Releaf Paper - breakthrough technology for sustainable production of leaves-based fibre disrupting paper production and eco packaging industries

Projektinformationen

Releaf Paper - sustainable leaves-based paper

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 190188544

DOI

10.3030/190188544

Projekt abgeschlossen

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 10 April 2023

Startdatum 1 Mai 2023

Enddatum 30 April 2025

Finanziert unter

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Gesamtkosten

€ 3 568 025,00

EU-Beitrag

€ 2 497 617,50

Koordiniert durch

RELEAF PAPER FRANCE SAS
France

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Releaf Paper - sustainable leaves-based paper (Releaf Paper - breakthrough technology for sustainable production of leaves-based fibre disrupting paper production and eco packaging industries)

Berichtszeitraum: 2024-05-01 bis 2025-04-30

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

In temperate climates like Europe, fallen leaves offer a constantly renewed source of fiber for paper. In forests, they naturally decompose into humus, rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and water—nutrients vital for vegetation. But in urban areas, leaves usually fall on impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete, preventing natural decomposition.

Leaves on sidewalks and in city parks are typically treated as waste. However, if properly collected, they can serve as a valuable raw material for the pulp and paper industry—exactly what Releaf is pioneering.

Releaf Paper is the first and only company to manufacture paper from fallen leaves. Through this proposed EIC Grant project, Releaf aims to launch the world’s first pilot production line that transforms leaf biomass into paper and packaging materials.

Releaf has developed a patented process combining mechanical, thermal, and chemical treatments to extract fiber from leaves. This innovation turns green waste into a sustainable raw material source for the paper and packaging industries.

Releaf’s process reduces water use by 15 times and electricity by 3 times compared to conventional paper-making. It avoids sulphate and sulphite reagents, produces recyclable paper that retains quality through five cycles, and decomposes naturally in 30–60 days.

By replacing tree-based raw materials, Releaf offers a sustainable alternative that significantly cuts CO2 emissions and reduces deforestation.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

The key objective of Releaf within the EIC grant project was to put in place and start operating the first production line in the world to transform the biomass of fallen leaves into materials for the paper & packaging industries. The pilot production line was designed and developed by the Releaf team out of multiple off-the-shelf components that we acquire to modify, adapt and integrate to our specific needs.

Across the duration of the EIC Project, the Releaf team has fulfilled its objective of identifying, testing, acquiring, modifying, and adapting all the needed components and equipment for processing the leaves, and then assemble and test the functionality of the pilot production line to start processing leafy mass into the pulp for creating paper products.

In parallel with the technical development activities, the Releaf team has been interacting with various stakeholders in the packaging sector to understand their needs and expectations better and adapt the Releaf solution for an ideal market fit. Through our project promotion activities, multiple media appearances and participation in industry events, we experience a lot of interaction with various market players across sectors interested in paper-based products, such as packaging. As a result of these interactions, multiple business development, testing and commercial opportunities occurred. We are now delivering on collaborations with a global food manufacturer giant, a global fast food company, and a global fashion brand.

These interactions were highly valuable in shaping our understanding of how different segments react to our technology, their needs, their interests, their willingness to act now or in the future and the type of cooperation they are seeking - all helping us improve our business models and commercial strategies. Additionally, the Releaf technology has been further patented; and the Releaf resulted products have been 3rd party certified, quality standards meet and environmental impact measure.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

Releaf is the first and the only producer of cellulose made from urban fallen leaves which may be used for the production of various paper products for FMCG and retail companies that value sustainability and high-quality products for reasonable prices.

Unlike traditional wood-based paper and other alternative solutions, Releaf’s products are truly sustainable and cost-effective at all stages of their production.

Releaf’s cellulose and paper made from it are truly green at all stages of life cycle, more affordable than other alternatives to wood-based paper, and have good technical characteristics.
1.Sustainability. Releaf cellulose is made from plant waste and does not require tree felling. No hazardous chemicals, e.g. sulfur and chlorine, are used in the production process. CO2 emission is 78% lower compared to traditional paper production. Paper from leaves degrades in 30 days compared to more than 270 days for traditional paper.
2.Cost-effectiveness. Fallen leaves are affordable raw materials processing which requires 15 times less water and 3 times less electricity.
3.Unique characteristics. Releaf paper is waterproof. Due to the lack of adhesives in the structure, it absorbs moisture and does not soften for a long time. It’s breathable as air passes well through the texture of the paper ensuring circulation. After use, paper can be recycled without losing its properties up to 5 times.

Releaf Fibre based products

Releaf team

Releaf product presentation

Releaf processing process of leafy mass

Releaf's raw material - city gathered fallen leaves