Pulp and Paper Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Tell the history of papermaking. Describe the part paper products play in our society and economy.
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Learn about the pulp and paper industry.
   1. # Copy link to requirement 2.a
      Describe the ways the industry plants, grows, and harvests trees.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 2.b
      Explain how the industry manages its forests so that the supply of trees keeps pace with the demand.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 2.c
      Tell how the industry has incorporated the concepts of sustainable forest management (SFM).
   4. # Copy link to requirement 2.d
      Describe two ways the papermaking industry has addressed pollution.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Name at least four types of trees that are major sources of papermaking fibers. Then do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 3.a
      Discuss what other uses are made of the trees and the forestland owned by the pulp and paper industry.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 3.b
      Describe two ways of getting fibers from wood, and explain the major differences between them.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 3.c
      Tell why some pulps are bleached, and describe the process.
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Describe how paper is made. Discuss how paper is recycled. Make a sheet of paper by hand.
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Explain what coated paper is and why it is coated. Describe the major uses for different kinds of coated papers. Describe one other way that paper is changed by chemical or mechanical means to make new uses possible.
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Make a list of 15 pulp or paper products found in your home. Share examples of 10 such products with your counselor.
7. # Copy link to requirement 7
   With your parent or guardian’s and counselor’s approval, do ONE of the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 7.a
      Visit a pulp mill. Describe how the mill converts wood to cellulose fibers.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 7.b
      Visit a paper mill and get a sample of the paper made there. Describe the processes used for making this paper. Tell how it will be used.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 7.c
      Visit a container plant or box plant. Describe how the plant’s products are made.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 7.d
      Visit a recycled paper collection or sorting facility. Describe the operations there.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 7.e
      Using books, magazines, your local library, the internet (with your parent or guardian’s permission), and any other suitable research tool, find out how paper products are developed. Find out what role research and development play in the papermaking industry. Share what you learn with your counselor.
8. # Copy link to requirement 8
   Find out about three career opportunities in the papermaking industry that interest you. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.