Bioresources paper chain

Interrelations Between Bioresource Categories Shown on the "Paper Chain"... 

An example for the complex interrelation between primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary bioresources is shown in Figure 7.5. The paper chain is a simplified visualization of the complex processes connected with the production of a paper-containing product. Figure 7.5 focuses on the main processes connected with bioresource transformations only. Processes of pulping including specific pathways for by-product utilization, e.g., valorization of tall oil, are discussed in more detail in Chapter 3. The processes involved in paper production are described in more detail in Ref 54. A good overview on aspects related to the whole cascade is to be found in Ref. 5. The paper chain was used as an example, since paper production has historical tradition and the processes are well established today, but still have room for improvements. 

Figure 7.5 The paper chain—bioresource utilization pathways from the primary generation over multichain and cascade utilization till final disposal or energetic utilization demonstrated on the example of paper generation with data for Germany.

To sum up, the primary bioresource for paper chain is the harvested tree respectively the tree s stem-wood. Secondary and tertiary bioresources are bark, other woody biomass, black liquor, paper production, and processing residues which are generated along the chain. If these are utilizedfor substantial or energetic purposes we have a multichain utilization. And if the quaternary postconsumer fibers from wastepapers are reused we have cascade utilization. 

To evaluate the efficiency of bioresource utilization chains, easy and comprehensive standardized methodologies have to be established. Since all bioresource utilization chains— the paper chain, the food chain, and others—are very complex, they have to be simplified. One simplified option is shown in Figure 7.4 for the paper chain. Although in Chapter 7, Section 2.4 a lot of data from various sources from all stages of the paper chain were provided, the data collection is stiU not comprehensive enough for a chain evaluation. To define, which data are needed and how they could be provided in an open and structured way is a challenge for the future. With progress in statistical data documentation, evaluation can improve as the accuracy of data improves. 

Note The intermediate products (pulp and paper) and the e product (paper product) in this chain contain primary bioreources they are not a primary bioresource as a whole. 

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