AIR1-CT92-0496 KENAF: An Agricultural Crop for Industrial Uses

Contacts
Further Information



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AIR Cluster XI - Non-Food Demonstration Projects : Agriculture : Biocomposites/Boards : Fibre : Fine Chemicals : Paper/Pulp : Pharmaceuticals/Cosmetics : Straw

	Contract No	AIR1-CT92-0496
	Total Cost	12 888 500
	EC Contribution	3 764 440
	Start Date	01/04/1992
	Duration	36 months

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SUMMARY

The final reports from several Demonstration projects were presented to National Representatives and others at a symposium held in Paris in March 1996. Reports included that from the European Economic Interest Group (EEIG), known as EUROKENAF which was set up with Spanish, Greek, Italian and Portuguese partners to investigate the potential of kenaf as a fibre crop in the European Union. The project covered the whole chain from field to factory. The first objective was to establish and optimise growth procedures in various European locations. The second, which proved more difficult, was to develop cost-effective, technically-sound harvesting and processing methods; a task only recently completed. Once the material is available at a reasonable price, it can be used for pulp, paper and board making. In addition, a number of novel uses as reinforcing fibre were identified. The technical viability of the whole chain has been established. However, economics remain problematic. To improve these requires further improvements between the farm and factory; including cutting, decorticating (fibre separation), storing, transport (bale density) and bark chipping.

OBJECTIVE

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), a fibrous plant in the Malvaceae family, has long been used for a variety of purposes (string, sacks, etc.). Recently countries in various parts of the world have been investigating the prospects of using Kenaf as a source of cellulose (for pulp, paper and board). The objective of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of Kenaf cultivation (seed and straw production) in Europe (25 firms in six Member States are participating) and of applications in the non food industries for the various constituents of the stem (long fibre and short fibre) employing various methods to produce cellulose pulp and paper, etc.) or fibre board or particle board. This project is intended to reach conclusions on the optimum uses for this raw material with a view to reducing the EC's heavy deficit in such cellulose-based products.

Another objective is to study new uses of other constituents of the Kenaf plant such as the leaves and other molecules offering a high added value, with a view to defining, demonstrating and verifying the form in which these constituents should be used in various industries (chemical, pharmaceuticals, etc.). This three-year project is subdivided into chapters explaining the activities to be carried out at each stage, the members of the Eurokenaf European Economic Interest Grouping which will carry them out and the reasons for the budget appropriations needed to complete the project.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Mr Carlos MARTIN PINTO / GEIE EURO-KENAF / BELGIUM

EC Scientific Officer

• Mr Bernard Von Wullerstorff / Commission of the European Communities / BELGIUM