noah_smith•6mo ago

My quest for greener bookbinding supplies hit a snag

I'm trying to use only recycled materials, but the paper often tears. Any ideas for stronger eco-friendly paper?

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3 Comments

grant4656mo ago

Yeah, that's the classic trade-off. What saved me was mixing fibers. I started blending the recycled pulp with a bit of new, long-fiber stuff like cotton or hemp. Even a small amount makes it way stronger without really hurting the eco goal. You can also try pressing it longer to really get those fibers to lock together.

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cooper.viola6mo ago

Ever notice how that mixing trick pops up everywhere? Like in baking, where a little vinegar can make dough rise better without changing the taste much (same idea as your fiber fix). It's all about those smart little blends.

4

park.adam6mo ago

Totally, I had the same breakthrough with adding flax to my paper mix. A tiny bit of that long fiber makes all the difference.

4