Advances in Pulp and Paper Technology and the Implication for the Paper Industry in Nigeria

Abstract

The technology of pulp and paper production has advanced considerably since the discovery of paper in AD 105.  The improvements in technology have also increased the environmental impact of the processes through air and water pollution.   Efforts are being made to reduce the enviromental impact of the processes through development of substitute raw materials.   The increasing pulping of non wood raw materials, development of organosolv pulping methods, total chlorine free bleaching  and introduction of nanotechnology in pulp and paper production aim at addressing these problems. The impact of the recent technological developments on the obsolete pulp and paper production facilities in Nigeria dictate that new investments are required in the sector if the country is to remove itself from being a perpetual paper importer.

Keywords: organosolv, nanotechnology,  chlorine, kraft pulping, efluent