Pulping is the process of breaking down raw materials, such as wood or recycled paper, into a slurry of fibers. This is typically done using mechanical or chemical methods to separate the cellulose fibers from lignin and other components. The resulting pulp can then be used to produce new paper products. There are two main types of pulping: mechanical pulping, which uses physical force to grind the material, and chemical pulping, which uses chemicals to dissolve the lignin. Each method has its advantages and is chosen based on the desired quality and type of paper to be produced.