The Svetlogorsk pulp and paper mill, one of the largest pulp and paper producers in Belarus aims to become a leading producer of viscose pulp in Europe within the next several years, according to some Belarus media reports.
As part of these plans, the company will launch a large-scale production of viscose pulp in Belarus already in a short term. According to the company, that will be a completely new product for the country and its pulp and paper sector.
So far, the company has already completed installation of all the necessary equipment and machinery for the launch of the new production.
Similar to bleached sulphate cellulose, viscose pulp is made from softwood, with some differences in technological process.
The company puts big hopes on its new production, as global demand for viscose pulp is steadily growing. At present, it is used as a major raw material in the production viscose fiber, a material, which accounts for almost 80% of the world production of all artificial fibers. In general, the scope of application of viscose pulp remains very wide.
Moreover, prices for viscose pulp are traditionally higher those of kraft pulp, which, according to analysts, may provide additional opportunities for the Svetlogorsk pulp and paper mill for the increase of its profits from such production.
By: Eugen Gerden