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Surface-applied mulches help retain soil moisture and optimize soil temperature while preventing weed growth and benefiting many horticultural crops. The most common mulch material is low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is typically landfilled, buried, or burned at the end of growing season causing negative environmental impacts. The goal of this research was to develop soil-biodegradable, liquid-applied (i.e., hydromulch) alternatives to LDPE mulch and optimize formulations that are acceptable for organic horticulture. Hydromulch (HM) treatments contained mixtures of paper pulp, wood fiber, or hemp hurds (Cannabis sativa L.) combined with various tackifiers and water. The tackifiers were guar gum (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.), psyllium husk (Plantago ovata L.) , and camelina meal (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz), included at various proportions. Hydromulch samples were tested for physical properties (density, water holding capacity, C:N ratio, soil adhesion) and mechanical properties (tensile strength, puncture resistance). Hydromulches containing no tackifiers were included as controls to determine if the addition of tackifiers resulted in enhanced mechanical properties. The results showed addition of 6 % guar gum tackifier improved the tensile strength and puncture resistance by 182 % and 91 % respectively compared to control sample, and HM formulations containing paper were 200 % or more stronger than those containing wood or hemp hurds. Increased tackifier proportion was found to improve most mechanical properties, with guar gum performing best. Blending of tackifiers resulted in an interaction that decreased strength. Hydromulches containing wood fiber and hemp hurds did not show promising results. Paper in HM formulations helped to reduce mulch porosity and improved adhesion to soil. Results from the study provide a foundation on optimal formulations for expanded trials at field-scale. • Hydromulch (HM) manufactured using paper, wood fibers, hemp hurds and organic tackifiers. • Paper based HM demonstrated high mechanical properties compared to wood fiber and hemp hurds. • Guar gum and psyllium husk are most promising tackifiers. • The amount of tackifier has direct influence on the puncture resistance and tensile strength of HM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of non-waste biorefinery technology is conducive to the efficient utilization of waste biomass resources. In this study, the microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) was used to pretreat sugarcane bagasse for efficient separation of chemical components and upgrading each component into industrial products, including paper, lignin microspheres (LMS) and furfural. After rapid and mild DES pretreatment at 135 °C for 20 min, the retention rate of cellulose in the solid residue was 95.2 %, while the removal rates of hemicellulose and lignin were 84.1 % and 88.3 %, respectively. The whiteness of handmade paper derived from solid residue could reach 63.8 %ISO. During DES fractionation, the gradual increase of water reduced the collision probability of lignin fragments, inhibited condensation reactions, and achieved graded precipitation of lignin. Then, the self-assembly method enabled the fabrication of both small solid LMS and large hollow LMS. Furthermore, AlCl 3 was added to the diluted DES to convert the separation system into a catalytic system. Under the synergistic catalysis of lactic acid, AlCl 3 , and choline chloride, biomass sugars were efficiently converted into furfural with a yield of 68.81 %. In a word, the high-value utilization of all components of sugarcane bagasse was achieved through a sustainable biorefining process, resulting in an impressive comprehensive utilization rate of 70.6 %. [Display omitted] • Efficient separation of sugarcane bagasse components was achieved. • Sugarcane bagasse was efficiently converted into three industrial products. • The comprehensive utilization rate of all components can reach up to 70.6 %. • A scalable platform was provided for the valuation of waste-free biorefinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kraft method, the most widely used method in pulp production, causes to various environmental problems. Therefore, environmentally friendly pulp production methods have been investigated. In recent years, environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as cooking liquor have been investigated. In this study, the possibilities of using a ternary DES (TDES) in pulp production from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) chips were investigated. TDES constituents were choline chloride (ChCl), lactic acid (LA), and glycerol (G). The effects of cooking temperature (145 °C and 155 °C) and cooking time (3 h, 3.5 h, and 4 h) on pulp and paper properties in TDES pulping were investigated. For comparison, kraft pulp from Scots pine was produced with conditions of 18% active alkali, 25% sulfidity, 155 °C cooking temperature, and 3.5 h cooking time. The highest lignin removal was obtained from TDES3 pulping conditions (155 °C and 4 h) with 76.0%. Lignin removal in the kraft pulp was 67.8%. TDES pulps were more quickly beaten to the target freeness level of 25°SR (the times for TDES3 and kraft pulps were 90 sec and 1350 sec, respectively.). Crystallinity index (CrI) values of kraft