Paper recycling is a key process for sustainability, but it faces several challenges. Paper packaging, such as that used for milk, is often made up of layers of plastic, metal and paper, which makes it difficult to recycle.
Crumpling paper can increase its volume and make it harder to recycle. Keeping paper flat and dry makes it easier to reuse, which is essential for reducing waste and protecting the environment.
Economics and Cost of Recycled Paper
Recycling printing paper is economically viable, although it is generally more expensive. This is due to the costs associated with selective collection, which is still limited in Brazil, and the lack of competition in the market. However, recycled paper offers significant value from a social and environmental perspective. Every 50 kilos of recycled used paper helps to avoid cutting down a tree, promoting the preservation of forests.
Environmental Impact of Paper Recycling
The paper recycling process uses energy, water, and chemicals, and generates some pollution. However, this pollution is significantly less than that produced by manufacturing paper from virgin pulp. Recycling paper prevents waste from ending up in landfills or dumps, reducing the amount of material that is improperly disposed of. Although forests planted for paper production absorb carbon dioxide, choosing recycled paper is still beneficial in minimizing environmental impact.
Quality and Treatment of Recycled Paper
The quality of recycled paper can vary depending on its intended use. For printing high-quality images or as toilet paper, recycled paper may be inferior to virgin paper. This shortcoming is often offset by the aesthetics of recycled paper and its social appeal. There are methods for treating recycled paper to make it as white as virgin paper, but these treatments involve chemicals that increase pollution. Therefore, it may not be justifiable to make recycled paper as white as new paper.
Applications of Recycled Paper
Recycled paper has several practical applications, including:
- Packaging: Used to create craft paper and cardboard.
- Sanitary Purposes: Includes paper towels and napkins.
- Printing and Writing: Used in some applications, although less common.
- Craftsmanship: Popular due to its unique texture and appearance.
Recyclable and Non-Recyclable Paper Types
The following types of paper are recyclable:
- Newspaper
- Printer paper
- Paper bags
- Office paper
- Magazines
- Printed matter in general
- White paper
- Mixed paper
- Cardboard
- Long Life Packaging
Papers that are not commercially recyclable include:
- Greasy paper
- Carbon paper
- Cellophane (biodegradable)
- Laminated paper
- Waxed paper (fax)
- Metallic paper
- Laminated paper
- Paper towels and toilet paper
- Napkin with food
- Tracing paper
- Siliconized paper
Separating paper by type during recycling is crucial to maximizing its value. Well-sorted paper, such as office waste, can be recycled into new office paper, while more mixed paper can be turned into cardboard or toilet paper. Paper mixed with food waste can be discarded.
Process and Utility of Recycling of Paper
The same paper can be recycled 7 to 10 times before its fibers degrade. To maintain the strength and quality of recycled paper, it is blended with virgin cellulose. The main sources of paper for recycling include commercial and industrial activities, such as offices and supermarkets, as well as homes and educational institutions.
Recycling in Companies and Sustainability
Companies should implement internal collection systems and send the paper to specialized recyclers. Although it is possible to make money selling used paper, the amount must be significant to attract recyclers. Home-based paper recycling, although creative and educational, has a limited contribution compared to industrial recycling. Completely replacing paper used for packaging and sanitary purposes with recycled paper is not feasible due to the loss of fiber strength over time. Recycled paper is usually mixed with virgin pulp to improve the quality and strength of the final product. The trees used in papermaking come from forests planted for this purpose, such as eucalyptus and pine in Brazil.
For more information on paper recycling and sustainable practices, consult sources such as the Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, Ajuda Brasil, and Nitideal. These resources provide additional data and guidance on how to maximize recycling effectiveness and promote a more sustainable future.
Check out other interesting facts about recycling clicking here.
Learn how to make art by recycling, Click here.
I'm Etel, I liked your article, I work with recycling. Thank you and I would like to get in touch with you. Thank you Etel.
HELLO ETEL FERNANDES FEREIRA, I'M THINKING ABOUT SETTING UP A RECYCLING COMPANY FOR MYSELF.
I WOULD LIKE YOU TO CLEAR UP SOME QUESTIONS FOR ME.
HERE IS MY EMAIL.
[email protected]
Can you tell me about the waste (paper fibers, inks, chemicals used in cleaning, and dyes that become “paper sludge” and are sent to landfills, being more harmful due to the contamination of the water table. They say it can be worse than using new paper, since replanting is greater than deforestation... Is that what really happens?
