In 1996, the company's founder and chairman, Ernett Altheimer, learned of a plant which has become naturalized throughout the world. This plant, Nile Fiber™, grows prolifically in tropical, sub-tropical and mild temperate regions. Through intensive research and conversations with noted agricultural experts, Mr. Altheimer discovered that Nile Fiber™ has had multiple uses in many parts of the world for centuries, including production of reeds for musical wind instruments, shelters and fencing. Mr. Altheimer, who has had a distinguished entrepreneurial career over the past 30 years, immediately recognized many more commercial possibilities for Nile Fiber™.

An Alternative Non-Wood Fiber Crop

The growing worldwide concern over global deforestation has forced governments and forest products industry representatives to search for alternatives to wood fiber to meet the rapidly escalating demand for pulp and paper products. The Nile Group, Inc. was formed to develop commercial applications for the non-wood fiber crop Nile Fiber™.

Conclusive Results

Test results from research institutions and pulp and paper companies are conclusive: Nile Fiber™ is an extraordinary alternative to wood in the manufacture of pulp and paper products. These tests have also demonstrated that Nile Fiber™ can be used by itself or blended with virgin wood, recycled wood products, or waste generated by wood processing to produce either market pulp or value-added paper products. The resulting products are equal or superior in quality to the same products manufactured from wood or other non-wood fibers.

Nile Fiber™ shows great promise as a vehicle for economic development. The company intends to create new jobs and economic growth through every stage of the value chain, from harvesting natural stands and agricultural farms of the crop, to pulping, papermaking and shipping. The Nile Group, Inc. points out that Nile Fiber™ cultivation "can bring new life to rural economies shattered by the demise of their original industries."