Valentyn Frechka, a 24-year-old scientist from Ukraine, has developed a method to make paper from urban leaf waste. The process can convert 2.3 tonnes of leaves into one tonne of cellulose. Normally, producing the same amount of cellulose would require cutting down 17 trees.
Image: Instagram
The idea came to Frechka when he was 16. He was walking in the Carpathian Mountains and thought of using dead leaves instead of wood to make paper. Later, he joined the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and started developing his invention. He moved to France in 2022.
Today, Frechka's startup collects leaves from local governments and uses them to make biodegradable and recyclable paper. The paper is made without harmful chemicals such as sulphates or chlorine. Some of the leftover material is turned into fertiliser and returned to the cities.
Valentyn Frechka. Image: Instagram
Frechka's company was nominated for "Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2025" and was awarded as one of the top 3 innovations of the year:
Frechka's method transforms urban fallen leaves into sustainable cellulose high-quality fibres, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood pulp, ideal for packaging materials like corrugated paper, boxes, and bags. This innovative process, which requires minimal water and non-aggressive solvents, aligns with circular economy principles, repurposing millions of tons of urban leaf waste annually and supporting global brands in achieving sustainable packaging solutions. - Cellulose Fibre Conference 2025
In the future, Frechka hopes to expand the process to use other plant waste, such as pineapple or banana leaves, and farming by-products.