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Article

Lavender Paper: A Sustainable Alternative for Pulp Production

by
Kateřina Hájková
1,*,
Josef Bárta
1,
Tomáš Holeček
1,
Michaela Filipi
2 and
Jiří Synek
1,*
1
Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Science Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
2
Faculty of Chemical Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Macromolecular Materials, University of Pardubice, Studentská 572, 532 10 Pardubice, Czech Republic
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
AppliedChem 2026, 6(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem6010011
Submission received: 28 October 2025 / Revised: 19 January 2026 / Accepted: 27 January 2026 / Published: 3 February 2026
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Abstract

This research investigates the potential of secondary lavender biomass (Lavandula officinalis) as a raw material for paper production within the context of the circular economy and its practical applications. Lavender stems, a by-product of essential oil extraction, were processed using the nitrate–alkali pulping method. The chemical composition of the raw material was analysed according to TAPPI standards, and the resulting pulp was characterised in terms of its mechanical and physical properties, including tensile strength and air permeability. Lavender stems contained 29.43% cellulose and 24.10% lignin, indicating moderate delignification efficiency under the applied conditions. The pulp yield was 24.2% with a Kappa number of 15.9. Of the prepared sheets, the paper with a weight of 80 g·m−2 showed the best mechanical properties, with a breaking length of 1.71 km and a tensile strength index of 16.76 N·m·g−1. In addition, lavender-based paper demonstrated measurable repellent activity against Tineola bisselliella, reducing insect presence by 70% compared to control samples, as determined by controlled laboratory exposure tests. This bioactivity is attributed to residual volatile compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, originating from lavender biomass. Overall, lavender secondary biomass represents a promising non-wood fibre for the production of biodegradable, functional paper materials that combine structural integrity with natural repellent properties.

Graphical Abstract

1. Introduction

The global pulp and paper industry is under increasing pressure to shift toward sustainable and renewable feedstocks, motivated by the depletion of forest resources, the environmental burden of conventional chemical pulping, and the broader transition toward a circular bioeconomy [1,2,3,4]. Non-wood raw materials, particularly agricultural residues, have emerged as promising alternatives due to their annual renewability, low cost, and regional availability in countries with limited forested areas. In Asia, particularly in China and India, non-wood materials already account for nearly 70% of the raw materials used in pulp production [2,5].
Among such residues, lavender (Lavandula officinalis) stands out as an underutilized crop waste. After harvesting for essential oil extraction, large quantities of woody stems remain as by-products, which are often disposed of by burning or composting. However, these stems are rich in lignocellulosic fibres that may serve as a potential raw material for paper production, thereby contributing to waste valorisation and the circular economy [6,7,8,9,10].
Previous studies have explored the application of lavender essential oil in paper products, focusing on antibacterial and antifungal treatments [11,12,13]. These studies reported that paper treated with lavender essential oil exhibited improved resistance to microbial deterioration and extended shelf life, suggesting that lavender’s bioactive compounds can add functional value to cellulose-based materials. However, few works have investigated lavender itself as a fibrous raw material for pulping and papermaking [14,15,16]. To address this gap, the present study provides a more detailed overview of previous lavender pulping attempts and explicitly highlights how the current research expands on earlier findings, particularly in pulping efficiency, sheet properties, and functional behavior.
This research therefore examines the chemical, mechanical, and physical properties of paper made from lavender stalks through nitrate–alkali pulping. This method has previously shown promising results for other non-wood sources such as black mustard and camelina [17]. Furthermore, the study incorporates additional findings regarding the repellent properties of lavender-based paper, offering a broader perspective on its potential applications in functional materials and applied chemistry, such as protective packaging and archival conservation.
From a chemical perspective, the composition of lavender fibres—specifically the balance between cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin—determines their pulping efficiency and paper quality. The moderate lignin content (approximately 20–24%) requires efficient delignification, while the cellulose fraction (around 29%) provides sufficient fibre strength for mechanical integrity. Compared to traditional wood pulps, lavender offers lower processing energy requirements and a reduced environmental impact due to its lower lignin and higher ash content, consistent with other annual plants such as wheat straw or corn stalks [18,19].
In addition to material properties, the repellent functionality of lavender-based paper introduces a unique chemical dimension. The residual essential oil components (linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor) exhibit volatile bioactivity that repels textile moths and other storage pests. These characteristics position lavender pulp as a dual-purpose material—both structurally functional and chemically active—bridging the disciplines of materials science and applied organic chemistry.
The aim of this study was therefore twofold:
i.
to produce nitrate–alkali pulp from lavender waste and evaluate the chemical and mechanical characteristics of the resulting papers; and
ii.
to investigate their potential functional properties, especially insect-repellent activity, and to assess the feasibility of lavender as a sustainable, multifunctional raw material for the paper industry.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Raw Material

