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Paper and Packaging

The paper and packaging industry is a significant consumer of various chemicals, which are used in different stages of the production process. These chemicals play crucial roles in enhancing the quality of paper, improving manufacturing efficiency, and providing specific properties to packaging materials. Here are some key chemicals used in the paper and packaging industry:

Pulp Chemicals
Bleaching Agents: Chemicals like chlorine and hydrogen peroxide are used for pulp bleaching to achieve the desired brightness.
Pulp Cooking Chemicals: Chemicals like sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and sodium sulphide are used in the pulp cooking process

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Papermaking Chemicals
Fillers and Coating Additives: Calcium carbonate and kaolin are common fillers used to improve paper’s smoothness and opacity.
Retention and Drainage Aids: Polyacrylamides and other polymers are used to improve the retention of fibers and enhance drainage during paper formation.
Sizing Agents: Rosin, alum, and synthetic sizing agents are applied to control the water-absorbing properties of paper.

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Chemicals for Paper Coating
Coating Binders: Starch, latex, and various synthetic binders are used to enhance the paper’s surface for printing and improve its resistance to moisture.
Pigments and Colorants: Titanium dioxide and other pigments are used to achieve specific colour and brightness in coated papers.

Packaging Chemicals
Adhesives: Various adhesives, including hot melt adhesives, are used in the manufacturing of packaging materials such as corrugated boxes.
Inks and Printing Chemicals: Inks, varnishes, and printing chemicals are used for packaging design and labelling.

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Preservatives
Biocides and Antioxidants: These are used to prevent microbial growth and protect the paper and packaging materials from deterioration.

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Recycling Chemicals
Deinking Agents: Chemicals are used in the recycling process to remove ink and other impurities from recovered paper.

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Packaging Film Additives
Plasticizers, Stabilizers, and Antioxidants: These are added to plastic films to improve flexibility, stability, and resistance to environmental factors.

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