New Potential for Increased Use of Hardwoods in Kraft Linerboard Production

This report presents technical and market possibilities for better utilization of hardwood pulpwood in the U.S. kraft linerboard industry. It is estimated that 1 to 3 million cords of hardwood pulpwood are being consumed in the U.S. kraft linerboard industry while 21 to 27 million cords of softwood pulpwood are consumed each year. Technical and market constraints explain the current imbalanced situation. These constraints are traced to the morphological difference between hardwood and softwood fiber. Market constraints are established in strength quality of corrugated boxes. However, technical developments such as press-drying, high density pressing, and improved fiber refining techniques have been demonstrated recently to allow greater use of hardwood fiber in kraft linerboard. Numerous economic incentives exist for technical developments that permit greater use of hardwood fiber. Improved pressing technologies have the advantage of improved energy efficiency, use of higher yield pulp, and increased rates of production. Market standards for corrugated boxes also may change to permit greater use of hardwood fiber. In addition, hardwood pulpwood has a lower value in U.S. markets which creates an ongoing incentive for greater use of hardwood fiber. The U.S. pulp and paper industry may gain the technical ability to use available hardwood pulpwood in products such a kraft linerboard. If so, it will portend a significant shift in wood use patterns.

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