Method for the alkaline bleaching of pulp with a peroxyacid based oxygen bleaching species using an agglomerated bleach activator

A process for the bleaching of wood and non-wood pulp comprising the steps of:

• a) adding an aliquot of agglomerate from a bulk solid dispensing means to a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide, wherein the agglomerate comprises:
• a bleach activator;
• a peroxide soluble binder including no more than 1.1% cellulosic material as a percentage of agglomerate;
• a dispersing system comprising a wetting agent which is low foaming and does not discolour on exposure to temperatures of up to 120° C. and optionally a salt, which is highly soluble in hydrogen peroxide;
• and
• wherein the amount of hydrogen peroxide is more than twice that which can react with the activator;
• b) allowing the bleach activator to substantially completely react with the hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a sequestrant which is provided in the agglomerate and/or the dilute hydrogen peroxide to generate a peroxyacid based oxygen bleaching species in a bleaching solution;
• c) adjusting the pH of the bleach solution by adding alkali;
• and
• d) bleaching the pulp by contacting it with the bleaching solution under alkaline conditions.