During a seminar in Stockholm recently a new type of enzymes for improved pulp bleaching was presented.

The new product, Luminase PB-100 enzyme, which is a new brand of xylonases, substantially reduces the need for bleaching chemicals such as chlorine dioxide, chlorine and hydrogen peroxide.

In the past, the pulp and paper industry has had only moderate success using previous generation xylanases because of their ineffectiveness in the harsh processing conditions of the pulp mill.
Luminase enzymes also provide greater operational efficiencies, as they work faster than previous enzymes, thus requiring less retention time, according to Verenium, the San Diego-based company that has developed the new product.

Luminase PB-100 enzyme not only substantially reduces the need for bleaching chemicals, the enzyme remains active over a wider range of temperature and alkalinity (pH) than previous enzymes so it can be utilized by more mills.