The raw material used in this study was secondary lavender biomass (Lavandula officinalis) obtained after harvesting the flowers for essential oil extraction. The material came from agricultural fields in the Central Bohemian Uplands of the Czech Republic, which is characterised by a temperate climate and calcareous soil. The lavender residues consisted mainly of woody stems stripped of flowers and leaves. The stems were air-dried to a constant moisture content of 5% and then disintegrated into pieces of about 1 cm in length prior to chemical processing.
Lavender was selected as a fibrous raw material due to its abundance as a post-harvest secondary biomass, its high cellulose content, and the potential for utilising its bioactive components in functional paper applications. In this study, only stems were used for all chemical analyses and pulping procedures to ensure material consistency. Its fibre morphology—fine, short fibres with relatively thin cell walls—suggests compatibility with wood-free pulp production techniques used for other herbaceous plants.

2.2. Chemical Composition Analysis

The chemical composition of lavender stems was determined according to TAPPI standards. Analyses were performed on air-dried samples, which were later oven-dried to constant mass and normalised to absolute dry weight.
The following standard methods were used:
  • Cellulose content: determined by the Seifert method [20].
  • Lignin content: measured as Klason lignin using TAPPI T 222 cm-02 [21].
  • Holocellulose content: determined according to Wise et al. [22].
  • Hemicelluloses content: calculated as the difference between the holocellulose and cellulose fractions.
  • Extractives: determined by extraction with acetone and a mixture of ethanol and toluene according to TAPPI T 204 cm-97 [21].
  • Ash content: measured using TAPPI T 211 cm-02 [21].
All analyses were performed in triplicate, and average values with standard deviations were calculated. Only stem material was analysed to ensure consistency with the subsequent pulping procedures. The results provided an overview of the chemical suitability of lavender for paper production, particularly in terms of the cellulose to lignin ratio and extract content.

2.3. Pulping Process

The pulping process used a nitrate–alkaline method, chosen for its proven effectiveness in delignifying non-wood fibres such as black mustard and camelina [17]. Approximately 100 g of disintegrated lavender secondary material was placed in a laboratory vessel with a lye to material ratio of 10:1 (vol./wt.).
The pulping process consisted of two sequential stages:
Nitric acid cooking: The material was treated with a 6% nitric acid solution and cooked for 30 min at 90–95 °C, initiating oxidative delignification and partial decomposition of hemicelluloses.
Alkaline extraction: The nitric acid-treated pulp was then transferred to a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) bath with a concentration of 5% NaOH for 10 min at 80–85 °C, dissolving the remaining lignin fragments and extracts.
After pulping, the material was thoroughly washed with distilled water, neutralised with 1% acetic acid, and mechanically separated using laboratory tweezers to ensure safe handling instead of manual hand separation to remove uncooked residues. The Kappa number and pulp yield were determined to assess the degree of delignification and fibre quality.
The resulting pulp was ground and formed into sheets with a basis weight of 80, 100, and 120 g·m−2 using a Rapid-Köthen forming machine. The sheets of paper were acclimatised at a temperature of 23 °C and a relative humidity of 50% for 24 h prior to mechanical testing.

2.4. Mechanical and Physical Testing

The prepared paper sheets were tested for mechanical and physical properties using standardised methods:
  • Tensile strength: measured according to ČSN EN ISO 1924-2 [23].
  • Burst index: determined according to ISO 2758:2014 [24].
  • Air permeability: measured using the Gurley method according to ISO 5636-5 [25].
Each test was performed in ten repetitions, and the average values were calculated. In addition to mechanical tests, paper samples were observed under an optical microscope to assess fibre dispersion and bond quality, using magnifications of 100× and 200× to ensure consistent visual evaluation.

