ReHARVEST, a new line unveiled by Willamette Falls Paper Co. on Dec. 13th, is made from 10% wheat straw and 90% virgin wood fiber (though it can be up to 30% PCW or FSC-certified paper upon request).
“We are thrilled to be the first coated paper mill to offer non-wood grades made in the U.S. and sourced with local agricultural fiber, in this case, straw,” says Phil Harding, Director of Technology and Sustainability at Willamette Falls Paper Co. “Our long-term focus is sustainable papermaking and releasing reHARVEST is a huge step toward this goal. The use of agricultural fiber sources is a key part of our strategy.”
The new paper is now available as:
- 60 lb. and 70 lb. uncoated
- 24 lb. envelope
- 80 lb. and 100 lb. gloss and matte
As the company explains, “Recent process technology developments have enabled the production of high-quality papermaking fibers from wheat straw agricultural waste. What was previously removed from the field as waste or even burned is now collected, pulped into high-quality papermaking fiber and available for use in paper products. The pulping is done at a recently commissioned wheat straw pulping plant that generates zero effluent and zero solid waste. Use of this agricultural fiber reduces field burning and takes the pressure off forests. Finally, the wheat straw fiber has a lower carbon footprint and uses less energy than conventional wood pulping processes.”
More information at [email protected]
And we’ll be bringing our PaperSpecs PRO members a PRO Tip next week with more details about reHARVEST.
Photo: Jez Timms
