Hydrogen peroxide is one of the cleanest bleaching chemicals a pulp mill can use. It brightens fibre without chlorine, breaks down into water and oxygen, and works on recycled, mechanical and agro-based pulps.
How it brightens pulp
Peroxide attacks the coloured groups in lignin and ink residues, turning them colourless rather than removing the lignin. That is why it suits high-yield pulps where you want to keep fibre, not dissolve it.
Where it is used
- Recycled fibre – in the pulper or a separate bleach tower after deinking.
- Agro and bagasse pulp – as a brightening stage.
- Mechanical pulps – to lift brightness without yield loss.
- Textiles – the same chemical bleaches cotton (see textile).
Conditions that matter
- Alkalinity: peroxide needs alkali to work, but too much causes yellowing.
- Temperature and time: warmer and longer generally means more brightness, up to a point.
- Stabilisers: silicate and chelating agents protect peroxide from metals like iron and manganese, which waste it.
- Consistency: higher pulp consistency gives better chemical efficiency.
Benefits
- Chlorine-free, environment-friendly bleaching.
- Brighter pulp with little fibre loss.
- Fewer specks and less yellowing on storage.
- Lower load on effluent compared with chlorine-based chemicals.
Getting more brightness per kilo
- Remove metals first – they decompose peroxide.
- Keep residual peroxide at the end of the stage; zero residual means you ran out too early.
- Mix well – peroxide on a few fibres helps no one.
Safety and storage
Store peroxide in a cool, shaded, ventilated area, in its original vented containers, away from organic material and metals. Use eye protection and gloves. We supply it with National Peroxide quality, in carboys and drums.
Need a steady peroxide supply? Tell us your monthly quantity and concentration – we will share options and a quotation. Ask for peroxide →