Maria Eduarda, these are different subjects. Let's go:
– Printing sludge is a dangerous waste. There are laws that prohibit this material from being disposed of correctly. Since printing companies need a CNPJ to operate, I believe that most of these industries control disposal.
– New and recycled paper have advantages and disadvantages. The biggest advantage of virgin cellulose fiber would be the incentive to replant trees, but think about it. Instead of replanting, it would be better to never touch forests, right? See more about this subject here: http://setorreciclagem.com.br/reciclagem-de-papel/reciclagem-de-papel-verdades-e-mitos
Good afternoon. Please, I would like information on recycling paper by hand, at home. For making boxes, for example, and even selling the sheets. Is it feasible and is there a market for this type of paper? Thank you. Mari
Mari, all business depends on several factors, such as the quality of the product, the sales value (and whether it is worth it), the advertising that will be done so that the product becomes known, etc.
These factors apply to any activity, whether it is crafts or recycling. Courses like those offered by Sebrae help you discover economic viability. Creativity also counts… For example, you can make wedding invitations with the leaves, which adds much more value than just selling the leaves. You can see some techniques for making recycled paper crafts here: http://www.artereciclada.com.br/category/papel
Guys, do you know if it's possible to print drawings and text on recyclable paper? The idea is to make children's books.
Recycled paper works like “virgin” paper, only it is not as white. So printing texts and drawings is perfectly possible. In the year 2000 I was already printing on recycled paper and to this day the magazines are in excellent condition. You can see an image of the covers here: http://setorreciclagem.com.br/reciclagem/dia-da-mentira-para-o-meio-ambiente
I work for a company that spends a lot of paper. I would like an idea to present a project to reduce our use, or a recommendation of a company that is interested in collecting this paper. My vision is completely sustainable, and in the midst of the crisis that many companies are going through (including the one I work for), I would like to propose this to them as a way of achieving a positive financial return and a sustainable vision. I would like to thank you in advance for your attention. Thank you!!!
Please, Virlaine, do a search here: http://setorreciclagem.com.br/reciclagem-maquinas-equipamentos both to find other materials on paper reuse, and to find paper scrappers (recyclers) in your region, who can buy the material.
That's it, let's preserve the eucalyptus trees that are planted and replanted artificially, just to produce cellulose.
And the soil that suffers tremendous wear and tear, the water that is absorbed by the replanted trees……..
Can shredded paper be recycled?
He can!
Hello, I would like to know if I tear the paper or crumple it, will it harm the recycling process? And if so, I would like to know why, since the paper is not shredded during the recycling process?
Paper is not necessarily shredded. What happens in the transformation process is that the paper is shredded in a rotor that agitates the paper along with water. This process tries to preserve the cellulose fibers, which can be broken when they are torn.
But honestly, this may be overkill, because what really matters is recycling the paper and not letting it go to landfills. However, the best way to recycle it is to have volume, and you can't get good volume if the paper is crumpled. Learn more about the concept of paper volume in the article: http://setorreciclagem.com.br/coleta-seletiva/volume-o-segredo-da-reciclagem/
Good morning,
I would like to know if the paper towels we use to dry our hands after sanitizing can be recycled?
Hello Sara, there will always be ways to reuse most waste, but unfortunately that doesn't mean it will be done, because the economic unfeasibility of the process – the so-called cost-benefit – practically eliminates the chances of objects with low recyclability... being recycled. That's why, depending on the material, it would be good to avoid them.
But the good news is that, in most cases, paper towels already come from recycling. In other words, they are products that extend the life cycle of paper thanks to recycling.
Cardboard, paper towels and egg cartons, to name a few examples, are materials that use recycled paper for their production.
Finally, see an example of how it is possible to recover paper, even if it is in the sewer: http://setorreciclagem.com.br/reciclagem-de-papel/reciclando-agua-fazemos-papel/
Perfect, we have always discarded it this way and we will continue to do so if it is the right thing to do, but taking into account the contagion of the coronavirus, I understand that the paper in question will not be contaminated because it will be used after the hands have been washed with soap and water and it is being thrown away in the appropriate place, and even if this were not completely safe, the disposal would take an average of 10 days to happen, and according to the information released, the virus on paper has a survival rate of 24 hours.
Man, I loved your post. It cleared up a lot of my doubts.
Thank you, Gabriel!!