Paper production from tomato and pepper crop wastes

Problem statement

This waste is currently landfilled or used for composting. As it is produced in large quantities, they have a high environmental impact due to the transport required for their management.

Executive summary

The technology has been developed by the Dutch company Shutpapier through the "Valorise" process, marketing the paper produced through VELPA B.V. The paper is produced from fibres extracted from waste and can be used for packaging vegetables, seeds, etc., providing a circular economy approach.

Technology description

The first step is a cleaning and grinding of the waste, similar to what wood undergoes when it is used as raw material for paper. The resulting pulp is pressed and then dried. No coating is applied, making it suitable for common printing processes. A regional component is promoted so that waste treatment is carried out in a decentralised manner. The paper obtained can be either 125 or 250 g. and can be used for all types of office supplies as it can be folded and is suitable for laser and offset printing. This paper with tomato plant fibres was chosen in 2015 by CEPI, the Confederation of European Paper Industries, as one of the twenty most innovative products in the pulp and paper industry.

Market deployment considerations

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Environmental considerations

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