Save Forests Through Sustainable Papermaking: Repurposing Herbal Waste and Maple Leaves as Alternative Fibers

This study explores a sustainable papermaking approach to contribute to forest conservation by repurposing delignified herbal waste and maple leaves as alternative cellulose sources. By reducing reliance on traditional wood-based materials, this method supports forest conservation while promoting environmental sustainability and creating economic opportunities from agricultural byproducts. Controlled experiments were conducted to extract cellulose and form paper using four fiber compositions: 100% leaf (P1), 100% herbal waste (P2), 75% leaf + 25% herbal waste (P3), and 75% leaf + 25% wood pulp (P4). Both treated and untreated herbal waste and leaves were characterized using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to analyze chemical functionality and structural changes. The Kürschner cellulose content (22.4% in herbal waste and 15.2% in maple leaves) was determined through concentrated nitric acid and ethanol treatments, confirming high cellulose levels suitable for papermaking. Papers produced from these compositions exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, with the P2 sample (100% herbal waste) demonstrating the highest tensile strength (with P2 exhibiting a tensile strength of 1.84 kN/m) due to its elevated cellulose content. This innovative recycling approach contributes to deforestation reduction by valorizing agricultural waste materials, highlighting the feasibility of integrating alternative fibers into paper manufacturing. These findings present a promising pathway toward an eco-friendly, forest-saving paper industry while adding economic value to agro-waste resources.