The Only Way Forward: Why Biomaterials Matter for Young Talent in Pulp and Paper”

“If you have to tell people you’re innovative, then you’re not.”

This saying perfectly captures the reality of North America’s pulp and paper industry. For decades, the focus has been on producing pulp or paper, while biomaterials like kraft lignin have remained secondary. Even the brilliant professionals who run the industry will confidentially admit that the culture has not been truly innovative.

Biomaterials and innovation are the industry’s only hope for a prosperous, long-term future. For young engineers considering a career in pulp and paper, this is where the real opportunities lie. Biomaterials, such as kraft lignin, the second most abundant biopolymer on Earth, offer enormous potential beyond traditional paper products, which continue to decline in use.

The urgency is real: over the past decade, at least 59 mills have shut down across North America, and not a single new pulp mill has been built. The industry cannot rely on old models; it must innovate or it will fade away.

Companies like Domtar are beginning to lead the way, producing lignin that is being turned into advanced materials, in stark contrast to a large eucalyptus-producing pulp and paper company based in South America, which appears to be stepping away from biomaterials, choosing instead to ride the declining traditional market straight down as if on a rollercoaster. Domtar, along with multiple European-based pulp and paper companies such as UPM, are proving that innovation and long-term strategies can coexist, offering hope for a new generation eager to make both an impact and a successful long-term career.

The message for young professionals is clear: don’t just enter the industry, help transform it. Embrace biomaterials, innovate boldly, and shape the future of pulp and paper. The opportunity is enormous because the next generation of leaders will determine if this industry will survive.

Dale Mitchell

Kraftlignin.com