pulp and TDES3 pulp were 70.7% and 68.0%, respectively. TDES6 pulp had the highest pulp strength. But, the strength properties of all TDES pulps had lower than kraft pulp. TDES pulping can be a greener alternative to kraft pulping. • The pulp production using TDES from Scots pine was accomplished successfully. • The longer cooking time at 155 °C caused significant changes in fiber morphology. • Some properties of TDES pulps were comparable to those of the kraft pulps. • TDES pulping conditions had a significant effect on the pulp and paper properties. • TDES pulps more quickly reached to target freeness level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The strengthening effects of hemicellulosic fractions were investigated. • The fraction obtained by 75% ethanol was more easily chemically modified. • The fraction obtained by 30% ethanol had a more significant strengthening effect at low dosage. Abstract Although hemicelluloses have demonstrated their promising application as paper strengthening agents, the influences of different hemicellulosic fractions on the mechanical properties of paper are not clear. Revealing the reinforcing effect of hemicellulosic fractions on the mechanical properties of paper is very helpful to better utilize hemicelluloses. For this purpose, four hemicellulosic fractions (HC pH5.5 , HC 15% , HC 30% , and HC 75%) were extracted from corncob, and then chemically modified (carboxymethylation) as paper strengthening agents. We demonstrated that the hemicellulosic fraction HC 15% obtained from 15% ethanol was difficult to be modified; while HC 75% obtained from 75% ethanol was more easily chemically modified. Furthermore, the carboxymethylated hemicellulosic fraction CHC 30% with fewer branches and the highest molecular weight had a more significant effect on improving paper strength. Therefore, isolation of desirable hemicellulosic fraction is extremely important to more effectively apply hemicelluloses as paper strengthening agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Cellulose nanofibrils(CNF)/graphene nanoplatelets(GnP) hybrid papers were prepared with a simple water-based method. • CNF and hot-pressing efficiently enhance the mechanical properties of the GnP paper. • The CNF reinforced GnP paper demonstrates high electrical conductivity. • Mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity of the papers are controllable. Abstract Mechanically flexible and high electrically conductive multilayered graphene nanoplatelets (GnP)/cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) composite papers were successfully fabricated through a vacuum-assisted self-assembly technique. The morphology observation showed that highly disassembled CNF were achieved by high-pressure homogenization of water-based cellulose slurry, and the homogenized CNF uniformly interpenetrated within the microporous GnP paper network. The analyses of mechanical properties and morphology suggest that the CNF effectively bridged the adjacent GnP sheets and efficiently strengthened the GnP papers by producing strong GnP/CNF interfacial interactions resulting from mechanical interlocking, van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds between the GnP and the CNF. Moreover, it was noticed that hot-pressing pressure is necessary to be applied on samples to produce stronger papers with higher electrical conductivity. As the CNF loading reached 60 wt%, the Young's modulus and tensile strength of the hot-pressed GnP/CNF hybrid paper were significantly increased to 9.1 GPa and 57.7 MPa, respectively. In addition, a high electrical conductivity of 26.8 S/cm was retained for the paper with 30 wt% CNF. Our approach provides a facial and eco-friendly fabrication route to produce strong and highly conductive GnP/CNF papers which are of great practical appeal as a new type of nanomaterials in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch-coated paper is widely used in packaging, printing, writing, and so on. However, achieving starch-coated paper with excellent moisture resistance remains a challenge for its end uses. To overcome this challenge, we hypothesize that the film-forming ability of starch plays a pivotal role in the moisture resistance of starch-coated paper. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is used to enhance the film-forming capability of starch film and the moisture resistance of PVA/CS coated paper is evaluated in terms of moisture absorption, tensile index, and stiffness. A PVA/CS film with only a coating weight of 4.0 g/m 2 can fully cover the porous structure of paper that leads to a higher moisture resistance than CS-coated paper with a similar loading weight. However, as the coating weight continues to increase, the decline of the mechanical properties of PVA/CS coated paper is almost unchanged. Furthermore, the moisture resistance of PVA/CS coated paper (coating weight is larger than 4.0 g/m 2 ) is further improved by using glyoxal as moisture proof agent (MPA). Only 4.8% and 6.3% losses in the tensile index and stiffness at a coating weight of 4.0 g/m 2 are achieved before and after moisture treatment, respectively. These results may shed light on exploring new method to enhance moisture resistance of starch-coated paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using biobased polyelectrolytes to emulsify natural fatty molecules is one possible key technology to create sustainable materials. The emulsions