A concept of pulp making in which an entire tree is cut at ground level and its entire trunk (bark and all), branches, and foliage are all converted into wood chips for use in pulping. This provides a more economical use of wood, and helps reduce the pressure on future paper fiber suppliers. As new innovations make it easier to remove the contaminants and undesirable materials from whole-tree-based pulp, whole tree utilization is becoming more and more practical as an effective source of pulpwood. Other materials, such as waste from sawmills and lumber yards, as well as the use of recycled paper is reducing the need for virgin fiber.
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