4. Conclusion

The use of biotechnologies in the paper industry seems to be a very promising approach as an alternative (or complement) to conventional paper processes.

Biopulping and enzymatic chip treatments can be used to promote chemical or mechanical pulping. At present, the application of enzymatic treatments for the production of chemical pulps on an industrial scale is limited to the use of xylanases and, to a lesser extent, lipases. Xylanase treatments are dedicated to the pre-treatment of unbleached pulp to improve bleachability. Oxidizing enzymes such as manganese peroxidase or laccase offer interesting potential, but are still produced in small quantities and at costs that are not sufficiently attractive to justify industrial application. What's more, the use of this type of enzyme requires tight process control and the use of an expensive and toxic chemical mediator...