Project description
Revolutionising sustainability for the paper industry
Mass tree cutting poses a significant environmental concern, as it results in decreased oxygen production and disturbances to local ecosystems. Additionally, the paper production sector generates substantial CO2 emissions, leading to elevated water consumption. In this context, the EIC-funded Releaf Paper – sustainable leaves-based paper project presents an inventive solution that has the potential to significantly reduce large-scale tree felling, minimise water usage and mitigate high CO2 emissions. This initiative aims to create a lasting impact by introducing groundbreaking technology for producing robust cellulose fibres from fallen leaves, thereby revolutionising the paper production process. This approach not only offers sustainable and easily recyclable paper products, it also enhances efficiency in water and energy utilisation, ultimately reducing costs for consumers.
Objective
Releaf Paper is the first and the only producer of cellulose from fallen leaves in the world with a patent for the technology based on a unique method of combining mechanical, chemical and thermal processes using standard equipment and a special drying procedure, which allows obtaining a solid, durable cellulose fibre for paper production.
Releafs approach provides a solution of mass cutting trees for paper production and reduces CO2 emissions by 78% in comparison with traditional paper production.
Releafs paper production is sustainable at all stages of the production process: 1.Sulphate&sulphite-free reagents are used. 2.The process requires 15 times less water and 3 times less electricity. 3.Paper products may be recycled up to 5 times without loss of quality or decomposed within 30-60 days.
This solution is also cost-efficient due to the availability of raw materials and resource-efficient production. Thus, the price for the consumer is lower in comparison with other alternatives
Keywords
- leaves-based cellulose
- leafy green paper
- microfibrillation of leaves
- sulfate-free cellulose production
- thermo-mechanical dispersion
- leafy fibrous materials
- waste management
- non wood packaging
- urban bi waste conversion
- leaves-based fibre
- non wood paper
- sustainable packaging
- alternative paper
- leaves-based paper
- leafy packaging
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC-ACC-BF - HORIZON EIC Accelerator Blended FinanceCoordinator
69003 Lyon
France
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.