Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Releaf Paper - sustainable leaves-based paper (Releaf Paper - breakthrough technology for sustainable production of leaves-based fibre disrupting paper production and eco packaging industries)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-05-01 al 2024-04-30
In countries with a temperate climate like in Europe, biomass in the form of fallen leaves can become an important source of fiber for paper, the potential of which is constantly renewed by natural processes every year. Leaves that fall from trees in the forest are converted by natural biochemical processes into humus, which is a source of nutrition for both trees and other forest vegetation, as it is mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and water. However, leaves that fall in urban areas do not contribute to the development of humus because, in most cases, leaves are dumped on asphalt, concrete or other impervious surfaces.
Leaves strewn on sidewalks and near benches in city parks are unwanted waste. If cleanliness and order in city parks are maintained in an effective way, these leaves can become suitable material for the pulp and paper industry and this is what Releaf is developing.
Releaf Paper is the first and the only manufacturer of paper made from fallen leaves.
The desired outcome of this proposed EIC Grant project is to put in place the first pilot production line in the world to transform the biomass of fallen leaves into materials for the paper & packaging industries.
Releaf Paper developed its own patented technology of processing fallen leaves into fibers, using a combination of mechanical, thermal and chemical treatment. With Releaf, green waste is, for the first time, valorised to ensure a source of sustainable raw materials for the paper & packaging industries.
Releaf’s paper production is sustainable at all stages, reducing the usage of water by 15 times and of electricity by 3 times compared to traditional paper-making methods. It uses sulphate- and sulphite-free reagents, and the resulting paper products can be recycled up to 5 times without loss of quality or can decompose within 30-60 days.
Releaf’s approach provides a much-needed alternative to the current mass-cutting of trees for paper production and radically reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional paper production.
Leaves strewn on sidewalks and near benches in city parks are unwanted waste. If cleanliness and order in city parks are maintained in an effective way, these leaves can become suitable material for the pulp and paper industry and this is what Releaf is developing.
Releaf Paper is the first and the only manufacturer of paper made from fallen leaves.
The desired outcome of this proposed EIC Grant project is to put in place the first pilot production line in the world to transform the biomass of fallen leaves into materials for the paper & packaging industries.
Releaf Paper developed its own patented technology of processing fallen leaves into fibers, using a combination of mechanical, thermal and chemical treatment. With Releaf, green waste is, for the first time, valorised to ensure a source of sustainable raw materials for the paper & packaging industries.
Releaf’s paper production is sustainable at all stages, reducing the usage of water by 15 times and of electricity by 3 times compared to traditional paper-making methods. It uses sulphate- and sulphite-free reagents, and the resulting paper products can be recycled up to 5 times without loss of quality or can decompose within 30-60 days.
Releaf’s approach provides a much-needed alternative to the current mass-cutting of trees for paper production and radically reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional paper production.
The key objective of Releaf within the EIC grant project is 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 is 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.
Within the first year dedicated to 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. This sets the stage for our next planned milestone to assembly the pilot production line and 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 pursuing 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.
Within the first year dedicated to 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. This sets the stage for our next planned milestone to assembly the pilot production line and 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 pursuing 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.
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.
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.