Economics of Introducing Kenaf Fibers as a Complementary Fiber Source in Existing Wood Pulp Mills, 1998 Pulping Conference Proceedings

Growing of the kenaf fiber must provide an adequate return to farmers. The farmers would need compensation with long term contracts guaranteeing volume and price. In return for the large volume of orders, farmers will accept a smaller gross margin. This way the supply of the fiber can be assured to the pulp and paper industries and the capital commitments required for pulping and marketing the new kenaf fiber can be justified.

The cost of kenaf fiber must be comparable with the cost of wood fibers available to the industry for pulping. The current proposed cost of $60 per airdry ton of kenaf fiber is comparable to the cost of wood chips available to the industry. It is anticipated that the long term cost of wood fibers will rise and the cost of kenaf will decrease.

Adaptation of an existing mill will require modifications for the handling of the kenaf fibers to enable delivery to the point of entry to the digester. Preprocessing fibers and black liquor handling will require additional attention and capital. These problems have satisfactory engineering and commercial solutions, once the industry has decided that the time for utilizing kenaf fibers has arrived.