Paper production from groundnut shells: a sustainable approach

Over the past years, the depletion of forest wood in many nations has spurred efforts to find substitute plant materials for fiber production. Unbleached and bleached pulps were utilized to create experimental paper products, employing various pulping processes such as Kraft’s, soda pulping, chemical pulping, organosolv pulping, and more. However, among these methods, Kraft’s and soda pulping emerged as the only sustainable and successful options. Comparatively, Kraft’s pulping stands out as a more sustainable choice due to factors like cost, efficiency, timeliness, and simplicity of application. This study delves into the intricate details of Kraft’s pulping process, analysing its principles and operational factors crucial for optimal paper output. The review explores novel approaches to enhance the process's effectiveness and friendliness by examining the impact of wood sources, chemical additions, and process adjustments on pulp quality, yield, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the study assesses various non-wood fiber resources as potential substitutes, including rice husks, groundnut shells, walnut shells, maize stalks, sorghum stalks, and pineapple leaves. It evaluates their viability, accessibility, and relevance for paper production, emphasizing their potential benefits in reducing dependency on wood pulp and mitigating environmental impacts. Implementing these alternatives not only addresses the escalating paper demand but also promotes a more environmentally sustainable approach. This study contributes to advancing knowledge about Kraft’s pulping process and its role in supporting economical and eco-friendly paper production methods.