Pulping and papermaking of Leucaena diversifolia by soda-anthraquinone-ethanol was studied using an experimental design in order to investigate the effects of cooking variables: temperature, time, soda concentration, ethanol concentration and wash-disintegrate temperature on the pulp yield and the physico-chemical characteristics of paper sheets (tensile index, burst index, tear index and brightness). Previously, in order to assess the potential of plants of this raw material grown over short periods, its results were compared with those of other leucaena varieties and the best crop among three grown for 1-3 years was selected. The results were evaluated using the response surface methodology with a view to identifying the most suitable operating conditions. In accordance with biomass production and the features of the raw materials and cellulose pulp obtained, the L. diversifolia grown for 2 years was found to be the most suitable choice for obtaining pulp and paper among the five leucaena varieties examined. Suitable physical characteristics of paper sheets (tensile index, burst and tear index) and acceptable yield pulping and brightness could be obtained by operating at medium temperature, active alkali concentration, pulping time, ethanol concentration and wash-disintegrate temperature. (C) 2009 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.