How One Paper Mill Is Using Elephant Poo To Combat Climate Change

In an effort to go greener and combat climate change, a paper mill in Apsley, near Hemel Hempstead, is using a unique ingredient: elephant poo.

Frogmore Paper Mill, which is considered the birthplace of paper’s industrial revolution, is run by the charity Apsley Paper Trail and suffered damage from a fire last year. However, the redevelopment is being used to make the mill more sustainable.

Elephants eat a lot of fibrous plants, making their feces an excellent source of fiber for paper production. The mill is sourcing the dung from the nearby ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, which houses over 20 elephants. The dung is thoroughly washed and treated to remove any bacteria or unwanted materials before being pulped and turned into paper.

This innovative approach helps the mill reduce its reliance on traditional wood-based pulp and reduces the amount of elephant waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill. Additionally, the process results in a paper product with a unique texture and color, which could be marketed as a specialty item.

Frogmore Paper Mill’s use of elephant dung is just one example of how businesses are exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional materials.

As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing issue, companies will need to take a more proactive role in reducing their environmental impact. This can involve everything from sourcing materials more sustainably to developing new technologies that can help mitigate climate change.

In the case of Frogmore Paper Mill, using elephant dung may seem like an unusual solution, but it demonstrates the importance of thinking outside the box when it comes to sustainability. By finding innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact, businesses can help combat climate change and create new opportunities for growth and success.