The paper industry relies heavily on wood, consuming a significant portion of the global industrial wood supply. Recognizing the environmental impact of traditional paper production, Ukrainian startup Releaf Paper has developed a revolutionary method using dead leaves as a sustainable alternative. Founded by Valentyn Frechka, a passionate biochemist, Releaf Paper utilizes a combination of chemical and mechanical processes to extract cellulose from leaves. This process allows the company to produce one tonne of cellulose from 2.3 tonnes of dead leaves, equivalent to the yield of 17 trees. Releaf Paper sources their raw material from cities across Europe, accepting dead leaves collected from streets, which are often burned as waste. This approach provides a solution for managing urban waste while contributing to a circular economy. The company’s process involves removing impurities from the leaves, drying them, and transforming them into pellets for year-round storage and consistent production. These pellets are then converted into a special fiber that forms the basis of the paper. The resulting pulp is pressed and rolled into sheets of eco-friendly paper. Releaf Paper’s innovative process significantly reduces the environmental impact of paper production. They claim a 78% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional methods and use 15 times less water. Additionally, their leaf-based paper decomposes in the soil within 30 days, unlike ordinary paper, which takes 270 days or more. This rapid biodegradation further contributes to a sustainable and environmentally responsible solution. Releaf Paper’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond production. The company produces paper in various weights, ranging from 70 to 300 g/m2, suitable for diverse applications including packaging, bags, e-commerce envelopes, corrugated boxes, and egg cartons. Currently, Releaf Paper produces around three million shopping bags per month, and their clientele includes prominent companies like L’Oreal, Samsung, Logitech, Google, and Schneider Electric. With its first commercial factory slated to open in July outside of Paris, Releaf Paper is poised for significant growth. The factory, partly funded by the European Union, will have the capacity to process 5,000 tonnes of leaves annually, receiving green waste from the City of Paris. Recognizing the immense potential of their innovation, Releaf Paper has received several awards for their pioneering work. Valentyn Frechka, the visionary behind Releaf Paper, is a finalist for the European Patent Office’s Young Inventor 2024 prize, further underscoring the global recognition and acclaim for their sustainable solution. As Releaf Paper expands its operations, they aim to establish production facilities worldwide, creating a truly sustainable future for the paper industry.
Ukrainian Startup Releaf Paper Turns Dead Leaves into Eco-Friendly Paper
