Collecting, storing, shipping and processing are all challenges, quite similar to those previously hurdled by the wastepaper issue. Arbokem, a Canadian consultant firm, has a demonstration pulper in Vulcan, Alberta, that manufactures all types of agripulps. Straw pulp has been used to make newsprint and printing and writing grades recently. Smurfit Newsprint used straw pulp to produce rolls for the Oregonian. Simpson has tried bluegrass for heavy weight text grades.
Smaller amounts are and can made for trial printing runs for specific customers.
Other straw papers are made for local markets in India and other countries. Bagasse is probably the secondary largest agripulp. Neenah owns a mill in Mexico that makes text, writing and cover papers from sugar cane. These products fall under the brand name Environment, specified as Mesa White and Tortilla. The 80 lb.