can be used in papermaking instead of synthetic hydrophobizing agents or in nonwoven manufacturing to create strong, hydrophobic textile-like materials. This article investigates a novel emulsification system based on a polyelectrolyte complex between chitosan dissolved in citric acid and carboxymethyl cellulose together with sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil. Viscose nonwoven treated with the emulsion had a contact angle of over 120°. Tensile tests showed that the produced paper and nonwoven materials achieved high dry and, especially, high wet strength. Infrared spectroscopy illuminated the impact of heat curing the binder, and electron microscopy showed that the oil droplets from the emulsion were spread across the fibre surface. The results from this study enable sustainable nonwovens to be applied in areas where high dry and wet strength and water repellence are required; this includes outdoor applications, including agricultural mulch films, where nonwoven is used frequently and a sustainable approach is urgently needed to reduce the accumulation of plastics in the environment. [Display omitted] • Polyelectrolyte complex based on chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose can emulsify sunflower oil. • The emulsion can be used as a biobased binder to replace fossil-based binders in nonwoven. • Cellulosic material treated with the binder receive high dry- and wet strength. • Contact angles of more than 120° can be reached with the emulsion-based polyelectrolyte complex binder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for rapid diagnostic in developing countries has recently increased, in part due to growing populations, emerging diseases, and rise in healthcare cost. Use of low-cost lateral flow/dipstick devices, especially paper-based ones, has increased. In most of the developing world, however, biomedical waste management systems either do not exist or are poor, as such, used devices either get incinerated or dumped alongside household trash. The plastic casing that is often used to hold the test strip, while useful before the test, also slows the biodegradation of the used contaminated devices. We demonstrate that by replacing the plastic casing with paper encasements, we promote biodegradation of these devices while reducing its total weight, making their transport and packaging more compact and more environmentally friendly—hence qualifying this simple modification as green engineering. The ability to use paper casing has the added advantage that devices can be readily assembled locally with ease and without need for sophisticated manufacturing tools as needed with the plastic casings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice straw pulps produced under different conditions were subject to near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. At the same time, samples from those pulps were used to make handsheets, whose mechanical properties were measured. These values and those of brightness were successfully fitted to the pulping variables. Relating them to the NIR spectra, we found valid correlations for all parameters except the burst index, concluding that NIR spectroscopy could be used as an economical, timesaving and non-intrusive way to predict the mechanical strength of pulps before the paper sheet is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO)/cellulose paper was prepared by adding aqueous dispersion of GO into cellulose fiber pulp in a traditional papermaking procedure. Cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) was added as a mordant to induce the self-assembly of GO layers on the fiber surfaces. The surface morphology, mechanical properties and gas permeability of GO/cellulose paper with varying GO contents were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile test, burst test, tear test and densometer. It was found that CPAM could prevent the self-aggregation of GO in fiber matrix and increase the loading efficiency of GO to up to 16 wt% without sacrificing the mechanical performances of the paper. This finding permitted the large scale preparation of GO/cellulose paper with high doping amount of GO, which exhibited dense and compact geometry and low gas permeability ideal for potential packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a novel method for integrating native corn starch and calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) into a hybrid pigment, which can be applied in papermaking to increase the amount of starch in paper and improve sheet bonding without impairing dewatering. Starch was first thermally treated to partially gelatinize and swell the granules. The aim of the treatment was to change the surface properties of starch and thus to improve the interaction with CaCO 3 particles. CaCO 3 shell was precipitated around the swollen granules and the encapsulated starch was then cooked to achieve complete gelatinization. When the granules were cooked, the starch became active for bonding, but its solubility was very limited due to the encapsulation. Particle size measurement and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the sample properties during the preparation. The hybrid pigment was added to paper sheets and its effect on the paper properties was examined. Starch was shown to be effectively bound to the pigment structure. The hybrid pigment allowed a large amount of native corn starch to be added to paper