Paper is one of the most widely used and familiar materials. Paper and board makers produce a vast array of materials for a wide range of consumer and business products, from tissues, packaging and board, to newsprint. The industry has made great technological changes in its pulping and processing activities to match environmental and market needs. Solvay Chemicals has supported these environmentally responsible changes by bringing improved bleaching, paper brilliance, and process improvements to the industry sector.

Pulping and paper processing products
Solvay has built up a major position in the paper industry through a range of bleaching, treatment and water purification chemicals, together with its fillers and other treatment agents.
Solvay is a prime supplier to the paper industry of caustic soda and peroxides, essential for whitening wood pulp, whilst retaining paper quality.
Hydrogen peroxide has transformed and improved the pulp production processes; pulp bleaching has been improved, noxious effluents reduced and paper quality enhanced. Solvay has thereby made a significant contribution to the paper manufacturers’ development of totally effluent free pulp production.
With Solvay's peroxygen and caustic soda de-inking and bleaching technology, used paper can be recycled back into new paper by reviving brightness and cleanliness, and it can be handled in large quantities.

Additives and fillers
Resin made from Solvay chlorinated organic chemicals strengthen paper fibres giving them increased resistance to tearing and bursting in wet conditions, and allowing papermakers to innovate, differentiate and upgrade their product range. Fine calcium fillers bring whiteness, smoothness and high gloss to fine quality printing paper.