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Eggersmann Recycling Technology

Recycling waste paper

The correct disposal and recycling of waste paper is of great importance for the environment. Paper waste accounts for a significant proportion of our waste and valuable resources can be saved by recycling waste paper correctly.

I. How important is the recycling of waste paper for the environment?

Recycling waste paper has many economic and ecological benefits - here are some of the most important:

  • Conservation of resources
    The production of paper from fresh wood fibres requires the use of large quantities of water and energy as well as the clearing of forests. By recycling waste paper, these resources can be largely dispensed with. Waste paper contains valuable cellulose fibres that can be reused in paper production.
  • Energy saving
    The production of paper from recycled waste paper requires significantly less energy than the production from fresh wood fibres. By using waste paper as a raw material, considerable amounts of energy can be saved, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions and environmental pollution.
  • Reduction of landfill waste
    If waste paper is not disposed of correctly, it often ends up in landfill, where it slowly rots and takes up space. This also leads to the creation of greenhouse gases and toxic substances as the paper breaks down. By collecting and recycling waste paper, landfill capacity can be conserved and the environmental impact of waste reduced.

II. What processing steps does waste paper go through during recycling?

Waste paper goes through the following recycling steps:

  • Separation of waste paper
    It is important to separate waste paper from other waste streams such as plastic or glass. This can be facilitated by providing special collection containers or recycling bins. Clearly labelling and educating the public about the correct separation of waste paper is crucial.
  • Removal of contamination
    Before recycling, waste paper should be freed as far as possible from contaminants such as adhesives, metal staples or plastic film. These contaminants can impair the quality of the recycled paper and disrupt the recycling process.
  • Sorting and processing
    After collection, the waste paper is taken to a recycling plant for sorting. There, different types of paper are separated from each other to ensure that the recycled paper fulfils the desired quality standards. The waste paper is then shredded and processed into a fibre pulp mixture.
  • De-inking
    If the waste paper is to be used to produce white paper, de-inking is required. This involves removing the printing inks and inks from the paper fibres. This process can be carried out using various methods such as chemical treatment or flotation.
  • Paper production
    The resulting fibre pulp is processed into new paper products. The recycling process can go through several cycles, with the paper losing quality after each cycle. Finally, the recycled paper can be further processed into various paper products such as newspapers, cardboard, packaging or toilet paper.

Recycling waste paper is a crucial step towards promoting a sustainable and resource-conserving society. The correct collection, sorting and processing of waste paper can save valuable resources, reduce environmental damage and mitigate the effects of climate change. It is important to raise awareness of the importance of waste paper recycling and promote the right recycling practices to create a better future for our planet.