Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

The global demand for sustainable packaging materials has increased due to the environmental impacts of synthetic plastics and wood-based paper. This study explores the valorization of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) shell waste as a lignocellulosic raw material for handmade wrapping-paper production. Groundnut shells, an abundant agro-waste with notable cellulose and lignin content, were subjected to alkaline pulping, washing, refining, and sheet formation using standard mould-sheeting techniques. Key physical properties of the prepared paper—pH, thickness, and moisture content—were evaluated using standardized procedures. The resulting sheets exhibited a neutral pH of 7.5, an average thickness of 0.18 mm, and a moisture content of 2.04%, confirming their suitability for light-duty wrapping applications. The study demonstrates that groundnut shell waste can be effectively transformed into biodegradable wrapping paper, reducing reliance on wood fibres and supporting decentralized, low-cost, and environmentally responsible packaging solutions.