Kraft pulping is a chemical process used to convert wood into pulp for making paper. 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 a strong and durable pulp that is ideal for producing high-quality paper products. The name "kraft" comes from the German word for "strong," reflecting the strength of the pulp produced. This process is widely used in the paper industry because it allows for the recycling of chemicals and produces less waste compared to other pulping methods, such as mechanical pulping.