Glossary

A defining characteristic of our Chemical Business is its extensive use of wood-based materials, including dissolving pulp, functional cellulose, and lignin-based products. For business segmentation purposes, this category falls under "Chemicals" within the "Daily-Life Products Business" segment.

Composite materials created by integrating biomass components (such as cellulose and CNF) with plastics and other base materials. As eco-friendly alternatives​, they contribute to reducing the consumption of fossil-based plastics​.

Ethanol produced through the fermentation and distillation of renewable biological resources (biomass), including woody materials. As plants absorb atmospheric CO2 during their growth process, it is recognized as a carbon-neutral fuel that causes no net increase in CO2 emissions upon combustion​. Furthermore, it is attracting significant attention as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Nippon Paper Industries, alongside partner companies, is driving the "Mori-Sora Project" to produce and commercialize SAF made exclusively from 100% domestic woody biomass​.

Renewable, biologically derived organic resources, excluding fossil resources. They are actively utilized in energy generation and the development of sustainable materials​.

A power generation method that reduces CO2 emissions by combusting biomass resources alongside coal or other fossil fuels​.

A general term for the technology and industry involved in producing a wide range of products—including fuels, chemicals, and materials—from renewable biological resources (biomass) such as wood​. By utilizing renewable resources, this approach contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and building a circular economy.
With the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, Nippon Paper Group is transforming its business structure by promoting the "Biorefinery Concept." This initiative aims to create new biomass materials from chemical pulp, thereby simultaneously achieving decarbonization and economic growth (GX).

High-quality pulp bleached with chemicals, used in paper applications.

A dark brown liquid generated as a byproduct of the pulping process​. It contains dissolved non-fibrous wood components, including lignin and hemicellulose, and serves as a vital biomass fuel for renewable energy generation at paper mills.

Breeding refers to the technique of selecting individuals with desirable genes, propagating them, and passing those traits on to the next generation; propagation is a general term for techniques used to artificially increase the number of organisms, such as seed propagation, vegetative propagation (including cuttings and grafting), tissue culture, and cloning. Nippon Paper Group is developing breeding and propagation technologies to increase the production of trees with superior traits (elite trees).

Paper used to convey information by printing on its surface, such as copy paper and thermal paper​. Within our business segments, this falls under the "Paper and Paperboard Business."

A concept and technological approach in which resources and energy are repeatedly utilized across multiple stages for as long as possible, rather than just once. It is practiced across various fields—including wood, water, and thermal energy—to maximize resource efficiency. The Nippon Paper Group comprehensively practices the cascade utilization of wood. This encompasses material utilization​—such as repurposing building materials into paper raw materials (wood chips) and low-grade building materials (boards)—as well as energy utilization​, which involves using wood chips and pellets as fuel, alongside black liquor generated during the pulp manufacturing process and non-recyclable degraded fibers .

Technology for capturing, utilizing, and storing CO₂ from the atmosphere or industrial sources. Unlike with fossil fuels, CCUS using biomass-derived CO₂ effectively reduces the absolute amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Ultra-fine fibers produced by defibrillating wood-derived cellulose to the nanoscale, typically measuring a few nanometers in width and several hundred nanometers in length. Highly regarded as a next-generation biomass material, they offer versatile applications as additives—such as thickeners, dispersants, moisture-retaining agents, and fillers—across various industries, including food, cosmetics, and industrial manufacturing. As a pioneering company in this field​, Nippon Paper Group has spearheaded the research and development of CNF for many years.

A forestry method in which all trees within a designated area are felled at once, typically carried out in conjunction with reforestation.

A facility designed to block the inflow of external pollen, ensuring reliable cross-pollination among superior tree varieties for systematic seed collection. Nippon Paper Group has established closed-system seed orchards in collaboration with regional partners to breed and propagate elite trees.

A water-soluble polymer produced by introducing carboxymethyl groups into cellulose. It has a wide range of applications, including as a thickener, stabilizer, and dispersant.
Nippon Paper Group develops and provides CMC grades specifically designed as binders for lithium-ion battery anodes.

An energy-efficient system that leverages high-temperature, high-pressure steam from boiler combustion for power generation and manufacturing processes. It is highly effective in reducing environmental impact through energy savings and lower CO₂ emissions. Paper mills have a long history of utilizing these systems.

A general term for the paperboard used as raw material for corrugated boxes, consisting of a “linerboard”—the flat outer layers—and a ‘flute’—the corrugated core. It is primarily made from Waste Paper and wood pulp, and comes in various types depending on the application and quality requirements.
Within our business segments, this falls under the “Paper and Paperboard Business.”

Base paper used for the corrugated inner layer of corrugated boxes. Types include "standard medium" and "reinforced medium."