2.5. Evaluation of Repellent Properties

To investigate the functional potential of lavender-based papers, repellent protection tests against textile moths (Tineola bisselliella) were conducted. Paper samples were placed in sealed glass chambers with three adult moths per chamber and stored for 14 days at a temperature of 25 °C and 60% relative humidity. Each experimental variant was evaluated using a total of 42 individual observations (3 moths × 14 days). In addition to the flax control paper, separate control tests containing only lavender essential oil and only dried lavender blossoms were conducted to distinguish the contribution of individual components. A control sample made of pure flax paper was used for comparison.
Insect activity was recorded and quantified as the number of insects located within a predefined 2 cm zone surrounding the paper sample during each daily observation and expressed as a percentage of insects within this zone relative to the total number insects in the chamber. For each experimental variant, daily percentage values were used to calculate mean values and standard deviations (SD).
To facilitate interpretation, the quantitative percentage data were complemented by a simplified qualitative behavioural classification (0—strong avoidance; 1—weak reaction and 2—no reaction), which was derived directly from the underlying percentage values. The presence of volatile compounds such as linalool, linalyl acetate, and camphor was thought to contribute to the repellent behaviour [7,26]. Their role was inferred from the known chemical composition of lavender essential oil used in the study and from previously documented bioactivity in similar pest-repellent systems.

3. Results

3.1. Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of lavender stems is summarised in Table 1.
The data show that lavender stalks contain 29.43% cellulose and 24.10% lignin, indicating moderate suitability for paper production. The relatively high ash content (~5%) reflects the mineral intake characteristics of annual plants. At the same time, the increased extract content, especially in the blossoms, correspond to the presence of essential oils, flavonoids, and tannins. These differences confirm that blossoms possess considerably higher extractive fractions, which would hinder pulping efficiency; therefore, only the stalks were selected for the pulping experiments to ensure reproducible fibre quality.

3.2. Total Pulp Yield and Kappa Number

The nitrate–alkali method of pulping lavender stalks yielded 24.2% pulp with a Kappa number of 15.9 determined according to ČSN ISO 302 [27]. The content of rejects (uncooked material) was minimal, only 0.28%, confirming effective delignification under the conditions used.
These results suggest that lavender stems, although woody, respond effectively to treatment with nitrates and alkalis and produce pulp with comparable yield and lignin removal levels to other herbaceous raw materials, such as black mustard and camelina, processed under similar conditions [17]. The moderate Kappa number indicates that the nitrate–alkali sequence was sufficient to remove most lignin while preserving fibre integrity, which is essential for subsequent sheet formation.

3.3. Mechanical Properties

Mechanical and physical tests were performed on laboratory sheets with a basis weight of 80, 100, and 120 g·m−2. The results are summarised in Table 2.
Laboratory sheets with a weight of 80 g·m−2 achieved the highest tensile index (16.76 N·m·g−1) and breaking length (1.71 km). At 100 g·m−2 both parameters decreased, whereas at 120 g·m−2 a partial increase was observed again, indicating that the relationship between basis weight and tensile properties was not strictly linear.
Air permeability values (Gurley method) ranged between 1.8 and 3.9 s, indicating that higher basis weights resulted in denser and less porous papers, which could affect printing or surface properties. The observed trend was consistent across all measurements, with permeability decreasing as sheet density increased.

3.4. Physical Appearance and Fiber Morphology

Microscopic examination of lavender papers revealed well-connected fibres with a limited amount of fragments or unreacted particles. Quantitative image analysis showed an average fibre length of 0.42 ± 0.07 mm and a fibre width of 12.3 ± 1.8 μm, which corresponds to dimensional characteristics typical of herbaceous materials. The fibres were relatively short and fine, as confirmed by these measurements. The 80 g·m−2 sheet showed a more homogeneous surface structure, indicating better fibre distribution during sheet formation.
Representative micrographs are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 (magnifications 200× and 1000×).

3.5. Repellent Properties

Repellent tests against clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella) showed that lavender-based paper exhibits significant natural insect repellent activity compared to control cellulose (flax) paper. The evaluation was based on quantitative observations of insect proximity recorded daily over a 14-day exposure period (n = 42 observations per sample).
After 14 days of exposure, lavender paper reduced moth activity by approximately 70%, as quantified by the mean percentage of insects observed within the defined 2 cm observation zone surrounding each paper sample during daily inspections, with corresponding standard deviations reflecting data variability. In contrast, control flax paper showed consistently higher percentage of insects located near the sample, indicating no repellent effect.
The effect was most substantial in samples made from sheets enriched with lavender flowers or containing a percentage of lavender essential oil. Sample containing lavender essential oil alone exhibited the lowest proportion of insects within the defined zone, whereas samples containing both blossoms and essential oil showed a weaker repellent effect and increased variability, as reflected in the quantitative data. This behaviour suggests that blossom-derived non-volatile components may partially hinder the diffusion of volatile compounds responsible for repellence.
These effects correlate with the presence of volatile organic compounds, such as linalool, linalyl acetate, and camphor, which are known for their insect repellent properties [7,26]. The qualitative behavioural classification (strong/weak/no reaction) presented in Table 3 was derived directly from the underlying quantitative percentage data to facilitate interpretation.
Photographic documentation of the experiment setup, including visual definition of the 2 cm observation zone, is shown in Figure 3, and the quantitative results with corresponding standard deviations are summarised in Table 3.

