The relationship between Eucalyptus grandis lignin structure and kraft pulping parameters

•Lignin structure of Eucalyptus grandis wood samples were studied using Py-GC–MS.•It was observed that pulping yield increases and active alkali decreases with S/G.•The alkali charge used in kraft pulping is related with the lignin structure of wood.•S/G ratio could be used as criteria in E. grandis wood acquisition.