Hemp Paper is Breakthrough for Digital Printing

A German papermaker has developed a hemp paper for books and brochures produced on digital printing systems.

The specially designed hybrid, uncoated paper, from legacy paper company Hahnemühle, Dassel, Germany, was developed exclusively for printing the book “H is for HEMP” by photographer and climate impact storyteller Maren Krings, to be published in April 2022.

“It is the first paper made from sustainable hemp fibers grown in Europe for environmentally conscious print products,” said Heidemarie Hinger, Product and Business Development Manager at Hahnemühle.

hemp paper
The Hahnemühle factory, Dassel, Germany. The company dates to 1584. (Photo: Maren Krings)

Closing a loop

The new hemp paper is produced with pure spring water, which Hahnemühle has used since its founding at the company’s sole production facility on a natural reserve in Saxony, in north-central Germany. The water is fed into the nearby river after passing through a largely closed processing system that is free from chemical cleaning agents, biocides or preservatives. The energy used for manufacturing comes exclusively from 100% renewable sources.

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