Paper is made from cellulose fibres that have been physically or chemically processed in water, then drained through fine mesh to leave the fibres equally scattered on the surface, pressed, and dried. Despite the fact that paper was once crafted one sheet at a time, today virtually all paper is produced by massive machines that can produce reels as wide as 10 metres, at speeds of up to 2,000 metres per minute and 600,000 tonnes per year.
Paper is used for a wide variety of purposes such as copying, painting, making signs, designing packages, decorating, writing, and cleaning. It also has several industrial and construction applications including filter paper, wallpaper, book endpaper, conservation paper, laminated worktops, toilet tissue, currency, and security paper.
Due to the scarcity of conventional raw materials for pulping and the growing global demand for paper products, non-wood plants and agricultural residues have gained renewed attention, especially in Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece where forest resources are limited. Non-wood plants offer several advantages such as short growth cycles, low irrigation and fertilization needs, and low lignin content, which reduces the energy and chemicals required for pulping. Students studying in a best bsc biotechnology college explore these sustainable alternatives and advanced bioprocessing techniques in detail.
Paper strength depends largely on the cellulose and lignin content of raw plant materials. Mechanical strength, particularly tensile strength, is directly proportional to cellulose content, while lignin is an undesirable polymer requiring high energy and chemical input for removal during pulping.
History and Industrialization of Paper
Modern paper technologies, both handmade and industrial, are refined versions of the techniques developed in China many centuries ago. Between 600 and 1500 A.D., handmade paper technology spread from China to East and Central Asia through Buddhist monks, and later to the Mediterranean region and Europe. The diffusion of technology also depended on available raw materials, culture, and religion.
Before the industrialization of wood pulp-based paper production in Europe during the 18th century, handmade paper was highly valued. However, industrialization aimed at mass production and profit maximization, which ultimately led to the decline of handmade paper production.
Environmental Impact of Modern Papermaking
Modern papermaking consumes significant natural resources such as water and trees, and generates environmental pollution due to the use of harsh chemicals. In the past 200 years, approximately six million square kilometres of forest have been lost. Around 460 bamboo plants and 270 eucalyptus trees are required to produce one tonne of paper.
In contrast, handmade paper combines art and science and utilizes recyclable and biodegradable cellulosic materials. It is chemical-free and environmentally friendly.
Raw Materials Used for Handmade Paper
Paper is made from cellulose due to its high tensile strength, flexibility, cohesiveness, water absorbency, and resistance to tearing. Cellulosic fibres are plant-derived and can come from both fresh plant sources and waste materials. Long-staple fibres strengthen paper and prevent breakage when combined with short fibres.
Primary raw materials include fibrous plants such as paper mulberry, gampy, mitsumata, banana, sisal, hemp, and kenaf, along with waste materials like textile waste, jute waste, ropes, nets, and recycled paper.
Banana Fibre as a Raw Material
Banana (Musa paradisiaca) grows throughout the year in many regions, including Bangladesh. Banana cultivation produces large amounts of post-harvest biomass waste, with approximately 3,740,096 tonnes wasted annually that could be used for fibre extraction.
Banana fibre has been studied as reinforcement material for lignocellulosic composite pulp and cellulose microfibrils. Depending on the part of the stem used, banana fibre demonstrates suitable spinnability, fineness, and tensile strength, making it useful for various textile applications. Enzymatic treatment of banana fibres has shown strong potential for yarn production.
Sugarcane Bagasse
Bagasse is the fibrous residue remaining after sugarcane or sorghum stalks are crushed to extract juice. It is used as biofuel and as a raw material for pulp, paper, and building materials. Agave bagasse is similar but derived from blue agave sap extraction.
Bagasse consists mainly of heterogeneous fibres, including parenchyma tissue, bast fibres, rind, and sclerenchyma stem fibres. In countries such as India, China, Colombia, Iran, Thailand, and Argentina, bagasse is commonly used as a substitute for wood in pulp and paper manufacturing.
Bagasse pulp has excellent physical properties suitable for printing paper, notebook paper, tissue products, packaging materials, and newspapers. It is also used to produce bagasse boards and Xanita boards, which are utilized in making partitions and furniture.
Blog By:
Dr. Anita Mishra
Assistant Professor,Department of Science
Biyani Girls College,Jaipur