This study introduced, for the first time worldwide, molasses as an additive in papermaking. The introduction of molasses as an additive in papermaking resulted in paper composites with greater breaking length and remarkably higher water retention value (WRV), compared with paper that does not have molasses as an additive. Previous studies have shown that incorporating the cell wall microstructure of cellulose fibers with sucrose greatly enhanced the breaking length and WRV. It is well established in the literature that using gums (including starch) as additives in papermaking enhances paper strength. Molasses, which contains sucrose and gums (including starch) is a byproduct of the sugar industry and is cheaper than sucrose. Mercerization of pulp fibers before loading them with molasses was shown to greatly enhance the positive effects produced by loading with molasses. Application: Paper composites produced using molasses as an additive are useful as specialty absorbent paper.