Valentyn Frechka, a 23-year-old Ukrainian inventor, has become a finalist in the prestigious European Inventor Award 2024, receiving second place and €10,000 for his technology for producing cellulose from fallen leaves. He plans to use these funds to develop his Releaf Paper startup and expand the production of ecological pulp in Ukraine and Europe.
Innovative technology
Unique approach to pulp production
Valentyn Frechka developed an innovative technology for the production of cellulose from fallen leaves. This process includes several stages:
- Mechanical cleaning and washing of raw materials
- Grinding and steam treatment
- Chemical treatment to obtain cellulose fibers
The technology makes it possible to produce 1 ton of fiber from 2.3 tons of fallen leaves, which is equivalent to 17 trees with traditional processing. The resulting fibers can be used to make paper, packaging and other materials.
Plans to expand production
Releaf Paper plans to expand pulp production not only from fallen leaves, but also from other agricultural waste:
- Straw (barley, wheat)
- Corn
- Sunflower
- Flax
- Hemp
The company is building a pilot production line in France and plans to establish full-scale production in the coming years. Valentin also has ambitions to develop pulp production from agricultural waste in Ukraine after the end of the war.
Investments and prospects
Releaf Paper actively attracts investments for production development:
- The minimum required amount of investment is €8 million
- Mixed financing from private investors and the EU is planned
- The company has started the process of patenting the technology in the EU, USA, China and other countries
Valentin Frechka believes that his technology can make a significant contribution to the development of the pulp and paper industry of Ukraine and create hundreds of jobs.
Glossary
- Releaf Paper - a Ukrainian start-up for the production of cellulose from fallen leaves and agricultural waste
- European Inventor Award - a prestigious prize of the European Patent Office for inventors
- VTT - Technical Research Center of Finland
- Andritz AG - Austrian engineering company
- Voith - German engineering company
Reference
Answers to questions
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Discussion of the topic – Ukrainian inventor Valentin Frechka: from a school project to European recognition
The 23-year-old co-founder of Releaf Paper Valentyn Frechka became the first Ukrainian finalist of the European Inventor Award 2024. His innovative technology for producing paper from fallen leaves attracted the attention of the European community.
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