Utilization of Soybean Hulls in Paper Production

Abstract

In Paraguay, the opportunity to use soybean hulls in paper production stands out thanks to its cellulose content (around 40%). Therefore, the most economically convenient process has been identified in this work providing an estimated cost per tonne of paper pulp obtained from soybean hulls, in order to be installed in paper industries seeking to expand their product portfolio. The methodology adopted was based on a bibliographic review that allowed the theoretical analysis of soybean hulls characteristics as a raw material in paper production and the analysis of cellulose extraction processes from agro-industrial waste. Using only 6% of the total soybean hulls produced in the country in one year (203,566 t), a profit of US$ 1.6 million will be obtained at a sales price of US$ 775/t, making its economic value higher when it's used in paper production than in exportation or animal feeding.