Advancing Decarbonization in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing: A Cell-Free Enzyme Process for Enhanced Dewatering and Drying, TAPICon25

The pulp and paper industry is a high-energy-consuming sector, with the drying stage being one of the most intensive processes. This study explores a sustainable approach to improving dewatering efficiency using a cell-free enzyme treatment, specifically a blend of cellulases and xylanases combined with cationic starch. The enzymatic action modifies fiber surfaces, reducing water retention and enhancing fiber bonding, which contributes to both faster water removal during the pressing stage and improved paper strength. Enzymes selectively target fiber components, breaking down hemicellulose structures and altering fiber surface charge, which facilitates dewatering by lowering fiber swelling and increasing fiber flexibility. The treatment reduces the content of bound and hard-to-remove water in the fibers, allowing more water to be mechanically expressed during pressing, thereby decreasing the energy required for thermal drying. Additionally, the enzyme treatment enhances fiber morphology by reducing fiber curl and kink, leading to better inter-fiber bonding and improved paper strength. The combined effects of enzymatic hydrolysis and cationic starch addition create a more efficient dewatering process without compromising paper quality. By integrating this enzymatic pretreatment into the papermaking process, mills can achieve significant reductions in drying energy consumption while maintaining or even improving paper performance. This approach presents a promising pathway for increasing efficiency in paper manufacturing while aligning with sustainability and decarbonization efforts.

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