Releaf Paper Launches Fallen Leaves-Based Production Line in France

Releaf Paper

Source: Releaf Paper

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Releaf Paper, the world’s first manufacturer of pulp and paper made from fallen leaves, has inaugurated its pilot production line and Innovation Center in Les Mureaux, Île-de-France.

This groundbreaking facility, co-funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council (EIC), represents a €3.5 million investment and a transformative step in turning urban green waste into high-quality, recyclable packaging materials.

“This is more than just a factory – it’s a statement that a city’s waste can be a vital resource,” said Alexandre Sobolenko, CEO of Releaf Paper. Using patented technology, the pilot production line processes fallen leaves through advanced mechanical and thermo-chemical methods to produce fibers suitable for containerboards, eco-packaging, and hygiene products.

Valentin Frechka, Head of Technology, highlighted the versatility of Releaf’s process: “Our technology adapts to diverse raw materials, from urban foliage to agricultural byproducts, reducing the environmental impact of traditional papermaking.”

Releaf’s innovative process achieves remarkable sustainability benchmarks:

  • 0.066 kg CO₂ per kg of production (70% lower than the global average).

  • 0.002 liters of water per kg produced.

  • Raw materials sourced within 20 km of production.

  • Biodegradability within 55 days.

Releaf celebrated the launch with over 50 attendees, including representatives from French media, political figures, and businesses like L'Oréal and Uber Eats. The event featured live demonstrations of the technology and showcased Releaf’s packaging solutions. Alexandra Dublanche, Vice-President of the Île-de-France region, and Antoine Veron from Uber Eats delivered keynote addresses.

Releaf has partnered with Uber Eats to provide recyclable, leaf-based packaging for select Parisian restaurants. Quentin Queyrel, General Manager for Uber Eats in France, said, “This collaboration is key to reducing single-use plastics in food delivery. Almost 100,000 Releaf bags are being deployed to promote sustainable, innovative packaging.”

Releaf Paper aims to scale operations across Europe and beyond, with plans to explore applications in bioplastics and renewable energy. In 2025, the company will seek €8 million in Series A funding to support its growth, reinforcing its mission to revolutionize the paper industry and promote a circular economy.

www.releaf-paper.com/