Innovation is essential to the pulp and paper industry, especially given the competitive nature of the global marketplace.  Innovation comes in response to such developments as new pulpwood species, water closure, faster operating speeds, higher pressures and temperatures, and recycled fiber utilization.  Environmental, health, and safety issues also drive innovation.

With nearly 2,000 patents granted to date, product innovation has long been a Hercules hallmark.  This commitment to innovation has resulted in the development of numerous products for improving the quality and yield of paper and board, lowering water and energy consumption, reducing solid disposal costs, achieving regulatory compliance, extending equipment life, and enhancing machine operations.

Our Technology Development group plays a leading role in the creation of new and improved treatment technologies specifically for the pulp and paper industry.  The investment in this group is significant and represents over 3% of our worldwide sales.

To ensure that our work is deliberate and focused, our Technology Development group devotes its energy to three key areas: Research and Development, Customer Applications Laboratory Services, and Process Technology.

Our Research and Development effort is divided between two distinct but equally important activities.  The first focuses on finding and developing innovative, high-value products and technologies that will define the next generation of specialty chemicals for the pulp and paper industry.  The second focuses on making incremental improvements to existing products and services, as well as developing cost-reduction programs to meet the needs of customers.  Even as we improve established methods, our innovative spirit drives us to discover new ways mills can maximize their performance.

At our global R&D headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, Hercules scientists conduct both pure and applied research, responding to current issues and concerns while searching for breakthrough technologies that will address future customer needs.  They have at their disposal state-of-the-art laboratories, including pilot papermaking capabilities that simulate customer operating conditions.  This enables our scientists and technical consultants to make an accurate assessment of the potential impact of new products or programs on mill performance.

These centers are strategically located in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, near the world’s major papermaking areas.  Each of these Centers houses aCustomer Applications Laboratory that supports customer needs and research activities through real world simulations and problem solving techniques.  Utilizing analytical testing, including metallurgical, deposit, and fluids analysis, as well as comprehensive product evaluation capabilities and computer simulations, our scientists are able to quickly recommend solutions to specific customer problems.  Sometimes these solutions are based on existing Hercules products and services.  Other times, they incorporate insights and chemistries fresh from the laboratory bench.  Either way, our customers benefit from the full breadth and depth of knowledge and experience Hercules has to offer.

Completing our Technology Development group, Process Technology
provides a smooth and consistent transition from bench top to full manufacturing production, ensuring quality and manufacturing cost specifications are met.