Carbon Footprint Software for Market Pulp: Kraft and APMP Processes across Twelve Biomass Types with Soil Carbon Sequestration

Authors

  • Rhonald Ortega Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative, Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, Box 8005, Raleigh, NC, 27695-8005, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1142-3768
  • Naycari Forfora Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative, Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, Box 8005, Raleigh, NC, 27695-8005, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6771-7161
  • Isabel Dorado Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative, Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, Box 8005, Raleigh, NC, 27695-8005, USA
  • Isabel Urdaneta Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative, Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, Box 8005, Raleigh, NC, 27695-8005, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1523-1786
  • Ivana Azuaje Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative, Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, Box 8005, Raleigh, NC, 27695-8005, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0480-3486
  • Hasan Jameel Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative, Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, Box 8005, Raleigh, NC, 27695-8005, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9947-7313
  • Richard Venditti Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative, Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, Box 8005, Raleigh, NC, 27695-8005, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7986-4092
  • Qingshi Tu Bioproducts Institute, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2385 East Mail, Vancouver, BC, B6T 1Z4, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7113-0564
  • Ronalds Gonzalez Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative, Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, Box 8005, Raleigh, NC, 27695-8005, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5282-3015

Keywords:

Carbon Footprint, Market Pulp, Digital Tool, Kraft, Chemical Pulping, APMP, Mechanical Pulping, Soil Carbon Sequestration, LCA, Tissue

Abstract

Current carbon footprint tools for the pulp and paper industry focus on conventional wood fibers and overlook alternative biomass and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. This study developed a software tool for market pulp production comparing conventional eucalyptus and Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) against alternative non-wood fibers (bamboo, switchgrass, sorghum, rice husk, hemp hurd, sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, rice straw, banana fiber, and ryegrass straw). The tool models kraft and alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (APMP), integrates ISO 14040-44 standards, and incorporates SOC sequestration based on cultivar morphology. While applicable to diverse market pulps, tissue production is the primary application. Results identify Brazilian Eucalyptus Kraft (BEK) as the most environmentally favorable option. Specifically, the kraft process delivers lower carbon footprints (504 to 794 kg CO2eq/ADt) than APMP (1,015 to 1,320 kg CO2eq/ADt) because lignin combustion provides superior energy self-sufficiency. Energy sources critically affect APMP, with wheat straw ranging from 643 to 1,715 kg CO2eq/ADt (hydropower versus coal), while NBSK varied minimally (631 to 779 kg CO2eq/ADt). Across the twelve biomasses, high SOC stabilization factors reduced carbon footprints by up to 86%, while low factors showed less than 1% variation. This tool provides a practical platform for industry decision-making and sustainability education. 

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Published

2026-02-02

How to Cite

Ortega, R., Forfora, N., Dorado, I., Urdaneta, I., Azuaje, I., Jameel, H., … Gonzalez, R. (2026). Carbon Footprint Software for Market Pulp: Kraft and APMP Processes across Twelve Biomass Types with Soil Carbon Sequestration. BioResources, 21(1), 2484–2518. Retrieved from https://ojs.bioresources.com/index.php/BRJ/article/view/25223

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Research Article or Brief Communication