Canopy report finds agricultural fibres can replace 5-10% of wood pulp
Environmental group Canopy has published modelling showing that wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse pulp delivered at about USD 345-380 per tonne would be cost-competitive with the virgin wood pulp it replaces in folding boxboard. The report, based on a model of an integrated pulp and paperboard mill in China, concludes that replacing 5-10% of virgin wood pulp is achievable under current market conditions, with such fibre reaching about 8% of the most cost-effective mix for high-performance folding boxboard by 2028 and potentially 20% by 2030 and over 30% after 2032.
Why this mattersCost-competitive straw and bagasse pulp would give board makers a second fibre source, though a technical ceiling of about 10% in folding boxboard limits the near-term effect.
- Canopy's report 'Seeing the Field and the Forest' was released on 9 November 2026.
- Modelled delivered price for wheat straw or sugarcane bagasse pulp is USD 345-380 per tonne, competitive with the wood pulp it replaces.
- Current technical limits restrict alternative fibre to about 10% of folding boxboard, mainly in the middle layer.
- Canopy projects such pulp could reach around 8% of the optimal fibre mix for high-performance FBB by 2028, 20% by 2030 and over 30% after 2032.
- The analysis models a commercial relationship between a brand or converter and an integrated pulp and paperboard mill in China.