without interfering with the papermaking process. Furthermore, it gave excellent mechanical paper properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water soluble cationic chitosan (C-Ch) and surface-modified microfibrillated cellulose (C-MFC) were prepared and characterized. C-MFC was prepared by reaction of MFC (microfibrillated cellulose) with β-chloroethyldiethylamine followed by quaternization using methyl iodide while C-Ch was prepared by reaction of a commercial chitosan (Ch) with 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride. C-Ch and C-MFC were characterized by elemental analysis (nitrogen content), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and surface charge determination. The prepared C-Ch and C-MFC were used with bentonite in order to improve drainage and filler retention in paper handsheets made from softwood and bagasse pulps. Dosage rates were 0.05–0.2% (w/w, weight of additive by weight of fibres) and 0.05–1% (w/w) for C-Ch and C-MFC, respectively. When used alone, these polymers did not induce any noticeable effect on drainage but they improved the retention of ground calcium carbonate (GCC). The effect of C-MFC/bentonite and C-Ch/bentonite systems on filler retention was more pronounced in case of bagasse pulp than for softwood pulp. The use of C-Ch improved filler retention more than C-MFC did. Comparisons with a commercially available cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) showed that CPAM was the most efficient additive regarding both drainage and GCC retention, followed by Ch, C-Ch, and finally C-MFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the antibacterial properties of the natural oil from Copaifera multijuga which was embedded in bio-based materials, to be used in active packaging applications. For this purpose, the naturally extracted copaiba oil was first characterized by gas chromatography and thermogravimetry. Its antibacterial properties were evaluated and confirmed against gram-positive bacteria ( Bacillus subtilis ). The copaiba oil was incorporated into two bio-based materials: (i) paper and (ii) poly(lactic acid), PLA, films. This incorporation was made following two strategies: either at the surface, thanks to a coating process, or in the bulk, through impregnation (paper samples) or by film casting (PLA films). The antibacterial tests confirmed activity against B. subtilis in paper with a copaiba oil content of approximately 20 wt%. For the PLA films, the same amount showed satisfactory results against the same bacteria. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that copaiba oil has been incorporated on paper sheets and plastic films, with the confirmation of the maintenance of the effective antibacterial properties. The materials developed in this work through simple procedures have great perspective to be used as biodegradable packaging with bactericide effect, to improve the shelf life of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic crops like kenaf, flax and hemp have been extensively studied the last years with the help of new technology and many new products fabricated with them are ready for the market or have already been marketed. Both the core material and the bast fibers of these crops are ideal feedstocks for the production of yarns and paper of high quality, for rendering flame retardant properties to composites reinforced with them, for the production of energy via a sustainable way without polluting the environment and for use as alternative materials to wood for the manufacturing of panels like particleboards and fiber boards (MDF, HDF, etc.). The investigation of lignocellulosic feedstock as potential source for the sustainable production of materials, products and energy has resulted in promising solutions for the successful replacement of their counterparts made from fossil raw materials. However, the related industries still have some challenges to face, like the cost of materials from lignocellulosic plants in comparison with those derived from fossil sources and the availability of the feedstock throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Modified nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) added in wet-end paper process for the first time. [•] Mechanical reinforcement and decreased air permeability with both modified and unmodified NFC. [•] Strong diminution of water absorption (divided by more than 6) with modified NFC. [•] Multi-level properties: hydrophobicity, mechanical reinforcement and air permeability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanopaper was prepared using ground cellulose nanofibers (GC) from canola straw and bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BC). The characteristics of GC and BC nanopapers were investigated and compared. Micropaper was also prepared from as-bleached cellulose microfibers of canola straw, used as a control sample to evaluate the effect of grinding on the properties of cellulose nanofibers and nanopaper. The average diameters for the microfiber, GC and BC were 26μm, 32nm and 45nm, respectively. Micropaper had crystallinity and crystallite size of 69% and 5.5nm, respectively. As the result of grinding, the crystallinity and crystallite size of GC nanopaper dropped to 62% and 5.1nm, respectively. BC nanopaper showed the highest values, with 80% and 6.2nm, respectively. GC nanopaper had a lower onset temperature (270°C) and thermal stability than that of