Pulping processes are methods used to convert raw materials, such as wood or recycled paper, into pulp, which is the primary ingredient for making paper. The two main types of pulping processes are mechanical and chemical. Mechanical pulping involves grinding wood chips to separate the fibers, while chemical pulping uses chemicals to dissolve lignin, the substance that binds fibers together, allowing for easier separation. After pulping, the resulting pulp can be further processed to remove impurities and improve quality. This pulp can then be bleached to achieve the desired brightness before being formed into sheets for paper production. The efficiency of these processes impacts the overall sustainability of the paper industry, influencing the use of resources like water and energy.