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Wood pulp is the raw material for making paper and other cellulose derivatives. It is primarily derived from the fibrous material of trees, with both softwoods and hardwoods contributing different qualities to the final product. Softwood fibers provide strength, while hardwood fibers offer smoothness and opacity.1

There are two main categories of wood pulp: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical pulping, also known as groundwood, involves grinding wood to separate fibers. Chemical pulping uses solutions like sulfite or alkaline chemicals (soda and sulfate/kraft) to dissolve lignin, the substance that binds wood fibers together, yielding purer cellulose fibers. Semichemical pulping combines chemical treatment with mechanical refining. Recovered paper is also a significant source of pulp.234

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