Double A Enters the Dissolving Pulp Market

Bangkok, Thailand – Double A enters the dissolving pulp market in response to significant growth in the market and the global demand in many enterprises. Double A has invested USD 6.1 million to upgrade its pulp production line in Thailand to supply the world’s textile industry with high quality and sustainable raw material from KHAN-NA.

The demand for high-purity cellulose, also known as dissolving pulp, has substantially increased during the last few years. The growing demand of dissolving pulp in the market is attributed to a consistent growth of regenerated cellulose fiber production, largely initiated by an increasing demand in China and other Asian countries. In 2012, global demand for dissolving pulp, a viable alternative for cotton, has reached 6 million tons. The favourable trend is expected to continue in the next two years with an annual growth rate of 9%.  Global demand is projected at 6.9 million tons in 2014 and thus dissolving pulp will prevail during the next decade.

Dissolving pulp, a bleached wood pulp with a high cellulose content of more than 90%, is a key material used to manufacture viscose staple fiber (VSF) or rayon. More than 80% of the world’s dissolving pulp is converted to viscose rayon fiber, which is used in dresses, jackets, suits, socks, neckties and other garments.

Asia, specifically China, will continue to be the world’s biggest market for dissolving pulp as a viable substitute for cotton with special applications in rayon fiber for textile industry. This is due to the limited domestic supply of fiber, increased production of garments and the short supply of cotton.

China is the world’s largest production base of viscose fiber.  In 2012, 60% of world’s total viscose fiber output was produced by China. Production is expected to grow by 10% therefore demand for dissolving pulp will also rise, making China a key market to Double A.

Double A has invested USD 6.1 million to upgrade its pulp production line in Thailand using modern technology from Finland. The machine will commence commercial production at the beginning of 2014 with 175,000 tons annual capacity. The first 100,000 tons output will be exported to China.

Double A’s dissolving pulp is sourced from sustainable Paper Tree from KHAN-NA, its proprietary sustainable fiber sourcing program.  Paper from KHAN-NA reduces carbon dioxide emissions and improves rice farmer’s income.

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About Double A

Double A is a global leader in premium copy paper and is one of the most advanced fully integrated pulp and paper manufacturers in the world. Double A produces high performance, super smooth Double A paper which is available in more than 120 countries worldwide. Double A copy paper is produced from Farmed Trees grown by over 1.5 million contract farmers in Thailand. Double A’s pulp and paper production practices set an industry benchmark in environmental responsibility. Double A’s unique Farmed Trees initiative save precious old growth forests from logging. Trees are planted in open areas between and around rice fields and other crops, thereby maintaining the natural biodiversity. For more information about Double A, please visit www.DoubleApaper.com