Cellulose technologies

The subject of impregnation studies is of interest to all chemical pulp processes, irrespective of whether the end product is paper pulp or dissolving pulp. It is imperative for pulp mills seeking to enhance their production or grappling with impregnation-related issues to ensure the optimal impregnation of chips.

Cellulose technologies are key to the bioeconomy, a fossil-free society, and circular processes. At the core is the pulp mill, where wood is chemically processed into pulp with exposed fibres, often followed by bleaching. RISE supports industry needs through R&D focused on sustainable, cost-efficient solutions across the value chain—from raw and recycled materials to pulp. Efforts target improving pulp cooking, oxygen delignification, bleaching, and developing new processes to optimize raw material use, reduce chemicals, save energy and water, and lower environmental impact.

RISE has extensive expertise in cellulose technologies and chemical pulp production (cooking and bleaching), supported by modern equipment and qualified specialists. We offer concept testing, laboratory and pilot-scale demonstrations, as well as support for industrial implementation and troubleshooting. Areas of focus include:

Suitability of raw materials for various paper and cellulose applications
Wood and pulp quality, chip treatment, and cooking/bleaching conditions
New cooking and bleaching agents, including enzymes
Brightness, light stability, pulp and fibre properties
Environmental impact

Our research spans both long-term improvements in cooking, oxygen delignification and bleaching, and solutions to acute process-related issues. In biorefining, we focus on optimising cooking and bleaching to improve pulp quality, process economics, and environmental performance, including transitions to new raw materials and end products.

We also develop processes to fractionate cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin to meet specific biorefinery needs, and work on integrating these processes into pulp mills to increase efficiency and sustainability. The production of speciality cellulose, for applications such as textiles and nanocellulose, is another key research area.

Dissolving pulp

The following areas are encompassed within the field of dissolving pulp:

The manufacturing process and subsequent evaluation of dissolving pulp is undertaken for the specific applications for which it is intended.
The viscose process is one of several processes that can be used to regenerate cellulose.
Cellulose derivatives are another category of material that can be produced through the process of cellulose regeneration.
Modification of fibres is another process that can be used to produce cellulose derivatives. This includes pulp fibres, natural fibres such as cotton, and recycled textile fibres.

Fluff pulp

RISE possesses a distinctive chain of pilots, which are utilised for conducting studies across the entire process, from the extraction of raw wood materials to the generation of finished fluff pulp. This encompasses a series of meticulous procedures, including chipping, cooking, bleaching, and the rigorous evaluation of properties via a state-of-the-art analysis laboratory.

In addition to the purely technical aspects, RISE is able to assist with the evaluation of the specific analyses employed for the purpose of quality assessment of fluff pulp.

Fibre dimensions are analyzed
Energy consumption - hammer mill
Ratio measurement
Dry forming is performed to produce the small pads which are then used to analyze absorption properties.
Complete physical testing can of course also be carried out to evaluate the physical properties of the pulp.

We always work in close dialogue with our customers to ensure value.

Bleaching of cellulose

It is imperative for the paper and pulp industry to comprehend the bleaching process in order to implement the requisite adjustments and optimisations. This will enable the production of high-quality products that exhibit the desired characteristics and durability. This approach not only aligns with customer requirements and expectations but also contributes to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable production methods.

Bleaching of cellulose