Abstract
Growing concerns over deforestation, climate change, and the environmental impacts of conventional wood-based paper manufacturing have created an urgent need for sustainable alternatives to virgin wood pulp. At the same time, large quantities of agricultural residues and invasive aquatic plants remain underutilized despite their significant resource potential. This review examines the use of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), together with agricultural residues such as rice straw, wheat straw, and sugarcane bagasse, as renewable lignocellulosic feedstocks for green paper production within a circular economy framework. The study critically reviews recent research on the chemical and fiber characteristics of these biomass resources, sustainable pulping technologies, paper manufacturing processes, and biomass valorization strategies. Existing evidence suggests that these non-wood materials contain sufficient cellulose to produce quality paper while simultaneously reducing pressure on forest resources, managing invasive water hyacinth, and utilizing agricultural waste that is often burned or discarded. The review also highlights that combining different biomass sources can improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental pollution, and support cleaner production practices. Although substantial research has been conducted on individual non-wood fibers, studies investigating the integrated use of water hyacinth and agricultural residues from a circular economy perspective remain limited. By identifying these research gaps, this review demonstrates that hybrid biomass-based paper production offers a practical and environmentally responsible pathway toward sustainable papermaking, contributing to resource conservation and supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land).
Keywords: Water hyacinth, agricultural waste, green paper, circular economy, sustainable paper production, biomass valorization.
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