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Valorization of Fique Lignocellulosic Residues for Sustainable Craft Paper Production

Author

Listed:
  • Nicolás Jaramillo

    (Pulp and Paper Research Group, School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1 # 70-01, Medellín 050031, Colombia)

  • Marlon A. Osorio

    (New Materials Research Group, School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1 # 70-01, Medellín 050031, Colombia
    Biología de Sistemas Research Group, School of Health Sciences, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Calle 78B # 72A-109, Medellín 050031, Colombia)

  • Cristina I. Castro

    (New Materials Research Group, School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1 # 70-01, Medellín 050031, Colombia)

  • María C. Restrepo

    (New Materials Research Group, School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1 # 70-01, Medellín 050031, Colombia)

  • Mariluz Betancur

    (Environmental Research Group, School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1 # 70-01, Medellín 050031, Colombia)

  • Adrian Ríos

    (Environmental Research Group, School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1 # 70-01, Medellín 050031, Colombia)

  • Germán C. Quintana

    (Pulp and Paper Research Group, School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1 # 70-01, Medellín 050031, Colombia
    Centro de Envases, Empaques y Embalajes de Papel y Cartón (CE3-PAC), Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Circular 1 # 70-01, Medellín 050031, Colombia)

Abstract

This paper presents the development of handmade paper from fique residues, evaluating its technical and environmental viability through a scientific approach aimed at supporting low-income rural communities. The residues were characterized to assess their suitability for papermaking, with fiber crystallinity and chemical structure analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Pulps were produced from fique fibers and a 30:70 fique fiber–bagasse blend using a chemical-free mechanical pulping process, designed for easy implementation in rural settings. The effects of dyeing on pulp performance were also examined, and environmental impacts were assessed through a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA). The average fiber length, diameter, and lumen of fique fibers were 1.83 mm, 26.5 μm, and 17.4 μm, respectively. Handsheets from fique pulp achieved a tensile index of 13.0 N·m/g and a burst index of 1.42 kPa·m 2 /g, while the fique fiber–bagasse blend reached 11.09 N·m/g and 1.05 kPa·m 2 /g. The corresponding sheet densities were 0.316 and 0.380 g/cm 3 . The dyeing process led to a reduction in the mechanical strength of the handmade paper. Environmental analysis indicated that fique tow fiber has a more favorable impact profile than other non-wood alternatives, such as aquatic weed fiber. Compared to results from similar studies, fique demonstrates strong potential as a high-quality, sustainable raw material for artisanal papermaking. These findings support its application in decentralized, eco-friendly production systems, contributing to rural development and circular economy strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolás Jaramillo & Marlon A. Osorio & Cristina I. Castro & María C. Restrepo & Mariluz Betancur & Adrian Ríos & Germán C. Quintana, 2025. "Valorization of Fique Lignocellulosic Residues for Sustainable Craft Paper Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-25, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:8032-:d:1743602
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ahmed M. Abd-ElGawad & Abdulaziz M. Assaeed & Giuliano Bonanomi & Yasser A. El-Amier, 2022. "Ecological Insight, Anatomical Features, and Fiber Characterization of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forrsk.) Decne. as a Promising Resource," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Alma Delia Román-Gutiérrez & Danae Duana-Ávila & Juan Hernández-Ávila & Eduardo Cerecedo-Saenz & Eleazar Salinas-Rodríguez & Adriana Rojas-León & Patricia López Perea, 2022. "Reuse of Barley Straw for Handmade Paper Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-22, October.
    3. Ana C. Dias & Ricardo Carvalho & Cristina Marques & Raquel Bértolo & Ana Carta & Luís Machado, 2024. "Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Tissue Paper Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-18, October.
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