Releaf Paper, a Ukrainian company turning fallen leaves into eco-friendly paper packaging. Based in Kyiv, Releaf Paper has changed the way leaves are processed, creating sustainable paper products with cutting-edge technology. They’ve managed to reduce CO2 emissions by an impressive 78% by eliminating the need for chemicals in their process.
Starting in 2021, they’ve already made an impact in the industry, landing big-name clients like L’oreal, Schneider Electric, Samsung, and NYX. In just the following year, they produced 150 tons of paper, launched sales in Europe, and raked in €165,000 in revenue. And they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
Founders Valentyn Frechka and Alexander Sobolenko share their journey in the Startup. It all began as a school project for Valentyn, who wanted to extract high-quality cellulose from fallen leaves. Fast forward to today, and they’re using patented technology to process these leaves into paper material. But the cool part? These leaves come mostly from urban areas, not forests, preserving the ecosystem.Their process is nothing short of ingenious. Fallen leaves are collected, cleaned, and processed with minimal water, electricity, and chemicals. The resulting fibers are used to make biodegradable and recyclable paper products, from bags to cardboard.
Their impact is staggering. For every ton of cellulose, they save 17 trees and reduce CO2 emissions significantly. Their commitment is clear: less waste, more sustainability.But the journey wasn’t without challenges. Their idea was born out of a deep understanding of plant chemistry. They initially focused on unconventional materials like grass and reeds, but it was leaves that stole the show. Their innovation grabbed attention worldwide, propelling them from a school project to an industrial powerhouse.
Releaf Paper’s achievements have been recognized globally. They’ve secured grants from Google and WWF, received the Green Voucher Award from EBRR, and even earned €2.5 million from the European Commission. Not to mention their inclusion in the prestigious PwC Net Zero Future50 report. So, what’s next? Releaf Paper is on a mission. They’re building a pilot line for leaf processing, planning full-cycle productions across Europe, North America, and Eastern Asia. Their ambition knows no bounds.
