Sulfite pulping is a process used to produce paper from wood by breaking down the lignin and cellulose in the wood fibers. This method involves cooking wood chips in a solution of sodium sulfite and other chemicals, which helps to dissolve the lignin while preserving the cellulose. The result is a pulp that can be easily processed into paper products. This technique is one of several methods of pulping, alongside others like kraft pulping. Sulfite pulping is known for producing high-quality, bright paper, making it a popular choice for certain types of paper production. However, it is less commonly used today compared to kraft pulping due to environmental concerns.