to break down the lignin, a natural substance that binds the wood fibers together. By removing the lignin, the fibers can be easily separated and used to make paper.

After the cooking process, the wood chips are passed through a series of washers to remove the remaining chemicals and impurities. Once cleaned, the fibers are further refined and bleached to achieve the desired brightness and quality for different paper products.

Wood chips are not only used in the pulping industry but also find applications in various other industries. They can be used as a fuel source in biomass power plants, providing renewable energy. Additionally, wood chips are commonly used as mulch in gardening and landscaping to help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on sustainable forestry practices to ensure a steady supply of wood chips without harming the environment. This includes reforestation efforts and responsible logging techniques to maintain healthy forests for future generations.

Overall, wood chips play a vital role in the production of paper and other wood-based products. They are a versatile and renewable resource that supports various industries while also contributing to the circular economy by utilizing waste from the logging and timber industries.