An Outlook for Fiber Supply in Korea

Abstract

Paper is used as a cultural transmitter and a life essential in our daily life. In particular, paper is light and easy for cutting, folding, tearing, etc. While it is easy deteriorated by insects or microbes. As a friendly substance to environment, therefore, it will go together with the human being forever. As of 1996, the production volume of both paper and paperboard in Korea totaled 7, 681, 000 metric tons and the paper consumption a citizen averaged 150.2 kg. The principal meterial of paper having such importance is wood, specifically pulp. The production amount of pulp in Korea was 531, 759 tons, accounting to 25% of her total demand for the year, which was covered by Hansol Paper (GP 51, 196 tons : TMP 13, 247 tons), Sejong Paper (GP 23, 782 tons), Daehan Paper (GP 9, 299 tons), and Donghae Pulp for the remainder (BKP 319, 232 tons). The production of pulp in Korea needs wood and chips domestically as well as abroad. Korea is very short of wood, not to speak of pulp.
Considering the situation facing Korea, therefore, this review intends to discuss in more detail the situation and forecast of the production of pulping wood in Korea and the status of demand for and supply of virgin pulp and waste paper.