Turning Grass Into Sustainable Paper and Cardboard

Researchers in Wageningen University are pioneering an innovative method to convert grass harvested from road verges, parks, and nature reserves into paper and cardboard. By using locally sourced grass instead of imported wood pulp, this approach reduces dependence on long supply chains and helps support regional economies. The benefits extend beyond supply chain improvements: using grass as a raw material cuts transportation costs, lowers carbon emissions, and alleviates the ecological pressure on forests, which are often threatened by large-scale logging for paper production. Environmental experts from European Forest Institute note that alternatives to wood-based pulp are crucial to reducing global deforestation and protecting biodiversity.

Advanced Sorting and Processing Techniques

The Wageningen system employs advanced technology to ensure the raw grass is suitable for papermaking. Trained cameras and optical sensors detect and remove metal, plastic, and other contaminants before the grass enters the processing line. This pre-cleaning step is vital, as foreign materials can damage machinery and reduce product quality. Following this, the grass undergoes a sequence of steps including washing, shredding, and fiber extraction to produce a pulp that meets industrial standards. According to researchers from Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, this method not only produces high-quality pulp but also dramatically reduces water and chemical usage compared to traditional wood-based processes.

Reduced Environmental Footprint

Using grass as a raw material offers several environmental advantages. The process requires far less water and fewer bleaching agents, minimizing chemical discharge into waterways. Additionally, the energy footprint is lower because grass fibers are easier to break down than woody fibers, reducing the amount of mechanical and thermal energy needed during processing. Studies from International Paper Research Institute suggest that integrating alternative fibers like grass into papermaking could cut water consumption by up to 50% and chemical usage by 40% relative to conventional wood pulp production.

Creating Value From Waste

Grass collected from verges, parks, and nature reserves is often considered waste and is typically left to decompose or burned, releasing greenhouse gases. By converting it into a usable raw material, researchers are creating a new revenue stream from an otherwise discarded resource. This approach exemplifies circular economy principles by transforming organic waste into high-value products. Analysts from Ellen MacArthur Foundation emphasize that such strategies are vital for sustainable industrial practices and reducing pressure on natural ecosystems.

Implications for the Paper Industry

This innovation demonstrates that paper and cardboard production can move toward more sustainable and localized raw materials without compromising quality. European universities and research institutes continue to investigate integrating grass and other non-wood fibers into industrial pulp mills. The Wageningen project provides concrete evidence that grass-based pulp is not only feasible but scalable, offering a viable path to reduce dependence on imported wood and improve the environmental footprint of the paper industry.

By combining smart technology, local resource utilization, and environmentally conscious processing, this initiative shows how discarded biomass can become a valuable asset while supporting sustainable industrial development. It represents a promising step toward greener, more resilient supply chains for paper and cardboard production.