Integration of Waste from Invasive Alien Species Phytolacca americana with Eucalyptus Commercial Pulp for Papermaking: A Review on the Evolution of Physic-Mechanical and Chemical Paper Properties

Abstract

The paper industry contributes significantly to the transformation of native forests into monocultures of fast growing exotic species such as Eucalyptus globulus, reducing biodiversity. This expansion, driven by the demand for cellulose-based products, threatens ecosystems by displacing native flora and causing soil impoverishment. To address these issues, the study explores the possibility of reusing waste fibers obtained after cleaning areas affected by a major presence of invasive species such as Phytolacca americana, as a sustainable alternative to traditional wood fibers in paper production. The research focused on Ribadumia riparian forest in Galicia, Spain, and involved the entire process of obtaining and processing Phytolacca americana pulp. It assesses the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting paper, using advanced techniques such as SEM visualization and physical paper tests. Results confirmed the suitability of Phytolacca americana fibers for paper production, with certain properties showing improvement and/or maintenance over those from commercial paper. Blends of Phytolacca americana and commercial bleached Eucalyptus globulus pulp demonstrated comparable quality, suggesting the feasibility of replacing commercial fibers like Eucalyptus globulus with those derived from the waste of invasive species. This approach could not only contribute to reduce monocultures and promote biodiversity, but to apply zero-waste dynamics in usually pollutant industries.