Raw materials for utilisation in the Australian pulp and paper industry

Abstract

Summary The hardwood forests in Australia contain a wide variety of species (predominantly Eucalyptus) and the pulpwood quality varies considerably from one area to another. The pulp and paper industry is based on these mixed hardwood resources. In this paper the species available in each State and their varying nature and pulping properties are listed, the problems arising during utilisation and the technological advances made by the industry are discussed. The potential for using mixed tropical hardwoods and the probable difficulties to be faced are compared with the production experiences encountered by the Australian industry with mixed hardwoods. It is suggested that increasing importance will be placed on the establishment of tropical hardwood plantations. Experiences in various parts of the world in developing hardwood plantations to feed market pulp mills are considered as a guide to future activities in Australia because of the advantages offered by young plantation-grown pulpwood. The increasing...