What is OutNature and Silphie Paper Project?
OutNature was founded with a drive to close cycles, reduce the consumption of natural resources, and give waste a new value in the form of sustainable, efficient solutions. OutNature’s vision is embodied by the innovative Silphie plant, which utilizes fibers from Silphium perfoliatum L. – a plant native to North America and cultivated today on around 10,500 hectares in Germany (2022). This project, emerging from Silphie Paper GmbH – a spin off from Papierfabrik Scheufelen founded in 2019 – is a true market mover, dedicated to developing and producing packaging papers made from non-wood fibers. It is all about reshaping future practices while turning everyday waste into value.
Main Benefits of the Silphie Paper Approach
The benefits of this innovative approach extend through the entire supply chain… Here are some of the key figures and facts that highlight the project’s strengths:
- Silphie plant cultivated on approximately 10,500 hectares in Germany (2022).
- Paper machine 2 at the Lenningen facility has a yearly capacity of 18,000 tons.
- Silphie paper contains a 35% Silphie fiber content, offering a unique brownish appearance and natural feel.
- Renewable fibers that are harvested annually and preserved by silage for year-round processing.
- A decentralized, regional, and carbon-negative production process supported by strategic partners and technology experts.
The Silphie Plant: A Closer Look
The Silphie plant, also known as Donau-Silphie, is an annually renewable energy plant harvested in the autumn. Its chopped parts are kept through a silage process, ensuring the material is available throughout the year for optimal fiber processing. The plant is not only used for paper production – its fibers also support energy recovery into biogas and methane. This dual functionality highlights the plant’s efficiency and adaptability. The natural resilience of the Silphie plant makes it a standout example of eco-friendly innovation in agriculture. It’s a classic case of making the most of nature, with sustainable resource use at its core…
Innovative Fiber and Paper Processing
Advanced processing techniques transform the chopped Silphie plant into versatile fibers suited for various applications. The fibers undergo additional processing such as grinding to tailor them to specific customer needs, ensuring optimal functionality during further processing. With a fully equipped fiber and paper R&D facility – including a non-woven pilot plant and the Packaging Campus Lenningen – the project demonstrates a holistic supply chain approach. A strategic partnership with a global player, along with collaboration between agricultural and technology partners off site, further propels this innovative production process. Such efforts have paved the way for an award-winning grass paper development, reflecting true dedication to sustainable practices.
Versatile Applications in Packaging and Beyond
Silphie paper stands out in the realm of packaging, especially for food-related applications where direct contact with food is common. Its machine-smooth, surface-treated quality pairs well with common printing techniques including offset, flexo, and screen printing. Beyond traditional packaging, the paper’s unique properties support special graphic applications. The combination of conventional pulp or recycled paper with Silphie fibers creates a product that is not only environmentally friendly but also aesthetically pleasing – a perfect blend of nature and functionality. The result is a paper that speaks to modern eco-conscious trends while meeting high industry standards.
Driving a Greener Future through Innovation
Silphie Paper GmbH’s commitment to developing non-wood packaging paper showcases a significant leap toward sustainability. By pioneering a decentralized, regional approach to non-wood fiber production, the project reduces dependency on traditional wood-based products and fossil fuels. With an energetic team of 40 dedicated specialists, the initiative continuously explores innovative production techniques to push technological boundaries and set new benchmarks in eco-friendly paper production. This is more than a production effort—it represents a cultural shift, fostering a greener future with every sheet of Silphie paper produced.
Project Impact on Sustainability
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Advancing paper technologies and sustainable manufacturing.
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Promoting the use of renewable resources and efficient waste management.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: Contributing to carbon-negative processes and reducing overall environmental impact.
- SDG 15 – Life on Land: Enhancing sustainable agricultural practices and supporting biodiversity through non-wood-based production.
Shaping the Future, One Fiber at a Time
Silphie Paper GmbH’s journey is one of innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement. By harnessing the intrinsic potential of Silphium perfoliatum L., the project sets itself apart as a frontrunner in environmentally responsible paper making. Every phase of the process—from the cultivation of the renewable energy plant and its year-round preservation to the meticulous fiber processing and eventual paper production—is designed to minimize waste while maximizing utility. It’s an evolving, dynamic process where every step towards efficiency and sustainability contributes to a larger vision: a future where natural resources are used wisely and all waste is transformed into a vital resource. The initiative’s collaborative spirit, cutting-edge research, and commitment to environmental integrity exemplify a modern, sustainable approach to industrial production.
