Enhance Paper Brightness Cost-Effectively: Fluorescent Whitening Agent Solutions for Bangladesh Paper Mills
In the competitive paper industry of Bangladesh, achieving high brightness and visual appeal at optimal cost is a constant challenge. One key solution is the use of fluorescent whitening agents (FWA), also known as optical brightening agents (OBA). These additives significantly enhance the whiteness and brightness of paper without compromising quality or productivity.
What Are the Main Types of OBAs Used in Paper?
In paper manufacturing, OBAs are typically classified into di-, tetra-, and hexa-sulfonated types based on the number of sulfonic acid groups. Each type has unique advantages and applications:
| Type | Common Names | CI Number | CAS Number | Solubility | Application Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disulfonated | BA,BA-L | CI 113 | 12768-92-2 | Medium | Surface sizing, kraft paper |
| Tetrasulfonated | BBU,APC | CI 220 | 16470-24-9 | Good | Wet-end, copy paper |
| Hexasulfonated | 357 | CI 357 | 12224-41-8 | Excellent | Coated and premium papers |
Where and How Are These OBAs Used?
Optical Brightener BA 113: Used in lower-cost paper grades like kraft and writing paper. Ideal for surface sizing applications. Brightness increase: 3–5% ISO.
Optical Brightener BBU/APC 220: Suitable for copy paper, printing paper, and board. Added in the wet-end for effective dispersion. Brightness gain: 4–7% ISO.
Optical Brightener 357/Hexa OBAs: Designed for high-end coated papers. Offers the highest brightness enhancement, up to 8% ISO.
Powder vs. Liquid OBA – Which to Choose?
OBAs are available in powder and liquid forms. Your choice depends on your mill's equipment, budget, and process:
| Aspect | Powder OBA | Liquid OBA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Handling | Requires pre-dissolving | Ready-to-use |
| Storage | Needs dry conditions | More stable, less sensitive |
| Automation Fit | Less suitable | Ideal for auto-dosing systems |
In modern Bangladesh paper mills with automatic systems, liquid OBAs like RAYTOP APC Liq 110 are preferred for consistent results and easy integration.
Why RAYTOP CHEM’s Tetrasulfonated OBA Is a Smart Choice?
At RAYTOP CHEM, we specialize in high-efficiency optical brighteners tailored for paper mills across Asia. Our tetrasulfonated OBA (BBU) offers comparable performance to top global brands—but at a more affordable price point.
The following results come from a comparative test conducted by one of our valued paper mill clients in Bangladesh. They evaluated our APC with an E value of 110 against an Indian supplier’s APC with an E value of 130.
Despite our product having an 18% lower E value, the final whitening performance proved equally effective. We are grateful to our customer for verifying the true quality of our product.
Quality is always the cornerstone of long-term cooperation. Today, this client consistently purchases 16 tons per month, and we are proud to support them on their journey to reduce cost and improve efficiency.