A process for producing pulp from wood chips. Wood chips are mixed with chemicals and cooked under high temperature and pressure to separate the cellulose fibers.

Resins added to various coating agents—such as paints, inks, and adhesives—to impart functional properties like adhesion. Nippon Paper Group leverages its proprietary modification and processing technologies to offer products across a wide range of applications.

One of our business segments. It includes the Liquid Packaging Carton​, Household Paper and Healthcare​, and Chemical businesses​. It accounts for approximately 40% of our total revenue.

Equipment used to dry and wind pulp​, processing it into sheet products.

In Japan, this term specifically refers to fast-growing, superior varieties of cedar, cypress, and pine selectively bred for desirable traits such as reduced pollen. Their rapid growth shortens the harvesting cycle, thereby reducing management and maintenance costs, including underbrush clearing. Nippon Paper Group produces and distributes elite tree seedlings, contributing to their widespread adoption across the country.

A business segment engaged in power generation and electricity sales, leveraging proven technologies accumulated at our paper mills alongside woody biomass fuel. Accounts for approximately 4% of total revenue.

A system in which third-party organizations certify businesses that practice sustainable forest management and ensure proper distribution and processing. Internationally recognized standards include FSC and PEFC.

Materials such as treetops, branches, leaves, and stumps left on-site following logging operations​.
While they contribute to soil conservation, they also serve as valuable biomass resources. The Nippon Paper Group maximizes the utilization of these materials as fuel.

A global forest certification system. It is one of the international standards designed to promote responsible forest management and verify the sustainability of wood and paper products.

A functional material developed by maximizing the exceptional water absorption and retention capabilities of cellulose. It is widely utilized across diverse fields, ranging from additives for food, dietary supplements​, and cosmetics, to industrial applications including excipients​, absorbents, and moisture-retaining agents.

Specialty papers engineered with added functionalities tailored for specific applications, such as oil and water resistance​, insulation, and thermal sensitivity. Within our business segments, this category falls under the "Paper and Paperboard Business."

A collective term referring to newsprint used for newspapers​; printing paper used for books, magazines, and flyers​; and communication paper—such as copy paper—used to print and convey information.

The mass of paper per unit area, typically expressed in grams per square meter (g/m² or gsm). It is commonly used as a practical measure of paper thickness.

A platform where companies committed to Green Transformation (GX) collaborate with government, academia, and the financial sector.
Nippon Paper Group is also participating in this initiative, working to establish market rules and engage in voluntary emissions trading (GX-ETS).

These include products for light incontinence and the medical industry. Within our business segments, these products fall under "Household Paper and Healthcare" within the "Daily-Life Products Business."

One of the major components of plant cell walls, along with lignin and cellulose. It is the second most abundant plant polysaccharide after cellulose, and serves as a secondary component in papermaking and biomass utilization.

Paper products for household use, such as tissues and toilet rolls. In our business segmentation, these are categorized under the "Household Paper and Healthcare" business, which is part of the "Daily-Life Products Business" segment.

An international forestry alliance established in the UK in 2023 by major forest owners and forestry investment institutions worldwide committed to sustainable forest management. It engages in policy advocacy and joint projects aimed at enhancing the value of forests as natural capital and building a circular, symbiotic economy. Nippon Paper Group is participating in this alliance alongside other major forest owners in Japan.

A domestic compliance credit system in Japan under which the government certifies reductions and removals of greenhouse gases (such as CO₂) as “credits,” and companies that achieve these reductions and removals acquire them​. The credits generated can be traded on the market and used as carbon offsets by companies working to reduce emissions​, with the aim of balancing environmental and economic objectives. The Nippon Paper Group generates J-Credits out of its domestic forests​.

A type of pulp used as a raw material for high-strength paper. It is produced by chemically separating fibers from wood (the Kraft process).

Lignin Along with cellulose and hemicellulose, it is one of the major components of plant cell walls. It is abundant in black liquor, a byproduct of pulp production, and is used as a renewable energy fuel in paper mills. It possesses dispersing, binding, and chelating properties (the ability to stabilize metal ions) . Nippon Paper Group leverages these characteristics to manufacture various products from lignin​, such as dispersants and binders.

Thick paper used for the outer surface of corrugated boxes.

Liquid packaging cartons for milk, juice, alcoholic beverages, and other products. Classified under our "Daily-Life Products Business" segment, offering differentiated products including aluminum-free cartons with extended shelf life and those designed for solid contents.

One of our business segments. It operates leisure facilities utilizing company-owned forests and conducts logistics operations. It accounts for approximately 2% of our total revenue.

The total stock of renewable and non-renewable natural assets​—​including forests, soil, water, air, and biological resources—that exist in the natural environment​.

Rebuilding or modifying existing paper machines to manufacture different paper grades.

