What You’ll Learn at TAPPI’s Introduction to Kraft Pulping and Bleaching Course

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If you’re looking to strengthen your technical foundation in kraft pulping and bleaching and gain insights, you can apply immediately in your mill, TAPPI’s Introduction to Kraft Pulping and Bleaching Course is built for you.

Held August 5–6, 2025, at TAPPI Headquarters in Peachtree Corners (Atlanta), Georgia, this two-day, in-person training delivers practical, big-picture knowledge that helps early- and mid-career professionals connect the dots across mill operations. Whether you work in production, technical services, engineering, or environmental compliance, you’ll walk away with a stronger understanding of how kraft systems function, and how you can contribute more effectively. Seats are limited to just 25 participants to ensure an interactive learning experience.

Here’s a look at what you’ll learn:

🔧 Kraft Pulping and Processing

• Get comfortable with industry terminology. Learn the essential terms used in pulping and bleaching so you can better communicate with colleagues and troubleshoot issues.
• Understand key pulp properties and tests. Know which properties matter most and how they are measured.
• Explore fiber fundamentals. Understand the characteristics of wood fiber and the role of wood and chip preparation in the overall process.
• Learn about critical equipment. Get an overview of the major types of digesters—batch and continuous—and how they are used in kraft pulping.
• Review digester chemistry. Gain a high-level understanding of the reactions between wood and pulping chemicals and how those reactions influence pulp yield and quality.
• Identify pulping variables. Learn about the main process variables and how they impact product and process performance.
• Get introduced to pulp processing.  From washing and screening to cleaning and by-product recovery, you’ll explore what happens after pulping and how these steps contribute to overall mill efficiency.

🧪 Bleaching

• Demystify bleaching chemistry. Gain a better understanding of modern bleaching sequences, key variables, and the chemical reactions that impact pulp brightness, strength, and cleanliness.

🌱 Environmental Awareness

• Understand environmental impacts. Explore common environmental challenges in kraft pulping operations and how mills manage emissions, effluents, and by-products.

📋 Your Input Shapes the Experience

What makes this course unique is its responsiveness to attendees. Before the course begins, Dr. Michael Kocurek, one of the pulp and paper industry’s most respected educators, conducts a pre-course survey to better tailor the content to your needs. Participants are invited to share:

 Your specific learning objectives and goals for the course

• A current “hot topic” or challenge your mill or company is facing
• A troubleshooting topic you’d like to see discussed as a basic-level case studyThis approach helps ensure the course addresses real-world concerns and supports your individual learning needs while building a strong, foundational understanding of kraft pulping and bleaching.

🎓 Why Attend?

• Gain technical knowledge you can use immediately
• Understand how kraft operations are connected and how they affect pulp quality
• Build confidence in your role, whether you're in operations, engineering, or support
• Learn from two leading industry experts in a small, interactive setting

📅 Course Details:

Dates: August 5–6, 2025
Location: TAPPI HQ, Peachtree Corners (Atlanta), GA
Seats are limited to just 25 participants to ensure an interactive learning experience.

🔗 https://www.tappi.org/event/calendar/courses/introduction-to-kraft-pulping-and-bleaching-course/#REGISTRATIONRATES-tab