Research Information System
CELLULOSE, vol.1, no.1, pp.1-15, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is widely cultivated for seed oil and
fiber; however, significant portions of the plant, particularly stubble
and roots, remain underutilized in the field. To address this
inefficiency and explore sustainable alternatives to wood-based pulp,
this study aimed to evaluate the potential of hemp stubble including
stems, roots, and hurd fibers as a raw material for papermaking.
Chemical composition analyses were conducted on bast and hurd fibers
from different parts of the plant to assess their suitability for
pulping. Distinct differences in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin
content were identified, supporting the need for separate cooking of
bast and hurd fibers, while stubble and roots were treated as whole due
to their complex anatomical structure. Pulping trials showed that bast
fibers produce high alpha-cellulose content and favorable optical
properties, making them suitable for high-quality paper applications.
Hurd fibers, due to their higher hemicellulose content, were found to be
well-suited for blending with softwood kraft or recycled fibers in
packaging and corrugated paper products. These results demonstrate the
technical feasibility of using hemp stubble and roots in paper
production. In addition to reducing agricultural waste, the use of hemp
pulp supports sustainable development goals by promoting renewable raw
materials and reducing dependence on wood fibers. The versatility of
hemp fibers across different paper grades highlights their potential to
contribute to a more circular and environmentally responsible pulp and
paper industry.