Sulfate pulping, also known as kraft pulping, is a chemical process used to convert wood into pulp for paper production. In this method, wood chips are cooked in a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, which breaks down the lignin that binds the cellulose fibers together. This results in stronger pulp compared to other methods. The sulfate process is favored for its ability to produce high-quality pulp and its efficiency in recycling chemicals. The resulting pulp can be bleached to create white paper products. Additionally, the process generates by-products that can be used for energy, making it more sustainable.