Status of the utilization of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) in the pulp and paper industry

Although jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), which represents 20% of the total softwood volume, is one of the most abundant commercial softwood species in Canada, its rate of utilization in pulping is surprisingly low. This paper reviews the literature concerning the physical and chemical properties as well as the pulping characteristics of this species by mechanical, thermomechanical, chemithermomechanical, chemimechanical, and chemical processes to better understand its potential use in papermaking. The objective is to identify the problems related to the use of jack pine so that solutions might be sought to promote its usage. Some recommendations are put forth concerning future research.