The production of paper from the hemp plant has existed for centuries. However, with the rise of CBD and Hash CBD, interest in hemp as a raw material is increasing. In the interest of environmental preservation and resource optimization, it becomes relevant to seek ways to utilize every part of the plant. This article explores the production of paper from hemp residues, addressing applicable Swiss legislation, the transformation steps, and the proven ecological and industrial benefits. All references cited come from reliable sources, such as the Narcotics Act (LStup, RS 812.121) or peer-reviewed studies examining the ecological and socio-economic interest of hemp.

1. Legal Context in Switzerland: Hemp Production and Residues

1.1 The Status of Hemp in Switzerland

In Switzerland, hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is subject to the Narcotics Act (LStup, RS 812.121) and its implementing ordinances. According to this law, it is permitted to cultivate industrial hemp provided the variety has a THC content of less than 1% (art. 2, para. 1 LStup). The authorized industrial hemp varieties in Switzerland are listed and validated by the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG). CBD extraction is also tolerated, provided the final product does not exceed the same regulatory THC threshold.

1.2 What Are Hemp Residues?

After CBD extraction or Hash CBD production, there are leftover fibers and biomass. Often considered waste, they nonetheless contain cellulose, hemicellulose, and sometimes part of the lignin, fundamental components for paper production. In the context of a circular economy, these residues can be redirected to papermaking.

According to an information sheet from the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) on hemp, industrial hemp is increasingly occupying a place among alternative crops in Switzerland. The FOAG encourages the exploration of new and sustainable outlets for the plant, which includes the valorization of by-products after the extraction of active compounds.

2. Why Use Hemp to Make Paper?

2.1 A Raw Material Rich in Cellulose

Hemp is renowned for its high cellulose content, one of the main elements of plant cell walls and the absolute basis for paper production. According to a study published in the scientific journal Industrial Crops and Products (Taylor & Francis, peer-reviewed), hemp fibers can contain up to 70% cellulose, making it an excellent resource for obtaining strong and high-quality paper.

In comparison, tree wood (mainly used in the paper industry) has a slightly lower cellulose content and requires longer processing. Hemp grows quickly, allowing for more frequent crop renewal.

2.2 A Fast and Sustainable Growth Cycle

Another reason to use hemp lies in its short growth cycle. In about 100 to 120 days, the plant reaches maturity, making it viable for recurring supply. This high cyclicity is particularly interesting for mass production. Hemp residues, for example from Hash CBD production, are a way to make every part of the plant profitable, simultaneously reducing waste and the overall carbon footprint.

Moreover, hemp requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers than other crops such as cotton. According to a report by the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), industrial hemp varieties are rarely subject to severe pest infestations, reducing the use of potentially harmful chemicals for the environment.

2.3 Superior Mechanical Properties

Hemp-based paper is characterized by higher tear resistance than paper made from wood fibers. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) highlights in several technical notes the high quality of hemp fibers and their potential in the production of textiles and technical papers. This superior strength makes hemp a preferred choice for special applications (packaging, drawing paper, important documents, etc.).

3. Steps in Making Paper from Hemp Residues

For the residual biomass of the plant to become paper, it must go through several transformation steps. Starting with collection and sorting, the process ends with the final pressing of the sheet. Here is a detailed overview:

3.1 Collection and Drying of Residues

1. Collection: Hemp residues (stems, fibers, non-exploitable flower remains for CBD) are gathered after Hash CBD production or CBD oil extraction.
2. Initial Drying: To limit decomposition and mold, it is essential to let the biomass dry in a well-ventilated space. The goal is to reach a low moisture content, generally below 15%.

Drying can last several days, especially if the harvest is large. According to recommendations from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) regarding the storage of medicinal plants, the ideal temperature should not exceed 35°C to preserve maximum structural properties in the fibers.

