In paper manufacturing, degumming of the raw material is done using

In paper manufacturing, the degumming of raw materials is primarily achieved using caustic soda (sodium hydroxide). Degumming is a critical purification step, especially for non-wood fibers like hemp, jute, and ramie, where non-cellulosic substances such as pectin, hemicellulose, and lignin (collectively termed 'gum') must be removed to improve fiber quality. Caustic soda is a key chemical used in the paper industry for this purpose, often as part of an alkaline treatment or 'cooking' process to dissolve these gums [1]. While bleaching powder is used for whitening wood pulp [2] and sulphuric acid is used in specialized processes like making parchment paper, caustic soda remains the standard agent for the alkaline degumming and delignification required to isolate cellulose fibers for high-quality paper production [1].

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > PAPER INDUSTRY > p. 56
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > Bleaching powder is used – > p. 31