Weyerhaeuser Investor Relations

Weyerhaeuser Cellulose Fibers Launches New Type of Kraft Pulp

Jan 27, 2010

FEDERAL WAY, Wash., January 27, 2010 Weyerhaeuser Company announced today that its Cellulose Fibers business segment has successfully introduced a new grade of Kraft pulp for specific segments of the cellulose derivatives market. Cellulose derivatives are used in various products, including lacquers, paints, inks, and thickening agents.

 

Known as Pearl®429, the new pulp offers tailored reactivity and viscosity compared with traditional Kraft pulps.  As a result, Pearl429 can be blended with other pulps and has the potential to partially replace traditional chemical grade dissolving pulps for many chemical applications.  Specifically, Pearl429 pulp’s characteristics allow it to be used in a variety of applications using cellulose esters and ethers.

“This is essentially a new class of softwood Kraft pulp,” said Don Atkinson, vice president of Marketing and New Product Development for Weyerhaeuser Cellulose Fibers. “The development of this product is an example of our commitment to innovation to serve existing customers and to create new markets around the world.”

Pearl429 is produced using a continuous Kraft process versus a batch process used to make many other specialty pulps.  It is more efficient to produce, generates higher yields from the same amount of raw materials, improves product uniformity, and has a better environmental footprint when compared with typical dissolving pulp manufacturing processes.

“This new grade of pulp provides the marketplace with a new option beyond traditional dissolving wood pulps and allows customers to optimize production conditions and product formulations,” Atkinson said.

About Weyerhaeuser Cellulose Fibers

Weyerhaeuser is one of the world’s largest softwood market cellulose fibers producers, with a global direct sales force supported by manufacturing facilities in North America. As a leader in cellulose-based research and development, Weyerhaeuser works extensively with its customers to develop unique or specialized applications for cellulose fibers. Weyerhaeuser fiber is found in familiar products such as kitchen towels, bathroom tissue, baby diapers, household wipes and nonwoven fabrics. Additional information about Cellulose Fibers is available at http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/Businesses/CelluloseFibers.

About Weyerhaeuser

Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest forest products companies, was incorporated in 1900. In 2008, sales were $8 billion. It has offices or operations in 10 countries, with customers worldwide. Weyerhaeuser is principally engaged in the growing and harvesting of timber; the manufacture, distribution and sale of forest products; and real estate construction and development. Additional information about Weyerhaeuser's businesses, products and practices is available at http://www.weyerhaeuser.com.

 

More Information: Contact Us


https://investor.weyerhaeuser.com/2010-01-27-Weyerhaeuser-Cellulose-Fibers-Launches-New-Type-of-Kraft-Pulp