4. Discussion

The chemical composition of lavender indicates a balanced lignocellulose profile, making it suitable for pulp production. The cellulose content in the stems is 29.43%, which, although lower than in typical woody plants such as birch (41%) or pine (47%) [28], is comparable to other non-woody materials, including wheat straw (38%), rapeseed straw (37%), and sunflower stalks (36–38%) [18,29]. The relatively low lignin content (24.10%) facilitates delignification, reducing the need for aggressive chemical treatment. Lignin in lavender consists mainly of guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) units—characteristic of dicotyledonous plants—which are more susceptible to oxidative degradation during nitrate pulping. This may explain the low Kappa number (15.9) achieved after relatively mild conditions (30 min of nitric acid and 10 min of sodium hydroxide) compared to the higher values reported for cereal straw pulp (typically 20–30) [19]. High ash and extract content is typical of herbaceous materials and is often associated with inorganic salts (K, Ca, Mg) and organic soluble substances (flavonoids, coumarins, terpenes). Although these compounds can interfere with pulp formation reactions by consuming alkalis or forming sticky residues, in this study they contributed positively to functional behaviour by supporting bioactivity and moderate hydrophobicity of the material [7].
The results of mechanical tests confirmed that basis weight affects tensile strength and burst strength. Sheets with a basis weight of 80 g·m−2 showed the highest tensile strength index (16.76 N·m·g−1) and length between breaks (1.71 km), surpassing the values for corn stalk pulp (5.06 N·m·g−1) [30]. This can be attributed to more effective fibre bonding and uniform fibre orientation in thinner sheets. However, the trend was not linear across all basis weights: values decreased at 100 g·m−2 but increased again at 120 g·m−2, in agreement with Table 2. This indicates a more complex interaction between sheet density, fibre mobility, and internal stresses during formation. The burst index increased slightly with basis weight, reflecting greater thickness and resistance to compression. Compared to other nitro-alkaline pulps, the mechanical properties of lavender were intermediate: stronger than corn but weaker than black mustard or flax [17]. These results suggest that lavender fibres possess sufficient flexibility and bonding ability; however, their relatively short length limits the ultimate strength development. Air permeability results, as determined by the Gurley test (1.8–3.9 s), indicate a dense fibre network with low porosity. Such low porosity may be advantageous for barrier applications or protective packaging requiring reduced air exchange.
Microscopic observations confirmed that lavender fibres are short with smooth, thin walls, and relatively wide lumens. Morphological parameters (length 0.42 ± 0.07 mm; width 12.3 ± 1.8 μm) support this classification. This morphology promotes good surface bonding but limits fibre entanglement, which explains the moderate tensile strength compared to longer fibres such as kraft wood pulp [31]. The presence of fine residual particles and extraction deposits in thicker paper sheets (120 g·m−2) indicates incomplete washing or partial precipitation of lignin fragments. These properties slightly increase density and tensile strength but reduce flexibility [32,33,34,35]. From a chemical engineering perspective, the process of producing lavender pulp with nitrates and alkali metals is highly selective, favouring lignin oxidation over cellulose degradation. The nitric acid stage produces nitroaromatic intermediates, which are subsequently removed during the alkali extraction process. The observed moderate lignin oxidation is consistent with the low Kappa number and the naturally high brightness of the resulting pulp [36].
One of the most significant results of this study is the demonstration of the repellent properties of lavender-based paper. A ~70% reduction in textile moth activity as quantified by the defined measurement protocol compared to control samples confirms that bioactive volatile compounds partially remain in the paper matrix even after defibration. The components of lavender essential oil—linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor, and 1,8-cineole—are semi-volatile terpenoids capable of slow release from cellulose fibres [13,37,38,39]. These molecules interact with the olfactory receptors of insects, disrupting host-seeking behaviour and reducing food intake and egg laying [26]. From a chemical perspective, these compounds are likely to be adsorbed onto the surface of cellulose or trapped in residual lignin domains. The hydrophobic aromatic network of lignin may act as a micro-reservoir for terpenoid molecules, facilitating gradual evaporation [40,41,42]. This mechanism is similar to that of aroma-retaining biopolymers used in packaging films [8]. The retention of these compounds despite acid pulping suggests that the process does not entirely remove low-molecular-weight hydrophobic molecules. This finding may guide future optimisation of pulping parameters to balance structural performance with functional retention [38,43] Lavender extracts also exhibit mild antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which may potentially enhance the paper’s resistance to ageing. This finding is consistent with earlier studies that show paper treated with lavender essential oil resists microbial damage and retains its mechanical integrity over time [8].
Compared to other annual crops, lavender pulp exhibits a unique balance between mechanical strength, processing efficiency, and functional properties. In terms of total yield and delignification, it is comparable to camelina and black mustard [17]. Mechanically, it outperforms corn and wheat straw pulp prepared by the sodium or peroxy-acetate method [44]. Functionally, lavender is characterised by internal repellent properties and antimicrobial effects, which are properties that are rarely found in other agricultural residues [13,45]. Lavender pulp could thus serve as a dual-purpose raw material, both as a structural component for fibre-based materials and as a carrier of natural bioactive molecules. Such integration exemplifies the principles of applied chemistry in circular material design, where the chemical nature of agricultural waste is utilised not only for structural restoration but also for functional enhancement.
From the perspective of applied chemistry, this study shows how the design of chemical processes and the chemistry of natural compounds can intersect in the recovery of plant residues. The method of pulp production with nitrates and alkali metals emphasises the selective oxidation of lignin and the practical preservation of cellulose. At the same time, the presence of retained volatile substances is an example of passive functionalization of the material without the need for external additives. This concept aligns with the principles of green chemistry, emphasising the minimal use of reagents, the utilisation of renewable raw materials, and the production of multifunctional outputs. Lavender pulp could be further explored as a basis for:
  • Active packaging materials with inherent pest resistance;
  • Environmentally friendly storage inserts for textiles or books;
  • Hybrid composites, where aromatic residues improve interfacial bonds with polymers.
In addition, from an industrial perspective, the seasonal availability and large post-harvest volumes of lavender biomass make it a viable supplementary fibre source for small-scale or specialty paper production. Although not suitable as a primary fibre for high-strength packaging grades, lavender pulp could expand the portfolio of functional niche papers where bioactivity and sustainability are prioritised.

