Overview of Elementary Chlorine Free Bleaching

Abstract

In order to reduce environmental impact, chlorine bleaching process has been converted to ECF bleaching, in Japan, following North Europe and North America. Oji Paper Group, according to Environmental Charter Action Guidelines, planned to convert kraft pulp (KP) bleaching process to ECF bleaching . Hardwood bleaching system at Kasugai Mill was converted in August 2000, followed by other domestic mills. All the 8 mills of our group has been completed conversion in June 2006.
Oji Paper Group invested 16 billion yen for the conversion of all the 8 mills, where bleaching towers were rebuilt, and other equipments were renovated including the one for chemical production. In this presentation, details of the investment are reported, taking Kushiro LBKP bleaching process as an example.
Conversion to ECF bleaching results in the increase of manufacturing costs, but keeps quality of bleached pulp and stabilizes operation, without any major troubles.