Soft power
In my role as a Sales Director with Södra I have the privilege of meeting customers throughout the year at industry events, during site visits and when they spend time with us at our mills in Sweden. Softwood pulp is highly versatile and from tissue to specialty papers, it plays a crucial role in enhancing quality and performance. It’s clear that the NBSK we produce continues to be an essential element of high-quality paper production, and the following distinct benefits stand out:
1. Strength and Reinforcement Properties
One of the primary benefits of using softwood for pulp production is its superior strength and reinforcement properties. Softwood fibres are long and strong, which makes them ideal for producing paper products that require high strength and durability. Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) pulp, derived from slow-growing trees in the northern hemisphere, is particularly known for its excellent strengths. This is particularly valuable in Europe now that Canadian reinforcement pulp is less available in this part of the world.
In addition to tissue, graphic and packaging paper, softwood pulp is indispensable for specialties such as filter papers, greaseproof and sack papers, for which strength, often combined with other requirements, is demanded. Södra’s portfolio of softwood products can usually fulfil these requirements.
2. Runnability and efficiency
The tissue paper sector is just one example where softwood pulp is used to improve runnability, both on the tissue machine and in converting. Softwood fibres provide the reinforcement needed for reduced web breaks, maximize production speeds and reduce dust. This improved runnability not only increases the efficiency of the paper production process but also reduces downtime and maintenance costs.
3. Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
The NBSK we produce is based on sustainable family forestry, which prioritises biodiversity and contributes to the sustainability of the paper industry. Our forest-owning members grow trees that primarily is aimed for construction and furniture, and Pulpwood results during thinning and at final harvesting from a process in which every part of the tree is used. At Södra we also produce process and district heating, lignin, and liquid products such as tall oil and tannin among other things.
4. Local Production and Certification
Another significant advantage of using NBSK is local production and the certification of softwood forests. Our customers in Europe are sourcing softwood from locally and sustainably managed forests. This not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport but Södra adheres to strict certification standards and is fully prepared for the EUDR.
5. Flexibility in product properties
Flexibility in fibre composition is another benefit of using softwood for pulp production. Softwood pulp can be used in an optimised blend with other fibres to achieve, without compromise, the desired properties for specific paper products and different processes. In the production of high-quality tissue paper, whether it be toilet, facial, kitchen or any of the growing uses of tissue, the correct blend of fibre will ensure the necessary blend of strength, softness, and absorbency for the end use. This ability to customize the fibre composition ensures that paper products meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
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