“Laboratory-Scale Preparation and Preliminary Characterization of Paper Sheets from Globe Artichoke Inflorescences ( Cynara Scolymus L.) Waste”

Non-wood fibers derived from agro-industrial residues are increasingly considered as alternative feedstocks for pulp and paper production. However, their broader industrial use remains constrained by technological and processing limitations. Unharvested globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) inflorescences represent an underexplored lignocellulosic residue with potential for valorization as a fibrous raw material. This study evaluated feasibility of using whole residual globe artichoke inflorescences for pulp production and laboratory-scale paper-sheet formation. Pulp was obtained by hot alkaline treatment. The optimized laboratory process produced paper sheets with a sheet-formation yield of 83.46 ± 4.98%. Two representative prototypes were obtained, with grammages of approximately 372–382 g m−2 and 123–164 g m−2, respectively. Both prototypes showed low density, consistent with a relatively porous sheet structure. Resulting sheets may have potential for non-conventional applications, being subject of research as a potential acoustic insulation, biomaterials, and artistic or decorative uses. However, further research is required to optimize processing parameters and to conduct standardized mechanical, acoustic, thermal, and technical characterization of resulting materials. Such studies will be essential to assess feasibility, efficiency, and scalability of globe artichoke inflorescences fiber as a sustainable alternative raw material for pulp and paper industry.