both micropaper (275°C) and BC nanopaper (320°C). Micropaper was permeable to air while GC and BC nanopapers showed very high barrier property. Grinding had a drastic positive effect on mechanical properties: the tensile strength and Young''s modulus of GC nanopaper increased 11 times on average over those of micropaper, reaching 114MPa and 13.6GPa, respectively. BC nanopaper had the highest tensile strength and Young''s modulus, with 185MPa and 17.3GPa, respectively. GC and BC nanopapers are regarded as highly tough, fully bio-based, fully biodegradable and multi-performance materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pepper stems were treated for its integral utilization. Characterization of original pepper stems (63.4% holocellulose, 23.3% hemicelluloses, 25.6% lignin) was done according to standards methods. In this work, the valorisation of these components was studied. Hemicelluloses fraction recovered from the hydrolsated pepper stems presented xylose and glucose as the main simple sugars, representing 39% and 19.9% of total sugars content in the autohydrolysis hydrolysates and 59.8% and 16% in the acid hydrolysates respectively. Physical properties of paper sheets formed with soda pulp from pre-hydrolysated pepper stems were measured with high 76 °SR value, and cellulose and lignin fractions from pulp and black liquor were recovered respectively. Cellulose was characterized by ATR-IR to complete the chemical structure analysis. Lignin isolated from the liquid was submitted to ATR-IR, 1H NMR, GPC and TGA in order to suggest suitable applications based on its physicochemical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a nonwoody fiber source with many uses. To evaluate the dry matter yield potential of kenaf at two locations in the southern High Plains of the USA and the effects of late planting/late emergence as a possible replacement for hail damaged cotton, four varieties were grown in 2004 and 2005 at New Mexico State University''s Agricultural Science Centers at Clovis, under limited irrigation, and Tucumcari, under rainfed conditions. Each study was a randomized complete block design having four replicates. A year×location interaction existed (P <0.0469) for kenaf yield largely due to precipitation amount and distribution. Either late planting or late emergence due to low soil moisture at planting significantly reduced yields (3.62 vs. 0.63Mgha−1 for mid-May planting and emergence and early July emergence or planting, respectively, P <0.0001). Consequently, kenaf would not be suitable for recovering input costs when planted after failure of cotton. The very late maturing variety Gregg had consistently lower numeric yields than Dowling, Everglades 41, and Tainung 2 in all comparisons, with the strongest trend within the emergence date comparison (P <0.0912). Kenaf varieties should be selected for any location that finish blooming approximately three to four weeks prior to the average first autumn freeze to allow for maximum growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, we characterized various unconventional pulping raw materials in terms of their contents in hollocelulose, α-cellulose, lignin, ethanol–benzene extractables, ash, and hot water and 1% soda solubles. Also, we characterized pulp obtained from each material by using an ethyleneglycol concentration of 65% at 180°C for 75min, followed by beating at 1500 revolutions in a PFI refiner—all of which are compatible with existing facilities for Kraft and soda pulping processes. We characterized vine shoots, cotton stalks, Leucaena leucocephala and Chamaecytisus proliferus as pulping raw materials and found Ch. proliferus and cotton stalks to be the best for the intended purpose on the grounds of their increased contents in holocellulose (79.73 and 72.86%) and α-cellulose (45.37 and 58.48%), and their decreased contents in ethanol–benzene extractables (2.64 and 1.42%), hot water solubles (2.79 and 3.33%) and 1% soda solubles (16.67 and 20.34%). These properties resulted in increased pulp yields and hence in efficient use of these two types of raw material. The paper sheets obtained of different pulps were characterized and those from Ch. proliferus found to be the best overall as they exhibited an increased breaking length (4644m), stretch (2.87%), burst index (2.46kN/g) tear index (0.33mNm2/g) and brightness (49.92% ISO); in addition Ch. proliferus pulp was obtained with a high yield (62.88%). On the other hand, vine shoots provided the poorest results among the studied raw materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The results of characterization for four different vine shoot varieties, grown using two different methods, revealed no significant differences in composition among vine varieties or between growing methods. The holocellulose content of vine shoots (67.14%) is lower than those of other non-wood raw materials (e.g. wheat straw, sunflower stalks, cotton stalks, etc.), but similar to those of pine and higher to those of olive trimmings. On the other hand, their lignin content (20.27%) is similar to those of eucalyptus and the non-wood raw materials. Also, their contents in cold-water, hot-water and 1% soda solubles, and ethanol–benzene extractables, are higher than for pine and eucalyptus. Soda, kraft, ethanol and ethylene–glycol pulping processes have low yields (29–47%) relative to the pulping processes applied to olive trimmings and wheat straw. Kraft pulp is that exhibiting the best properties, including a higher α-cellulose content (73.74%) than pulp from wheat straw or olive trimmings, but a higher lignin content (17.18%). Also, kraft pulp provides paper with the highest breaking length, burst index and tear index (viz. 1316m, 1.63kN/g and 1.59mNm2/g, respectively); these values, which are intermediate among those for olive trimmings, wheat straw and sunflower seeds, are low and can be substantially improved by appropriate refining of the pulp. