Electronic Parts/Guidelines - infoHouse

4.7.6 Performance of Recycled Paper Products
It is a popular misconception that the inclusion of recycled fiber is undesirable
for any cellulosic product. While it is true that recycling can reduce the perform-
ance of some paper products, that reduction can be minimized by adopting these
principles:
- use previously recycled fiber in moderation
the source of recycled fiber is of premium-grade (long fiber length)
the source of recycled fiber is free of contaminants
when designing paCkagingS that contain recycled fiber, use the recycled fiber
In strategic areas of multi-component material (e.g. corrugated mediums).
Properly done, well-engineered applications for recycled fiber can produce both
tangible and intangible advantages for its user.
Fiber Length: Recycling of paper products shortens the length of each paper
fiber. As fiber length is reduced, so too are the number of bonding points
between fibers; As the bonds are reduced, strength is reduced. However. with
the introduction of new pulp technology, paper products may be recycled an infi-
nite number of times. Shorter fibers may be extracted during papermaking and
used in less structural applications including the manufacture of office or tissue
papers.
Contaminants: The quality of recycled paper and paperboard depends substan-
tially upon the quality of the waste paper available to the recycling mill. The
most frequently found contaminants are water insoluble adhesives, plastic film,
plastic foam, rubber bands, metals, glass, asphalt, string and carbon paper.
Plastic coated, laminated, and wet-strength papers and paperboard also cause
production problems.
All discarded waste paper cannot be recycled. in 1092, approximately 12 million
of the 87 million tons of waste paper produced were unfit for recycling. The
waste paper that is commingled with food waste becomes contaminated with
odor and bacteria. In this instance, separation and collection are not econom-
ical.
Scrap or waste from container fabricating is a highly desirable source of recy-
cled fiber because of its long fiber length and minimized exposure to non-
cellulosic contaminants.
4.7.7 Recycling Aids for Cellulosic Materials
Incorporation of the following will assist in further developing an outlet for your
recyclable fiber:
30 Environmental Packaaina Guidelines
Use water-based inks or FDNUSDA approved,
Use plastic or paper tape and starch glues in place of staples and hot melt
adhesives
* Avoid plastic coatings or non-cellulosic materials; Design packages that are
constructed of components that may be removed or separated prior to paper
recycling (e.g. avoid free-rise foam-in-place),
Avoid coatings or impregnating of corrugated,
Avoid use of bleached kraWoyster white board
Avoid cartons with urea-formaldehyde