Greener production of paper products
Production of wood fibre-based products consumes a considerable amount of raw materials and energy. EU-funded scientists working on the project BOOSTEFF(opens in new window) developed novel processes that not only tremendously improve efficiency but also enable improved product properties. The targeted products are made from a single stream of wood fibres that is processed into planar structures. However, the raw material is heterogeneous with fibres and particles of varying length and flexibility. Exploiting the heterogeneity for advanced functionality was the driver behind the BOOSTEFF project. Scientists built on two different separation and layering processes developed in the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) project ECOTARGET. Stratified forming is used to produce optimised layered-sheet structures. Advanced fibre fractionation is employed to separate fibre types and selectively modify different fractions according to desired product characteristics. The BOOSTEFF consortium brought these processes to full-scale demonstration in production units for coated and uncoated publication paper grades and for construction board products. The concepts were shown to have important impact on the environmental footprint of production through decreased energy consumption, raw material usage and operating costs. Commercialisation will thus enhance the position of EU paper and construction board manufacturers and of the EU economy while fostering development of novel and improved products for consumers.
