Turning over a new leaf

This article is brought to you in association with EBRD.

Releaf Paper, the world’s first producer of 100 per cent leaf-based packaging, has grown from kitchen experiments to an international success in just six years. With offices in Kyiv and Paris, millions in investments and customers in 20 countries, the company’s groundbreaking technology is transforming the paper industry. 

First came the big idea. Valentyn Frechka was just a teenager when he looked at the fallen leaves strewn across his hometown and thought: “What if they could be turned into paper?” That one question sparked a journey that has challenged a global industry, won international awards and given the world a groundbreaking answer to a significant environmental challenge. 

Armed with only a school lab and his bright idea, Valentyn began to develop his technology to turn leaf waste into high-quality paper. For him, it was about saving forests and creating a sustainable alternative to traditional wood-based paper.  

“It all started with the development of a school project,” Valentyn recalls. “I realised that this was my opportunity to express myself in the national or even international arena, so I was quite careful in choosing the research direction and topic.”  

A star is born 

Valentyn’s commitment to sustainability quickly drew attention. Within three years, he was on the Forbes (Ukraine) “30 Under 30” list. By 2022, Releaf Paper, a company he co-founded with entrepreneur Oleksandr Sobolenko, was recognised by Google and secured support from both Google’s Fund for Startups and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). 

But the real magic of Releaf Paper lies not just in its vision, but in its impact. Using leaves to produce paper requires less water and significantly less energy than traditional methods, without cutting down a single tree.  

“If someone says that fallen leaves can be turned into packaging material, it usually impresses people,” Oleksandr Sobolenko explains. “Made of paper and produced from fallen leaves without cutting down trees, Releaf Bags offer a green alternative to plastic or wood-based paper carrier bags. They are recyclable and fully biodegradable within 45-55 days.”  

For every tonne of leaf-based paper produced, 17 trees are saved and CO₂ emissions are reduced by up to 70 per cent. It is no wonder some global brands are already on board. 

Partnership for development 

This eco-friendly technology has drawn international support. In 2022, Releaf Paper became one of the winners of the Climate Innovation Vouchers, a joint initiative by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU). This helped to cover the costs of international patenting and lay the groundwork for broader expansion.  

“Patenting abroad costs a lot of money, so the support of the Climate Innovation Vouchers grant was timely and appropriate,” explains Valentyn.  

The year 2023 was a remarkable one for the company. Test batches of its products went to Spain, Italy, Germany and Poland. The Releaf Bags brand hit the European market, embraced by e-commerce customers.  

“We typically have many plans and ideas, but not so many resources for their implementation,” Oleksandr admits. “That’s why, dreaming big, we still aim to successfully launch a production pilot in France and achieve our economic goals. But at the same time, we will continue our global communication campaign to popularise our technology and products.” 

To be continued … 

Growth has not just been about new markets. The team, now 10 strong, opened an office in Station F in Paris, Europe’s largest startup incubator, with support from luxury goods giant LVMH. Releaf Bags are taking off among top brands and eco-conscious customers alike.  

“Despite some scepticism in the market, we have managed to industrialise our technology,” Valentyn says. “Turning biological waste into paper and packaging is really a turnkey solution for the industry.” 

What started as a simple idea in a small town has become a global mission. Today, Valentyn and the team are working with scientists at the French Institute of Bioprocessing and Paper, continuing to advance his concept of leaf-based pulp and exploring new opportunities across Europe. With a €3.5 million investment for the world’s first pilot production of paper from fallen leaves, launched in France in November 2024, Releaf Paper stands ready to redefine the future of the paper industry, showing the world that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.