Oportunidad comercial de exportar papel a base de fibras de residuos orgánicos desde Colombia

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze the commercial opportunity of exporting paper based on organic waste fiber from Colombia. For this purpose, the current state of the paper industry in Colombia is identified in order to know if organic residues from fruits and vegetables are used in the production process; the process of extracting cellulose from fruits and vegetables to transform it into paper is described; and a new niche demand for Colombian paper made from organic fibers is established in order to establish a commercial opportunity. The methodology is quantitative-descriptive, with variables such as: use of fruit and vegetable residues with high cellulose content for paper production, paper exports, sustainable development based on the production of paper obtained from organic residues in the world market, marketing and environmental effect of paper based on organic residues. Among the results is that Colombia is a producer and exporter of paper but its trade balance is not balanced because imports exceed exports. However, the country is strong in the production of fruits and vegetables (such as cauliflower, carrots and bananas) with high cellulose content, which is not used in second use. In this regard, a commercial opportunity was identified for fruit pulp-based paper in the Canadian market, because its population is demanding environmentally sustainable products.