Pulp and Paper Merit Badge

1. The history of papermaking, and paper in society Requirement

Tell the history of papermaking. Describe the part paper products play in our society and economy.

2. Learn about the pulp and paper industry Requirement

Four parts, (a) to (d).

4 parts

• 2(a). How the industry plants, grows and harvests trees
• 2(b). How it keeps the supply of trees in pace with demand
• 2(c). Sustainable forest management
• 2(d). Two ways the industry has addressed pollution

3. Papermaking trees, and getting fibers from wood Requirement

Name at least four types of trees that are major sources of papermaking fibers. Then do (a) to (c).

3 parts

• 3(a). Other uses of the industry's trees and forestland
• 3(b). Two ways of getting fibers from wood
• 3(c). Why some pulps are bleached, and how

4. How paper is made and recycled; make a sheet by hand Often forgotten Requirement

Describe how paper is made. Discuss how paper is recycled. Make a sheet of paper by hand.

5. Coated paper, and other ways paper is changed Requirement

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. List 15 paper products in your home; share 10 Often forgotten Requirement

Make a list of 15 pulp or paper products found in your home. Share examples of 10 such products with your counselor.

7. A visit or research. Do ONE Often forgotten Requirement

With your parent or guardian's and counselor's approval. The badge states the choice: a pulp mill, a paper mill, a container or box plant, a recycled paper facility, or research.

Two approvals come first, whichever route you choose: your parent or guardian's and your counselor's. Get both before you arrange a visit or start the research.

5 parts

• 7(a). Visit a pulp mill Optional May not apply
• 7(b). Visit a paper mill, and get a sample of its paper Optional May not apply
• 7(c). Visit a container plant or box plant Optional May not apply
• 7(d). Visit a recycled paper collection or sorting facility Optional May not apply
• 7(e). Research how paper products are developed Optional May not apply

8. Three papermaking careers, one looked into Requirement

Find out about three career opportunities in the papermaking industry that interest you. Pick one and find out the education, training and experience required. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 1. The history of papermaking, and paper in society, 2. Learn about the pulp and paper industry and 6 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.