The world’s first producer of pulp and paper from fallen leaves, Releaf Paper, has successfully launched the world’s first pilot production line based on fallen leaves in France.
The world’s first producer of pulp and paper from fallen leaves, Releaf Paper, has successfully launched the world’s first pilot production line based on fallen leaves in France.
The other day, the company announced the launch of its pilot production line and
Innovation Center in Le Meuro, Ile-de-France region.
The object worth 3.5 million euros was financed by the European Innovation Council (EIC) of the European Union.
«This is more than just a factory — it is a statement that urban waste can become an important resource,» emphasizes Oleksandr Sobolenko, CEO of Releaf Paper. — By turning fallen leaves into cellulose, we are proving that sustainable materials can be locally sourced, high quality and scalable. Our pilot line in France is just the beginning; we aim to change the way the world thinks about waste and create a truly circular economy.»
The new pilot production line showcases Releaf Paper’s patented technology, which uses a combination of mechanical and thermochemical methods to process green biomass. This breakthrough technology enables Releaf to produce high-quality fibers suitable for a variety of sustainable applications, from packaging board and sustainable packaging to hygiene products and bioplastics in the future.
«By creating fiber from fallen leaves, we not only offer an alternative material for the packaging industry, but also unlock the potential of urban green waste,» explains Valentyn Frechka, Releaf Paper’s Chief Technology Officer. — Our technology is designed to work with various types of raw materials — from urban vegetation to agricultural waste. This allows us to adapt methods to local resources and significantly reduce our ecological footprint
of traditional papermaking».
The pilot production line is the first phase of Releaf’s expansion strategy. In the next five years, the company plans to create additional processing facilities throughout Europe, and later expand into North America and Asia.
Future initiatives will explore new opportunities for green
waste, including hygiene products, bioplastics and renewable energy.
In 2025, Releaf Paper plans to raise 8 million euros in a round of financing.
Releaf Paper is the world’s first manufacturer of paper and packaging made from fallen leaves. Founded in 2021, the company is based in France, with its head office in Paris. The company’s managers are Oleksandr Sobolenko (general director) and Valentin Frechka (technical director).
Releaf’s pilot plant is capable of processing up to 20,000 tons of leaves per year.
