agricultural paper

Project information:
Feasibility study on the use of paper materials in the agricultural sector

From global to regional - agriculture faces major and diverse challenges. Population growth and climate change are exacerbating the serious problem of food security, especially in emerging and developing countries. Also in European latitudes, farmers are increasingly confronted with heat and water stress. In addition, political debates on the glyphosate ban, over-fertilisation, microplastics in the environment etc. are keeping the agricultural sector moving.

Is it possible to use paper to develop solutions for the challenges in the agricultural sector? How can paper be modified and functionalised to make agriculture more sustainable and efficient? What are the hidden product ideas for this versatile and biodegradable material?  

These and other questions will be answered with the feasibility study on the use of paper materials in agriculture. So far, paper has had a niche existence in agriculture. Areas of application include mulching paper, light reflection in orchards and packaging materials for the spreading of beneficial organisms.

Current research topics in paper technology, such as paper materials with functionalised surfaces for sensor technology or as a storage medium for heat and water, open up new perspectives for the cellulose-based material, including in the agricultural sector. Whether as a carrier, filter or protective material - paper scores with its wide range of processing options and the high level of production capacities.

The project objectives are:

• to identify completely new application areas for paper,
• to test classical plastic applications with regard to possible substitution and
• to derive concrete research needs for the paper industry.

In addition to own research, the study also conducts expert interviews with stakeholders from the agricultural sector. Farmers from crop production and animal husbandry, gardeners, suppliers, employees in agricultural organisations and NGOs, scientists and agricultural technicians should have their say and report on problem areas, rationalisation needs and their opinions. The discussions will include actors from conventional agriculture as well as representatives of alternative farming methods such as organic farming or new trends such as urban gardening.  

All generated and derived ideas are processed anonymously and then evaluated with regard to their feasibility.   

If you would like to support our study or have ideas on the topic "Agriculture and Paper", please contact anja.gross(at)tu-dresden.de. Any idea is welcome.