Improvements in mechanical pulp processing with proteinase treatments

The present report examines the effects that proteinase, an enzyme which de grades protein, has on the refinability, and consequently the papermaking p roperties, of a radiata pine mechanical pulp. Benefits, as much as 10% savi ngs in energy consumption, were found for the refining process when the pro teinase enzyme was added before primary refining, but not during an inter-s tage treatment. The energy savings were attained without any alterations to the quality of the furnishes generated. Therefore, further consideration s hould be given to the use of proteinases for the modification of mechanical pulping.