The first step in the paper recycling process is to accumulate it at our processing facility and sort through it so that contaminates such as plastic, metal, and garbage are removed. It is also separated by type, i.e., printers mix, office paper, etc. Then, it is baled into approximately 800 pound cubes. The paper is then transported to a paper mill. It is shredded, mixed with water and chemicals, and pulped to form a mixture of water and cellulose fibers. A variety of additive materials are introduced to the paper-making pulps during the initial pulping process. The chemical aspects of paper fibers are all-important in the sheet properties (absorbency, strength, brightness, print ability). The cellulose fibers bond together the paper, when dried from a water suspension into the end product.

The pulping cylinder machine, most commonly called a Fourdrinier, converts a very dilute suspension of the chemical and fiber additives into a dry sheet of paper at speeds as high as a half mile per minute. It consists of a continuously moving wire belt or screen, to which the diluted paper is fed and from which the wet, formed sheet is removed continuously.

The wet sheet, at which is about 20% consistency (80% water) is removed from the wire and transferred to a supporting woolen felt, which carries it through a series of press rolls. Here more water is removed mechanically and the sheet progresses to the drier section at about 33% consistency. The remaining water is removed by evaporation. It is then that the paper is prepared to be transported to companies for the paper products that they specialize in.

Most office paper is recycled in the form of envelopes, general copy paper, and tissue products. To learn more about other forms of recycling, contact one of our Recycling Experts at 800-989-7036.