Overview of the U.S. Pulp and Paper Industry. Topical Report. Volume 2

摘要

To develop background material on the dynamics of the pulp and paper industry, its products, markets, technological characteristics and energy use, the study focused on industry segments classified in SIC 261, 262, and 263, which together account for an estimated 89% of the energy use in the pulp and paper industry. Although design modifications will occur, no major technological developments are anticipated. Demand for paper products is expected to grow at a rate somewhat lower than that of the GNP. Growth in energy consumption will track this industry's growth with a large portion (about 50%) met by wood waste or other byproduct fuels. The nonintegrated paper producers rely almost wholly on purchased fuels, and this segment--using only 12% of the industry total energy--amounts to about 275 trillion Btu per year. Natural gas is expected to maintain market share in the pulp and paper industry, depending on pricing. To ensure adoption by industry, new gas-based technologies must answer two demands: (1) lower the cost of production and (2) enhance or maintain product quality.