Development of Eco-friendly Handmade Paper and Paper Board from Soft Bamboo, Whole Banana & Pine Apple Leaves Fibre- Available in N.e. Region of India

Abstract

The studies were carried out to established suitability of lingo-cellulosic raw materials namely Soft Bamboo (Dendrocalamus arundinacea), Banana (Musa Sapientum) & Pineapple (Ananas Comosus) for making pulps for handmade paper industry which are abundantly available in north eastern part of India. This should help in providing a cost effective, good quality cellulosic raw material as an alternate to cost prohibitive traditionally used cotton hosiery waste traditionally used for manufacturing good quality handmade paper & it’s products. This will help in improving the cost economics & competitiveness of the Indian paper industry in the global market besides addressing the problems of environment & global warming. The Studies thus carried out provide useful information about the nature of these raw materials, suitable pulping process to produce an eco-friendly handmade paper and board & converted products. The research work provides a good quality cost effective lingo-cellulosic raw material for handmade paper industries with a possibility of replacement of the expensive and traditionally used cotton hosiery waste. The paper thus produced using environmental friendly pulping and bleaching process is characterized for its strength properties like tensile, tear, bursting, folding endurance and other parameters. Further the study will be useful in providing opportunities for employment generation and income enhancement among the rural masses as well as addressing the bio-mass dumping.