Helen Roush, Executive Vice President of Paperitalo Publications

In a recent article from EURO News, it stated that European cities are giving their dead leaves to a startup called Releaf Paper to turn them into shopping bags and paper.

The article states that "using a combination of chemical and mechanical processes, Releaf produces one tonne of cellulose from 2.3 tonnes of dead leaves."

The article goes on to state that "Releaf's process involves removing any solid compounds from the leaves, drying them then turning them into pellets. This allows them to store the raw material all year round and ensure a continuous production cycle."

On its website, Releaf Paper states that "developed its own patented technology of processing fallen leaves info fibers. Using combination of mechanical, thermal and chemical treatment, we not only dispose green wastes, but also ensure source of sustainable raw-materials for paper & packaging industries."

Releaf Paper explains the process on its website by stating that "We get leaves from urban ecosystems of cities collected in residental districts, parks, sidewalks. Municipal services collect the leaves and deliver them to us.

We clean the leaves from solid compounds, wash and dry it up. Compressing of cleaned leaves allows to store raw materials all year round and ensures the stability of the production cycle.

Depending on type of product we want to get, we utilize mechanical or\and thermo-mechanical treatment on special industrial equipment. As a results, green mass is turning into raw-materials with paper-forming properties.

Paper production is based on contracted paper mills. Depending on the need, the paper can be produced from Releaf Fiber alone or with the addition of waste paper or virgin pulp."

We will keep you apprised of further developments.