A degraded hemicellulose obtained from degumming liquor of ramie fibre was used as an additive during the beating operation of jute-stick pulp. Pulp properties, such as freeness, beating energy, etc., and the strength properties of the paper sheets were evaluated. It was found that the additive had a significant effect in reducing the energy consumption during the beating operation and in improving the strength properties of paper sheets made from the pulp.