Fully bleached fibers are typically preferred in hygiene and
tissue products due to their high brightness, water absorption capacity, and
softness. However, environmental challenges require sustainable alternatives
and leading to an increased use of unbleached fibers. Unbleached virgin
fibers that undergo extensive oxygen delignification exhibit significantly
higher wet tensile strength while maintaining a good absorption capacity.
This enhanced strength can reduce the need for wet strength additives by up
to 80%, thereby contributing to more sustainable processes and products.
Replacing fully bleached fibers with delignified fibers can mitigate the
environmental impact by lowering the carbon footprint from the bleaching
process and by reducing the need of resins.