5. Conclusions

This research demonstrates that secondary biomass from lavender (Lavandula officinalis) can serve as a sustainable, non-wood raw material for paper production, aligning with the goals of applied chemistry and the circular bioeconomy. Lavender stems exhibited a favourable lignocellulosic composition moderate lignin content and adequate cellulose content, enabling efficient pulping and potential for functional materials.
Using a nitrate–alkali process, a pulp yield of 24.2% with a Kappa number of 15.9 was achieved. Paper with a basis weight of 80 g·m−2 exhibited the best mechanical properties, with a tensile strength index of 16.76 N·m·g−1 and a breaking length of 1.71 km, indicating its suitability mainly for speciality papers, thin barrier-type sheets, or functional materials rather than high-strength packaging grades.
Importantly, lavender-based papers retained partial repellent activity against Tineola bisselliella moths, reducing insect presence by 70% as determined by a defined observational protocol, likely due to residual terpenoids (linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor, 1,8-cineole).
Overall, lavender waste offers a biodegradable and bioactive alternative for fibre production. Further optimisation of delignification and characterisation of retained volatiles could expand its use in ecological and functional paper materials, especially in applications requiring natural pest resistance, low porosity, or antimicrobial behaviour.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, K.H. and T.H.; methodology, K.H.; validation, K.H., J.B. and T.H.; formal analysis, K.H., J.B., T.H., M.F. and J.S.; investigation, K.H.; writing—original draft preparation, K.H.; writing—review and editing, K.H. and J.B.; visualization, K.H.; supervision, K.H.; project administration, K.H. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was supported by the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (Internal Grant Agency, Project No. A_03_24).

