Flax Paper

About the paper

Tree-free paper from decorticated flax fibre

Flax paper is made from residual flax fibre, the decorticated fibre left over from the early stages of linen production. At Bluecat Paper we collect this byproduct and convert it into a clean, tree-free paper.

Flax fibre is long, smooth and tensile, giving the paper strength, a fine finish and a subtle translucency. The surface is free from additives or coatings.

What it is used for

Because flax fibres are long and fine, the paper forms well with minimal binder and looks distinctive when layered or backlit.

• Wrapping and interleaving
• Tags and folders
• Cards, inserts and covers
• Packaging
• Journals and design applications

How it is made

We use decorticated flax fibre, the waste separated during the first stage of processing flax for linen, before spinning or weaving.

• Residual fibres are collected from textile units
• Fibres are cleaned and pulped with water and mechanical treatment
• Sheets are formed and dried with a low-energy method
• No bleach, dyes or synthetic additives

The result highlights the fibre's natural qualities.

Why it matters

Why flax paper matters

Made from pre-spinning textile wasteNo trees, bleach or coatingsSmooth, translucent and tensileRecyclable and compostableCircular use of materials

Verified statistics

The numbers behind flax paper

51%

cellulose in flax straw, a strong non-wood papermaking fibre

Pulp and paper study

86% ISO

brightness achieved by flax straw paper

Pulp and paper study

5.2 km

breaking length, reflecting high tensile strength

Pulp and paper study

Sources and data

Common questions, verified

Is flax a strong paper fibre?

Yes. Flax straw paper reached 86% ISO brightness and a burst strength exceeding standard white bond paper.

What is flax paper made from?

Flax straw and fibre, including residues from linen processing, a promising non-wood raw material.

Why choose flax over wood pulp?

It uses a textile and crop byproduct rather than trees, forming a fine, strong sheet with good measured properties.

What people say

In the words of our customers

Flax Paper feels natural without looking too rustic.Hannah Berg

Our simple prints found a lovely home on Flax Paper.Neel Desai

Flax Paper has a character you can feel.Isabella Rossi