Papierfabrik Meldorf is breaking new ground in paper production and testing the use of moor grasses, which are produced as alternative raw materials as part of the „Climate Farm“ pilot project of the Schleswig-Holstein Nature Conservation Foundation.
With its Climate Farm project, the Schleswig-Holstein Nature Conservation Foundation wants to find out how moors can once again become a climate protector and a habitat for endangered animals and plants. at the same time adequately managed can be realised. For the past two years, a peatland conservation grassland management system has been trialled. By 2031, a total of 400 hectares of moor grassland will be wetted and managed. The natural growth, a mix of grasses, sedges, reeds and rushes, is harvested from the wet moor grassland.
From this bog biomass the climate farm team is working with companies to develop sustainable products from the paper industry, horticulture and the construction industry, among others. Thus Alternative value chains for the climate-friendly agriculture of the future on nature conservation areas.
The Meldorf paper mill already has extensive experience in the production of grass paper and was the first Manufacturer of grass paper for the corrugated cardboard market in Germany. The company now also sees Use of moor grasses from the region has great potential. In combination with recycled fibres, moor grass is another raw material that does not have to be grown separately and therefore fulfils the best requirements for sustainable packaging paper, reports the paper manufacturer via the LinkedIn network.
Before the end of this year the first paper rolls made from paludiculture grasses in the yard of the Meldorf paper mill and tested for suitability for further processing.
Paludiculture is the agricultural utilisation of wet raised bogs and fens. The word is derived from the Latin word „palus“, which means swamp or mire. Wet moorland stores a lot of CO2, more than a corresponding forest area. By rewetting the formerly drained moorland areas, the Greenhouse gas emissions can be significantly reduced. Mowing keeps the vegetation short and open and promotes biodiversity.
The Meldorf paper mill recently announced its collaboration with OutNature in order to optimise the paper production process. Silphie fibres especially in the corrugated cardboard liner sector to be used.
Cooperation for corrugated board made from alternative fibres
Source: Meldorf paper mill
