Mineral fillers are usually used to replace wood fibers in the production of paper products. However the filler loading is presently limited to roughly 15 to 20% due to paper strength and quality requirements. New fibrous fillers have been developed that can raise the filler loading limit to 50%. The paper strength and quality is also maintained for many paper products. Use of these filler help save energy by avoiding wood pulp production and reduced drying energy due to an increase in the percentage of press solids in the sheet (Kramer et al., 2009. p.110).
| Development Status | Products |
|---|---|
|
Demonstration
|
| Parent Process: Papermaking | |
|---|---|
| Energy Savings Potential |
It has been reported that use of fillers could reduce energy consumption by 25%. |
| CO2 Emission Reduction Potential |
|
| Costs |
Cost savings by $10 to $50/ton of paper have been estimated. |
This Energy Guide discusses energy efficiency practices and energy-efficient technologies that can be implemented at the component, process, facility, and organizational levels.
