Utilization of Sisal Plant and Water Hyacinth in Pulp and Paper Making

The growing global demand for paper products, coupled with deforestation and the dwindling availability of wood-based pulp sources, has encouraged the investigation of alternative fibrous raw materials. This study evaluates the suitability of water hyacinth (Eichhomia crassipes) and sisal plant (Agave sisalana) for pulp and paper making, emphasizing their chemical composition, fibre morphology, and mechanical properties. Pulping processes were conducted following TAPPI standards, and several physical tests were applied, including tensile strength, tear resistance, abrasion resistance, and grammage. Results showed that blends of these non-wood fibres can yield paper with varying mechanical and physical qualities appropriate for diverse applications such as packaging and craft paper. These findings support the viability of both plants as sustainable sources of pulp and offer insight into environmentally conscious alternatives for traditional paper making industries.