Non-wood fibre is a new innovation frontier for Europe’s paper and board sector, shows nova-Institute study

All types of non-wood raw materials used by European producers in the sector were considered in the study, including residues, by-products and side streams as well as dedicated non-wood fibres. The use of materials such as straw, flax and hemp, but also textile waste, could help the industry to diversify and increase the availability of fibre. It would also be a driver for future innovation in processes, as well as in products, where specific properties of agricultural crops and residues could be used to develop novel biomaterials.

Products already using non-wood fibres addressed in the study cover the following list: tissue, hygiene, printing, cigarette, technical, security and speciality paper, as well as board, including for food packaging.

These developments would also help the agricultural and textile sectors in becoming more circular, benefiting from the long expertise of the pulp and paper industry in recycling and the ecodesign of products.

The study also covers the potential limitations of using non-wood pulp, including in land-use or stemming from applications in other sectors. In some cases, it would require the development of entire value chains which do not exist yet.

Experts from the nova-Institute observe that any challenges are to be balanced with the specific functionalities and qualities of some non-wood fibres, in addition to the positive effects on sustainable sourcing and product diversification.

Cepi will continue to monitor the developments of non-wood fibres for the paper industry in the future and remains open to collaboration with other actors interested in the topic.