Information about Tree-free Paper

Reducing the amount of paper we use and recycling are critical, but people are becoming more aware of tree-free papers as an environmentally sound alternative to wood pulp paper.  Currently, 50% of the world’s paper is made from harvested trees, and the rest is from recovered paper and tree-free paper fibers.  There are serious concerns about planetary deforestation, and the pollution released daily from paper mills manufacturing paper.  Consequently alternative paper fiber sources are being currently researched and utilized.

Tree-free paper is more environmentally friendly for several reasons.  Plant sources used for tree-free papers grow rapidly compared to trees, and the plants do not disrupt ecosystems when harvested.  True forest ecosystems have a mix of species and ages of trees, undergrowth, and bushes that produces oxygen and sustains wildlife.  The paper industry generally considers trees to be a renewable resource, but replanted tree farms do not replace a natural forest with its critical, life sustaining characteristics.  Using tree-free paper saves on greenhouse gas emissions, energy, solid waste, and the harsh chemicals used in the processing of virgin wood for paper.  

Before the 1850s paper was not manufactured from wood pulp and tree-free papers were the norm.  In that time, paper was made from linen, cotton, hemp, straw, flax and animal skins.  “Ragmen” would walk the streets of cities collecting old rags from housewives for paper manufacturing.  Today’s tree-free papers can be made from many things including kenaf, hemp, bagasse, bamboo, cotton and grasses.  By-products from agricultural crops such as straw from rice, wheat, and rye and bagasse from the sugar plant can also be used.  

One of the most promising tree-free alternatives is kenaf.  Kenaf is a fast growing plant which yields more fiber per acre than a tree plantation.  Kenaf also requires less energy and bleach to produce pulp, making it a more earth-friendly option for a quality paper source.  Its fibers are similar to tree pulp fibers but contain less lignin, the plant’s natural glue, that must be removed before paper making.  Industrial hemp is used internationally for a multitude of uses including textiles and paper.  However, it has legal obstacles because of its relative, marijuana, an illegal drug.  Cotton is used for making paper, but it has some environmental shortcomings with its high demand for water and pesticides for growth.  Ideally, scraps from organic harvests and post-consumer cotton can be used to be more eco-friendly.  

Efforts are being made to make tree-free paper more available to consumers through research and funding.  Few socially responsible organizations that sells only recycled and tree-free papers in addition to many other green office products for business and home use.

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