Process of Technological Innovation as it Applies to Nonwood Fiber Utilization in Pulp and Paper, 2000 Pulping / Process & Product Quality Conference Proceedings

M. Jackson--The utilization of agricultural nonwood fibers by the US pulp and paper industry is an opportunity that would benefit the industry and the environment. In the US nonwood fibers are used only in specialty papers requiring exceptional long or fine fibers. Worldwide, a significant amount of nonwood fibers is used representing about eight percent of total fiber furnish in paper and paperboard.

Industry’s reasons for not recognizing a potential raw material in light of reduced wood availability are analyzed in terms of technological innovation and economics.

The progress of innovation through the application of technology requires many factors coming together at the right time. Even if the necessary scientific and technical information exists, innovation will come to commercial reality only if there is a clear need driving the development. If the need does not exist, or cannot be established, then innovation seldom takes place.

Clearly there is no current strong demand by the pulp and paper industry for the use of nonwood fiber in paper. There are demands for environmentally and ecologically sound forest utilization practices, for reduction in the harvesting rate, and for substitution of alternative materials. Currently, wood chip prices do not make a search for alternative fibers necessary but they have in the past and can be expected to do so again in the future. Potential quality attributes of nonwood fibers have yet to be recognized.

A direction for further technology development needed for risk-free introduction of nonwood fibers into general papermaking in the US is proposed.