3.2 Decortication and Fiber Separation

Once the residues are dry, decortication is carried out. This operation consists of separating the “hurd” (the more woody central part of the stem) from the outer fiber. In some cases, the hurd can also be used for paper production, as it contains a significant proportion of cellulose. However, the outer fiber is generally preferred for its mechanical qualities and higher fiber content.

Necessary equipment:

• A mechanical or manual decorticator (depending on the quantity processed).
• A ventilation system to evacuate dust and suspended particles.

3.3 Cooking and Refining the Pulp

The next step is to transform hemp fibers into paper pulp. This process is similar to the production of pulp from wood:

1. Cooking: The fibers are soaked in a solution (often a mixture of water and soda, or other authorized solvents) and heated. Lignin and hemicellulose partially dissolve, releasing the cellulose.
2. Washing: Once cooking is complete, the fibers are rinsed to remove chemicals and residues.
3. Refining: The pulp is then ground and refined until the desired consistency is obtained. The finer the refining, the softer and more homogeneous the final paper will be.

Several “white” or ecological techniques (avoiding chlorine, limiting the use of aggressive substances) are being developed to meet environmental requirements, aligned notably with the ecological guidelines of the Swiss Confederation on waste management and the protection of natural resources.

3.4 Sheet Formation and Pressing

Sheet formation is generally done on a screen or sieve:

1. The hemp paper pulp is spread evenly over a sieve.
2. The water drains, leaving the cellulose to agglomerate into a thin film.
3. The felt: This film is transferred to another surface (felt or roller) to absorb residual moisture.
4. Pressing: Using a press, the fiber is compacted to remove the remaining water and create a denser sheet.
5. Final Drying: The sheets are hung or passed through an adapted drying system until almost all moisture is eliminated.

The final result is raw hemp paper, whose thickness, color, and texture can vary depending on the fineness of the refining and any bleaching process.

4. Ecological and Economic Benefits

4.1 Reduction of Deforestation

By opting for hemp-based paper, the pressure on forests is reduced. The higher the demand for wood-based paper products, the more forests are exploited. Hemp, which can be cultivated in plains or specialized agricultural areas, thus becomes an attractive and renewable alternative to preserve forest ecosystems.

Moreover, in Switzerland as in other European countries, forest policy attempts to reconcile wood exploitation and biodiversity preservation (see Swiss Biodiversity Strategy, which encourages any initiative aimed at reducing dependence on wood for uses that can be replaced).

4.2 Optimization of By-products

When producing Hash CBD, most of the plant is intended for cannabinoid extraction (CBD, CBG, etc.). The unused parts—stems, leaves, non-marketable flower residues—can lead to other transformation sectors (papers, textiles, biomaterials). This synergy helps improve the profitability of hemp cultivation while limiting waste. This is often referred to as “upcycling” or by-product valorization.

According to the Swiss Hemp Producers Federation (IG Hanf), diversifying outlets is one of the keys to the sustainable development of the hemp sector in the country. Producers are thus encouraged to sell their biomass residues to paper companies or papermaking artisans.

4.3 Economic Potential for Small Producers

The valorization of hemp paper can offer additional income to CBD entrepreneurs. Small producers, in particular, can benefit from more interesting margins by marketing not only Hash CBD or CBD oil but also by-products. The development of cooperatives around hemp paper production (or textiles, or even construction insulators) allows for the pooling of transformation infrastructures and the standardization of production.

5. Applications of Hemp Paper

5.1 Printing and Luxury Stationery

Thanks to its natural robustness and unique appearance, hemp paper is often used for high-end stationery ranges, creating invitations, business cards, or art booklets. Its ecological and innovative aspect arouses particular enthusiasm among environmentally conscious companies and individuals.

5.2 Packaging

Hemp paper, if produced in larger quantities and with a higher weight, can also be used for packaging. In a context where plastic packaging is increasingly criticized, the use of sustainable, biodegradable, and compostable paper packaging is a definite selling point. The food and cosmetics industries have already begun experimenting with hemp-based packaging solutions.

