Paper bleaching is the process of removing color from wood pulp to produce white paper. This is typically done using chemicals like chlorine dioxide or hydrogen peroxide, which help to break down lignin, the substance that gives wood its color. The goal is to create a clean, bright surface for printing and writing. There are different methods of bleaching, including elemental chlorine bleaching and totally chlorine-free bleaching. The choice of method can impact the environment, as some processes produce harmful byproducts. Sustainable practices are increasingly being adopted to minimize ecological damage while still achieving the desired whiteness in paper products.