The pulp and paper market - Brazil

1.1 Definition and scope of study

Cellulose is the most abundant solid material on earth being the main component of wood from other plant-based materials. It is used as pulp or as a derivative. Pulp is mainly used in the manufacture of paper and material for cushions and diapers. Besides paper and textile products, products such as personal care appliances, vehicle parts, pharmaceuticals, building material and electronics also consist of pulp and its derivatives. The conversion of cellulose from energy crops into biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, is under development as a renewable fuel source

Recent advances in manufacturing technologies, in recycling and in expanding opportunities for use as fuel have boosted the cellulose market. In the coming years, the importance of this material will increase with industries reorienting from oil-based products to sustainable resources for raw materials such as pulp. This reorientation by final use industries is expected to have a positive effect on the cellulose market, causing manufacturers of pulp and other derivatives to focus on the sustainable differentiation of their products.

The main pulp and cellulose derivatives producers are present in pacific Asia, in a partially fragmented market.  Some of the main players in the market include Diacel Corporation, DuPont De Nemours Company, Akzo Nobel, Ashland Inc., Celanese Corporation and International Paper.

In Brazil, the two main sources of wood used for pulp production are Pine and Eucalyptus, responsible for over 98% of the volume produced. Pulp can also be obtained from other types of plants, with bamboo, sisal and agricultural residues (sugarcane bagasse). The country ranks second among the pulp producing countries producing 1.671 million tons in December 2019 alone, reaching a total of 19.691 million tons in the whole year.