Wood pulp is a common material used in the production of wet wipes. The specific type of wood pulp used can vary depending on the desired properties of the wipes, such as softness, absorbency, and cost. Wood pulp fiber is also called fluff pulp fibers come from natural cellulose fibers of woods. It was used in wipe, sanitary pads in 1970s.It provides low cost and good hygroscopicity, so it is widely used in production of wet wipes. It is a key component in the production of various paper products, including tissue paper, paper towels, and, of course, wet wipes. Wet wipes, a convenient and disposable hygiene product, have become a staple in many households. While the soft fabric and refreshing scent often take center stage. Sustainable forestry practices help to protect ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and reduce the environmental impact of wood pulp production.
Kraft wood pulp is a type of pulp derived from wood that is commonly used in the production of wet wipes. This is the most commonly used type of wood pulp for wipes. It’s known for its strength, durability, and long fibers, making it ideal for products that need to withstand moisture and handling. This is a strong, absorbent type of pulp that is often used in wet wipes due to its durability.
Strength: Kraft pulp fibers are known for their tensile strength, meaning they are resistant to tearing. This is crucial for wet wipes, which often experience a lot of handling and friction.
Absorbency: Kraft pulp has excellent absorbency properties, making it effective at picking up moisture and cleaning surfaces.
Versatility: Kraft pulp can be used in various types of wet wipes, from baby wipes to facial wipes, due to its adaptability to different formulations and production processes.W
Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to some other types of pulp, kraft pulp is generally more cost-effective, making it a popular choice for manufacturers.
1. Unbleached kraft wood pulp: This is the most common type used in wipes. It has a natural brown color and is known for its strength and absorbency. Unbleached kraft wood pulp is typically classified by its sourceof wood and processing method. Here are the primary factors that can influence the characteristics of unbleached kraft wood pulp:
Wood Species:
Softwood: This includes trees like pine, spruce, and fir, which generally produce pulp with longer, stronger fibers.
Hardwood: This includes trees like eucalyptus, oak, and birch, which produce pulp with shorter, finer fibers.
Pulping Process:
Kraft Process: This is the most common process for producing
kraft pulp, using a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide.
Other Processes: While less common, other processes like soda
pulping or sulfite pulping can also produce unbleached kraft pulp.
Pulp Grade:
Virgin Pulp: This is pulp made from fresh, unrecycled wood. Recycled Pulp: This is pulp made from recycled paper or cardboard.
2. Bleached kraft wood pulp: This type is processed to remove its natural color and is often used in wipes that require a bright white appearance. It is typically more expensive than unbleached kraft wood pulp. There are primarily two types of bleached kraft wood pulp used in the production of wipes and other products:
NBSK is a specific type of wood pulp that’s highly valued in the paper industry due to its unique properties. It’s derived from softwood trees (like pine or spruce) grown in northern regions, typically in countries like Canada, Sweden, and Finland. The “kraft” in NBSK refers to the pulping process used to extract the fibers from the wood.
Key Characteristics of NBSK:
• Long, Strong Fibers: NBSK is renowned for its long, strong fibers. These fibers provide excellent tensile strength and tear resistance, making it ideal for products like paper towels, tissues, and wet wipes.
• High Brightness: The bleaching process used to produce NBSK results in a pulp with high brightness, meaning it appears white and clean. This is essential for products that require a bright, appealing appearance.
• Softness: NBSK has a soft feel, which is desirable for products like facial tissues and toilet paper.
• Absorbency: The long, fibrous structure of NBSK allows it to absorb liquids effectively, making it suitable for products like paper towels and napkins.
• Durability: NBSK is highly durable, meaning it can withstand handling and use without easily tearing or breaking.
Advantages of NBSK:
• High Quality: NBSK is considered a high quality pulp, offering excellent performance and appearance in various applications. • Versatility: It can be used in a wide range of products,making it a valuable resource for the paper industry.