A component of papermaking machinery that combines a metal belt with rolls​. It smooths the paper surface and imparts a glossy finish.

A global goal and action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, putting nature on a path to recovery by 2030, and fully restoring it by 2050.

Our consolidated subsidiary in North America. It primarily manufactures and sells base paper for liquid packaging, and also supplies this paper to Nippon Paper’s liquid packaging business.

A state in which greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to "net zero" by balancing them with removals through forest absorption and technologies such as BECCS and BECCUS. To combat climate change, achieving this by 2050 is an international goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels​.

National Forest Resources Survey. A periodic survey of forest resources and ecosystems conducted in various countries, serving as a basis for policy-making and sustainable management. In Japan, the Forestry Agency conducts this survey as the “Basic Survey on Forest Ecosystem Diversity.”

A consolidated subsidiary of Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. in Australia. The company provides an integrated supply of products—from base papers such as containerboard and kraft paper to packaging products like corrugated boxes and paper containers—primarily to customers in Australia and New Zealand.

Machine-made paper mass-produced using wood pulp as its primary raw material. It is contrasted with traditional handmade washi​. Within our business segments, it falls under the "Paper and Paperboard Business."

One of our core business segments. It encompasses a comprehensive range of paper products—including newsprint, printing paper, and business communication paper—along with various types of paperboard, notably containerboard​. This segment accounts for approximately 50% of our consolidated net sales​.

A machine used to manufacture paper from pulp. It consists of a "wire section" where a mixture of water and pulp is formed into a sheet​, a "press section" where excess moisture is squeezed out, and a "dryer section" where the sheet is dried using heat.

A thick and stiff paper used for corrugated board and paper cartons. In our business segments, this falls under the "Paper and Paperboard Business."

One of the world’s largest forest certification schemes, operated by an international nonprofit, nongovernmental organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management. PEFC reviews and approves forest certification schemes established in each country against international standards, thereby forming a global certification network. Japan's domestic forest certification scheme, SGEC, has a mutual recognition agreement with PEFC.

Paper utilized for publications including books, magazines, and flyers, engineered for superior print fidelity, high whiteness, and optimal surface characteristics. This category is encompassed within the "Paper and Paperboard Business" segment.

The primary raw material for papermaking​. It is produced by extracting cellulose fibers from wood chips. Major types include kraft pulp, produced by chemically cooking the chips to separate the fibers, and mechanical pulp, generated through mechanical grinding​.

The re-establishment of a forest after logging, accomplished either through human intervention such as tree planting (artificial regeneration) or through natural processes (natural regeneration).

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). While conventional aviation fuel is derived from petroleum, SAF is produced from waste cooking oil, vegetable oil, bioethanol, and other sources, enabling significant reductions in CO₂ emissions across its entire lifecycle. Nippon Paper Industries is collaborating with partner companies to advance the "Morisora Project," aimed at the production and commercialization of SAF derived from woody biomass.

Our consolidated subsidiary in Thailand, manufacturing and selling multi-purpose lightweight industrial paper (such as food and medical packaging paper​).

The planned removal of selected trees to stimulate forest growth and preserve forest health. Because this practice involves regular forest maintenance, it is highly labor-intensive and costly​. Much of the resulting thinned wood is unsuitable for lumber production and is instead utilized for paper manufacturing, fuel, and other purposes. Nippon Paper Group also consumes a significant volume of thinned wood as a raw material for papermaking.

A term representing the unique strength of Nippon Paper Grpoup's Liquid Packaging Business. It refers to the company's fully integrated system that provides liquid packaging boards, filling machines, and maintenance services as a comprehensive solution​.

Our consolidated subsidiary in Malaysia, manufacturing and selling flexible packaging (film packaging) for the Asian market.

Traditional Japanese paper made by hand using long, durable plant fibers like kozo (paper mulberry) and mitsumata ​(oriental paper bush). Thanks to these long fibers, it is renowned for its exceptional strength and aesthetic appeal​.

One of our business segments. It involves the sale of lumber, building materials, wood chips for papermaking​, and biomass fuel, along with civil engineering services that leverage our factory maintenance expertise. This segment accounts for approximately 7% of our total revenue.

An international goal to effectively conserve at least 30% of the Earth’s land and seas as healthy ecosystems by 2030. It is a key pillar for achieving a “nature-positive” society—halting and reversing biodiversity loss. In Japan, under the Act on Promoting Activities to Enhance Regional Biodiversity, efforts are underway to utilize "OECMs" (areas outside protected areas that contribute to biodiversity conservation) driven by private-sector initiatives, in addition to protected areas like national parks.

Paper used to convey information by printing on its surface, such as copy paper and thermal paper​. Within our business segments, this falls under the "Paper and Paperboard Business."