How can paper be recycled and what are some of the things recycled paper can be used for?
Since there are multiple types of paper, recycled paper is separated according to its grade following EN 643 standard. Then, paper is sent to a paper mill, where it is pulped in order to break down the paper into separate wood fibers. Next, screening and cleaning to remove large impurities, such as paper clips, pieces of plastic is applied. Finally, recycled fibers can be deinked to achieve high purity. Clean fibers suitable for the production are then used as if they were virgin fibers made of wood logs.
Recovered paper can be used for the production of wide range of paper and cardboard. Often, recovered paper is used for the production of hygiene papers, like tissues and toilet paper. Apart from recycling within the pulp and paper industry, recovered paper can be used for the production of animal bedding or insulation materials.
When considering paper recycling for the production of high-grade or hygiene paper, one should study the potential for the utilization of deinking sludge, which is the biggest waste stream generated during the recycling process and can account for nearly half of the paper consumed. For that question, please, refer to the publication below.
Technical Report Deinking sludge utilization possibilities: technical, econom...
Dear Desmond
Paper recycling pertains to the processes of reprocessing waste paper for reuse. Paper is one the material that can be easily recycled. Recycled paper is paper that was made from paper and paper products that has already been used and recovered.
In general, thestep by step process of Paper Recycling are as follows:
1.Collection
Recyclers and paper merchants collect the paper materials from collection points such as trash bins, paper stores, paper scrap yards, and commercial outlets that generate paper waste. Paper is collected from the bin and deposited in the large recycling container along with the paper from the other recycle bins. After collection, they are then measured, graded for quality, and hauled to recycling paper mill facilities.
2. Sorting
Once accepted at the recycling facility, the papers are further sorted based on quantity and paper value by assessing the materials that were used to make the paper. In most cases, the papers are classified according to their surface treatment and structure.
3. Shredding and Pulping
Once sorting is finished, the next step involves shredding followed with pulping. Shredding is done to break down the paper materials into small bits.
4. Filtering, conterminal removal and De-Inking
The slurry substance is then taken through a comprehensive filtering process to get rid of all the non-fibrous foreign materials present or any impurities such as strings, tape or glue.
5. Finishing for reuse
This is the final stage of paper recycling. The cleaned pulp is blended with new production materials after which, it is put to dry on a flat conveyor belt and heated cylindrical surfaces. As the pulp dries, it is passed through an automated machine that presses out excess water. By the time the pulp is solid, it is passed through steam heated cylinders that facilitates the formation of flattened long rolls of continuous sheets of paper.
I hope that this information could be helpful for you
Regards,
Ata
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