• Sustainability: When sourced from sustainably managed forests, NBSK can be a sustainable choice.
NBSK is a premium wood pulp that’s prized for its long, strong fibers, high brightness, softness, absorbency, and durability. Its versatility and excellent performance make it a popular choice for a variety of paper products.
SBK stands for Southern Bleached Kraft. It’s a type of wood pulp derived from hardwood trees, like eucalyptus and oak, primarily grown in the southern regions of the United States. It typically has shorter fibers than NBSK, which can result in a softer, more absorbent pulp. However, it may not have the same level of tensile strength as NBSK.
Key Characteristics of SBK:
• Hardwood Origin: SBK is produced from hardwood trees like eucalyptus and oak, which offer a different f iber structure compared to softwood-based pulps like NBSK.
• Shorter Fibers: Compared to NBSK, SBK generally has shorter and finer fibers. This can lead to a softer and more absorbent pulp.
• Bleaching Process: Like NBSK, SBK undergoes a bleaching process to remove its natural brown color and achieve a brighter appearance.
• Versatility: SBK is a versatile pulp that can be used in various applications, including tissue paper, facial wipes, and disposable diapers.
Advantages of SBK:
• Softness: The shorter fibers of SBK can result in a softer and more comfortable product.
• Absorbency: SBK’s structure can contribute to its absorbency properties, making it suitable for products that need to absorb liquids.
• Cost-Effectiveness: SBK can be more cost effective compared to NBSK in certain regions, depending on factors like availability of raw materials and processing costs.
SBK is a valuable type of wood pulp that offers unique characteristics and is widely used in various industries. Its softer texture and absorbent properties make it a popular choice for products that require a balance of strength and comfort.
Soda pulp is another type of wood pulp that can be used in the production of wipes, although it’s less common compared to kraft pulp.
Key Characteristics:
• Pulping: Soda pulp is produced by cooking wood chips with a caustic soda solution. This process is less severe than the kraft process, resulting in a pulp with different properties.
• Color: Soda pulp typically has a darker color compared to kraft pulp.
• Strength: While it can be strong, soda pulp may not have the same level of tensile strength as kraft pulp.
• Absorbency: Soda pulp can be absorbent, but its properties may vary depending on the specific pulping conditions and subsequent treatments.
Use in Wipes:
While soda pulp can be used in wipes, it’s not as widely adopted as kraft pulp. This might be due to factors like its color, strength, and potential cost differences. However, in certain applications or when specific properties are desired, soda pulp could be considered.
Dissolve pulp is a highly refined type of wood pulp that’s often used in premium wipes, especially those marketed for sensitive skin or specific applications like baby wipes.
Key Characteristics:
• High Purity: Dissolve pulp undergoes rigorous purification processes to remove impurities and achieve a very high level of purity.
• Fine Fibers: The fibers in dissolve pulp are exceptionally fine and uniform, contributing to its softness and absorbency.
• Strength: Despite its delicate nature, dissolve pulp can still be strong enough for wipe applications.
• Biodegradability: Dissolve pulp is generally biodegradable, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to some synthetic materials.
Use in Wipes:
• Premium Wipes: Dissolve pulp is often used in wipes marketed as premium or luxury products, especially those targeting consumers who prioritize softness and gentleness.
• Sensitive Skin Wipes: Due to its high purity and softness, dissolve pulp is a popular choice for wipes designed for sensitive skin.
• Baby Wipes: Many baby wipe manufacturers use dissolve pulp to ensure the product is gentle on infants’ delicate skin.
Advantages of Dissolve Pulp:
• Softness: Dissolve pulp’s fine fibers contribute to its exceptional softness, making it ideal for products that need to be gentle on the skin.
• Absorbency: Its high purity and fine fiber structure can lead to excellent absorbency properties.
• Biodegradability: Dissolve pulp is generally biodegradable, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to some synthetic materials.
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