A new series of articles on eucalyptus fibers is being published in ForestBioFacts. It is written by Professor Pedro Fardim from KU Leuven University in Belgium. He has worked for a long time in eucalyptus research and product development. His articles cover, among other things, the history of eucalyptus fiber use, technologies, processes, industrial use and innovations.
“Eucalyptus pulp is an important raw material in the pulp and paper industry. Thanks to its short fibers and even structure, the paper made from it is smooth, bright and even, particularly suitable for magazine, printing and packaging papers, as well as cardboard,” says Fardim.
“The pulp's advantages include softness, durability and absorbency, which makes it particularly suitable for use in hygiene products such as toilet paper, handkerchiefs and kitchen towels.”
The main countries where eucalyptus is grown are China, India and Brazil. The advantages of growing eucalyptus include its rapid growth – it reaches its full size in as little as 5–10 years – its adaptability to different growing environments, efficient water use, drought resistance and sun-scorching tolerance.
Climate change can either benefit or harm eucalyptus, depending on where it grows. According to research in Brazil, most of the areas currently used for growing eucalyptus will still be suitable for cultivation in the coming decades. The tree's rapid growth and high carbon dioxide sequestration capacity make it a valuable species in slowing climate change.
New product innovations
Market analyses predict strong and long-term growth for the use of eucalyptus fiber and pulp, both in traditional paper and hygiene products markets and in entirely new product markets, especially as production technologies are cost-effective and energy requirements are decreasing. Thanks to these and other new innovations, new products such as clothing, footwear, packaging, and even car tires can be developed from eucalyptus fiber.
Fardim particularly wants to emphasize the importance of eucalyptus in new generation fiber technologies such as nanofibers, circular economy integration, and the development of new fiber-based materials.
In summary, eucalyptus is a species that has moved from traditional mass production to one of the most promising renewable raw materials for future sustainable materials, smart fibers, and bio-based innovation packages.
Check out the latest article collection on eucalyptus fiber at ForestBioFacts and come meet us at Pulp & Beyond in Helsinki, April 14-17, 2026, stand 5a26!
