In the conventional paper making process, chemicals like caustic soda, elemental chlorine, chlorine dioxide and sodium chlorite are used in the pulping and bleaching steps that leads to environmental pollution. An alternative cleaner, chemical free process was developed by employing number of bacteria and fungi. Besides, as part of eco-friendly paper production, the non-woody cellulosic fibres such as agricultural wastes, bagasse, banana stems, silk cotton, agro waste, jute waste, plant waste, cotton fabric wastes, mat grass, lemon grass etc. were used as raw materials thus saving of trees.
This process involves microbial pretreatment of non-woody cellulose materials such as silk cotton, agro waste and cotton fabric wastes followed by the mechanical pulping thereby improving pulp quality. By this method, the pulp is refined and sized in an eco-friendly manner. The paper thus produced are used to make paper bags, visiting cards boards and charts, greeting cards etc.