Institutional Review Board Statement

All the moth experiments that we performed complied with the ARRIVE guidelines and were carried out in accordance with (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986 and associated guidelines, EU Directive 2010/63/EU for animal experiments.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors on request.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Appliedchem 06 00011 g001
Figure 1. SEM image of a lavender sheet of paper, magnification 200×.
Figure 1. SEM image of a lavender sheet of paper, magnification 200×.
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Figure 2. SEM image of a lavender sheet of paper, magnification 1000×: (a) lavender paper; (b) sample edge after measuring mechanical parameters; (c) paper containing 1% lavender blossom; (d) paper containing 5% lavender blossom.
Figure 2. SEM image of a lavender sheet of paper, magnification 1000×: (a) lavender paper; (b) sample edge after measuring mechanical parameters; (c) paper containing 1% lavender blossom; (d) paper containing 5% lavender blossom.
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Figure 3. Determination of repellent properties (visual documentation of moth distribution after 14 days of exposure).
Figure 3. Determination of repellent properties (visual documentation of moth distribution after 14 days of exposure).
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Table 1. Chemical composition (in weight %).
Table 1. Chemical composition (in weight %).
SampleAshExtracts (Acetone)Extracts (Acetone-Toluene)LigninCelluloseHolocelluloseHemicelluloses
Lavender stalks5.25 ± 0.377.25 ± 0.199.28 ± 0.0824.10 ± 1.1229.43 ± 1.2777.90 ± 1.9248.47 ± 1.55
Lavender blossoms5.50 ± 0.2913.79 ± 0.8712.03 ± 1.0320.52 ± 0.9726.73 ± 1.0860.19 ± 1.7533.46 ± 1.42
Table 2. Mechanical and physical properties of lavender paper.
Table 2. Mechanical and physical properties of lavender paper.
SampleAir
Permeability [s]		Breaking Length [km]Relative
Elongation [%]		Tensile Index [N·m·g−1]Tensile Energy Absorption [J·g−1]Burst Index [kPa]
Lavender
80 g·m−2		1.80 ± 0.201.71 ± 0.050.68 ± 0.0416.76 ± 0.470.08 ± 0.0126.93 ± 0.21
Lavender
100 g·m−2		2.33 ± 0.120.57 ± 0.160.35 ± 0.165.58 ± 1.510.01 ± 0.0130.53 ± 0.59
Lavender
120 g·m−2		3.87 ± 0.120.98 ± 0.050.59 ± 0.069.58 ± 0.420.04 ± 0.0136.17 ± 0.81
Table 3. Repellent properties of lavender-based paper against Tineola bisselliella. Mean percentage of insects observed within the defined 2 cm zone ± standard deviation (SD), calculated from daily observations over a 14-day exposure period (n = 42). Qualitative behavioural response derived from quantitative data.
Table 3. Repellent properties of lavender-based paper against Tineola bisselliella. Mean percentage of insects observed within the defined 2 cm zone ± standard deviation (SD), calculated from daily observations over a 14-day exposure period (n = 42). Qualitative behavioural response derived from quantitative data.
SampleLavender PulpFlax Pulp
Insects Within
2 cm Zone (%) ± SD		Qualitative
Reaction		Insects Within
2 cm Zone (%) ± SD		Qualitative
Reaction
Only pulp80.95 ± 21.55292.86 ± 14.202
Pulp + 1% lavender blossoms45.23 ± 16.57178.57 ± 16.582
Pulp + 5% lavender blossoms7.14 ± 14.19011.90 ± 16.580
Pulp + 10% lavender essential oil4.76 ± 12.10011.90 ± 16.580
Pulp + 1% lavender blossoms + 10% essential oil26.19 ± 19.30130.95 ± 20.521
Pulp + 5% lavender blossoms + 10% essential oil0.00 ± 0.0007.14 ± 14.190
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MDPI and ACS Style

Hájková, K.; Bárta, J.; Holeček, T.; Filipi, M.; Synek, J. Lavender Paper: A Sustainable Alternative for Pulp Production. AppliedChem 2026, 6, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem6010011

AMA Style

Hájková K, Bárta J, Holeček T, Filipi M, Synek J. Lavender Paper: A Sustainable Alternative for Pulp Production. AppliedChem. 2026; 6(1):11. https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem6010011

Chicago/Turabian Style

Hájková, Kateřina, Josef Bárta, Tomáš Holeček, Michaela Filipi, and Jiří Synek. 2026. "Lavender Paper: A Sustainable Alternative for Pulp Production" AppliedChem 6, no. 1: 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem6010011

APA Style

Hájková, K., Bárta, J., Holeček, T., Filipi, M., & Synek, J. (2026). Lavender Paper: A Sustainable Alternative for Pulp Production. AppliedChem, 6(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem6010011

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