The Kraft process is a method used in the paper industry to produce wood pulp from trees. It involves cooking wood chips in a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, which breaks down the lignin that binds cellulose fibers together. This results in a stronger and more durable pulp, suitable for making various types of paper. This process is named after Hjalmar Kraft, who developed it in the late 19th century. The Kraft process is widely used because it allows for the recovery and reuse of chemicals, making it more environmentally friendly compared to other methods of pulp production.