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9.6 Pulp and Paper
Authors: S R CorsonPublication: NZIF Forestry Handbook, Volume Section 9 – Utilisation of forest products, pp 6, Dec 2023
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: The national pulp and paper industry contributes substantially to the country’s paper requirements and to export receipts. The industry initially grew to achieve national self-sufficiency in newsprint, packaging papers and boards, printing and writing papers and tissues and absorbent products. Concurrently, international markets were developed for both chemical (kraft) and mechanical pulps. The key feature of the industry was its strong growth in the three decades following the start-up of the Kawerau and Kinleith mills in the mid-1950s. More recently, with the opening of the economy in the 1980s, paper manufacture has been rationalised and consolidated. The industry now operates as an integral part of the global economy. Production of fine printing and writing papers has ceased along with many other specialty grades. The industry is almost wholly based on the utilisation of radiata pine fibre. The predominant source of this fibre is residue from the solid-wood sector. Note. The statistical information in the following sections is provided by the Policy and Information Group of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at www.maf.govt.nz. All tonnages quoted are air-dry tonnes.