5.3 Filters and Other Technical Uses

Hemp fibers, thanks to their tenacity and porous structure, can be used in the manufacture of filters (for example, for water or air) and other products requiring mechanical resistance to traction or moisture. The research company Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) has published several reports indicating the interest of hemp-based biocomposites for various applications (construction, light aeronautics, etc.). Even if these biocomposites are not strictly “paper,” the recycling and valorization sector is similar.

6. Practical Tips for Artisans and Producers

6.1 Ensure the Quality of Residues

To make high-quality paper, it is better to start with well-selected residues, free of contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides, etc.). Before purchasing or reselling hemp residues, it is wise to request laboratory analyses certifying the absence of toxic substances, as recommended by the Agriculture Act (LAgr, RS 910.1), which requires a certain level of purity for marketed plant products.

6.2 Choose the Right Equipment

Hemp paper production can be carried out on a small scale in an artisanal way or on a larger scale industrially. In both cases, suitable equipment is necessary:

• Soaking and cooking basins.
• Refining machines (pilosion, kneading).
• Screens or cylinder sheet formers.
• Presses to evacuate water.

Setting up an artisanal chain does not require a very large investment if limited to small quantities, but for higher yields, mechanical and automated equipment should be considered.

6.3 Comply with Environmental Standards

In Switzerland, paper production is subject to certain rules aimed at limiting water pollution and energy consumption. It is therefore recommended to:

• Reuse the soaking water of the pulp, after possibly treating it to depollute.
• Recycle used solvents, as far as possible.
• Monitor atmospheric emissions (vapors, odors) when working near residential areas.

The Water Protection Guide from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) offers guidance on wastewater treatment in small industries. Complying with these guidelines avoids disputes and protects the country’s rivers and groundwater.

7. Challenges and Future Prospects

7.1 Increasing Demand for Eco-friendly Paper

The “green paper” market is booming, supported by both consumer awareness and the sustainability policies of private companies and public administrations. In this context, hemp paper has a card to play, provided production costs are controlled.

7.2 Research and Development

Swiss research centers, such as Empa, ETH Zurich, and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL), are actively exploring the use of new plant fibers in the industry. Research projects are also focused on improving manufacturing processes to reduce carbon footprint and energy consumption.

7.3 Standardization and Certifications

To reassure the end consumer, several ecological and organic certifications could frame the production of hemp paper. Private or public labels (such as Bio Suisse or FSC if wood is mixed with the pulp) can be developed to guarantee the traceability and quality of the product. Swiss authorities, in collaboration with international organizations, are working on creating standardized frameworks for these new bio-based materials.

7.4 International Collaboration

Hemp for paper is not just a national affair. Many European countries, such as France, the Netherlands, and Germany, already have well-established hemp processing sectors. Switzerland, due to the quality of its products and its spirit of innovation, can export its know-how or conclude partnerships to consolidate this sector. The exchange of best practices and cross-border cooperation will promote the establishment of stable and profitable markets.

8. Conclusion

The production of hemp paper from residues, especially after Hash CBD production, fits perfectly into a circular economy approach and addresses pressing ecological challenges. Faced with the scarcity of forest resources and the rise of a public demanding sustainability, hemp offers a solid alternative for the paper industry.

Whether you are a hemp producer, a papermaking artisan, or simply curious, the future of this sector is promising. In Switzerland, the legal framework largely allows the cultivation and processing of low-THC hemp varieties (less than 1%), offering great opportunities for innovation. The manufacturing processes, although requiring some material investment, remain accessible at different production scales. Moreover, the economic and ecological benefits are recognized by official bodies and peer-reviewed scientific studies.

By focusing on the integral valorization of hemp—from the flower for CBD to the residues for paper—we open the door to more environmentally friendly agriculture and a more virtuous industrial sector. At a time when the planet urgently seeks sustainable solutions, these initiatives prove not only relevant but also essential for building the future of hemp in Switzerland and beyond.