hardwood fibre

Hardwood fiber, a key component in papermaking, is derived from the cellulose cell walls of deciduous trees. These fibers are shorter than those from coniferous trees (softwoods), typically measuring between 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters in length. While softwood fibers contribute strength to paper, the shorter hardwood fibers are crucial for filling the sheet, providing opacity, and creating a smooth surface.1

Wood is the predominant source for papermaking fiber, with tree trunks (boles) being processed into pulp. Various pulping methods exist, including mechanical, chemical, and semichemical processes, each yielding different amounts of pulp. Additionally, wood fibers are used to create fiberboard, a panel product where fibers can be bound by natural lignin, hydrogen bonding, or interweaving, with resin adhesives sometimes used.123