The paper industry plays a vital role in our society; however, it can have a significant impact on the environment. Paper production has historically been associated with deforestation, causing a loss of biodiversity, and contributing to climate change. It requires significant amounts of water, and can generate greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.

Today, there is a significant increase in awareness of the challenges and opportunities for improvement, leading to the adoption of innovative sustainable practices. This industry's impact is being mitigated by many companies by adopting more sustainable practices, such as the use of sustainable pulp sources like hemp to implement more environmentally efficient technologies.

A diverse group of over 60 attendees representing multiple countries and professional fields came together to participate in the webinar, which became an occasion of international collaboration. The paper industry has a strong interest and commitment towards exploring sustainable pathways, as evidenced by this strong turnout.

The ‘Sustainable paper revolution: the use of hemp for a greener future’ webinar, organized by the HempCluB project in collaboration with the RuralBioUp project, was held online on the 26^th of March 2024 and provided a platform for both experts and interested to explore the potential of hemp as a transformative force in the pursuit of environmental sustainability. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, ranging from the theoretical foundations of hemp's role in the paper industry to practical examples of its implementation in real-world contexts. Several experts in the field, including representatives from Fibers 365, Lucense S.c.a.r.l, PAPACKS, Gmund Papier, Cottrell Paper, Mill26 and INV-Institut für Naturstoffverarbeitung, shared their experiences, knowledge and market for action. The webinar's interactive nature enabled a rich dialogue, which led to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning towards more sustainable practices.

Collaboration plays a crucial role in driving meaningful change in the paper industry, as demonstrated by the lively exchange of ideas. The convergence of stakeholders with diverse backgrounds to share their perspectives and experiences resulted in a shared purpose to harness innovation and embrace alternative solutions to mitigate environmental impact.

In essence, the webinar served as a catalyst for collective action, igniting a shared vision for a greener, more resilient future. By introducing a theoretical background and showcasing innovative examples of hemp's utilization in the paper industry as a sustainable and innovative solution, the event reinforced the commitment to mitigating environmental impact and promoting the diversification of pulp sources.

Did you miss the event and are you interested in catching up on the insightful talks? Check-out the reference links below.

Webinar recording: https://youtu.be/m_9c4gQzvyw

Slides: https://hempclubproject.com/events/