Wet-strengthened paper grades often require a use of oxidative repulping aids. Traditional hypochlorite is undesirable due to its hazardous nature and a contribution to AOX. New stricter regulations, especially in Europe, will restrict its use even further. Alternative persulfate powders are more eco-friendly, but often limited in their effectiveness and have some drawbacks, e.g., alkaline yellowing of pulp.
A new eco-friendly repulping aid, FennoSpec 9368, was developed by Kemira. This product is based on sodium percarbonate chemistry and provides an economic alternative without significant drawbacks. The benefits, advantages and industrial experiences with FennoSpec 9368 are reviewed in this paper.