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An experimental design was performed to study the influence of process variables (135–175 °C for temperature, 60–120 min for pulping time and 15–25% for active alkali) on the properties of pulps (yield, Kappa index, viscosity, 1% NaOH solubles, alcohol–benzene extractives holocellulose, lignin and α-cellulose contents and brightness) and paper sheets (stretch index, burst index, and tear index) obtained from olive trimming residues. Obtaining pulps with acceptably high physical and chemical properties entails operating at a temperature of 175 °C for 90 min and 25% of active alkali. The paper sheets obtained from olive trimming residues pulps that were produced in different degrees of refining are characterised for their stretch index, burst index, and tear index. An increase in the different parameters for the paper sheet upon increasing the degree of refining is found. All pulps reached between 33 and 39 kN m/kg in the stretch index, between 1.5 and 2 kN/g for the burst index and 0.7–2.5 N m2/g for the tear index and not in excess of the refining degree (<45 °SR). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Pine needles lignocellulosic active paper incorporated with nanozeolite was fabricated. • The lignocellulosic paper showed improved water vapor transmission rate. • The lignocellulosic paper showed high ethylene scavenging properties. • Active pine needle based paper suitable for fresh produce active packaging. • Studies indicated valorization of pine needles biomass into paper fabrication. The pines needle falls approximately 2–3 ha−1 year−1 on the forest floors resulting in a considerable amount of lignocellulosic biowaste. The present study aimed to develop pine needles based lignocellulosic active paper and investigate the effect of 5, 20, and 30% (v/w) nano zeolite addition on the physical, mechanical, and microstructural property of the papers. The developed papers were characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. As the zeolite concentration was increased from 5% to 30% in the paper, enhanced water permeability was seen from 5.18 ± 0.34 - 3.88 ± 0.33 g/cm2/day (PN/ZL 30% paper). The addition of 5% zeolite increased the tensile and burst strength from 19.53 ± 3.53 Nm/g and 3.63 ± 0.23 kg/cm2, respectively. The porosity was increased from 340 ± 20 to 1170 ± 60, and Cobb value increased from 338.3 ± 1.5- 406.7 ± 1.5 g/m2. The alterations in terms of surface microstructure in the paper with 20, 30% zeolite were noticed whereas XRD illustrated the high compatibility among the lignocellulosic network of pines and zeolite. The pine needle paper with 30% zeolite possessed remarkable ethylene scavenging properties (62%), opening a way to valorize pine needle waste for food packaging application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multidisciplinary evaluation of three novel perennial crops as feedstock for the pulp and paper industry. • Meadow hay blends generated higher tensile indices compared to the pure birch control. • Fibre lengths of 0.5 (meadow hay), 1.3 (Virginia mallow), and 0.9 mm (cup plant) were measured. • The fibre widths of cup plant and Virginia mallow are broader compared to hardwoods. • These promising raw materials will be valueable in cardboard production for sustainable packaging. While the demand for paper and packaging material is increasing, industry and consumers are searching for more sustainable raw materials. This study evaluates three non-wood perennials to find alternative raw materials for the paper and pulp industry. Meadow hay, cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) and Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) are attracting attention as potential raw materials for the bioeconomy due to biodiversity benefits, low fertilizer requirements as well as high yields. For the first time a detailed view on their fibre morphology and use as paper feedstock is given. After three different mechanical grinding methods, the plant material was screened, pulped in NaOH and beaten in a PFI mill. Birch fibre has been chosen as short-fibre control and blend base. Hand-sheets with different pulp blends of birch and one of the three raw materials were made, and paper properties were measured. For meadow hay, Virginia mallow and cup plant fibre lengths of 0.5, 1.3, and 0.9 mm were measured. Therefore, all perennial plant materials have comparable fibre lengths to hardwoods. Meadow hay blends with birch pulp percentages of 50 % and 75 % generated higher paper strength compared to the pure birch paper at a beating intensity of 5000 revolutions (PFI). The paper strength of cup plant and Virginia mallow blends is comparable to the strength of the birch control. Due to these promising results, all analyzed raw materials could find their application, especially in the growing area of sustainable packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]