Paper is an indispensable part of our daily lives. It allows us to communicate, share information, and even express ourselves through art. However, its ubiquity also leads to a substantial amount of waste ending up in landfills. It also contributes significantly to deforestation. Fortunately, recycling plays a crucial role in mitigating these issues, giving discarded paper products a chance at a second life and reducing the burden on our planet. But how is paper recycled exactly?

Recycling: Breathing New Life into Paper Waste 

As the name suggests, paper recycling is the process of collecting, sorting, and reprocessing paper materials to create new paper products. A pivotal component of sustainable waste management and resource conservation, recycling usually involves breaking down used paper into pulp, which can then be used to manufacture various paper goods such as newspapers, cardboard, and packaging materials. Not only does this help conserve valuable natural resources, but it also helps reduce the environmental impact of paper production.

The importance of recycling paper

In the UK, 12.5 million tonnes of paper and cardboard are being used every year, while families throw away about 6.3 million tonnes of paper during the same period. Considering that it takes about 24 trees to produce a tonne of paper, you will realise that as a nation, we are putting immense pressure on our forests and natural resources. We’re also contributing to increased carbon emissions, as the paper production process is energy-intensive. 

This is why at Cawleys, we believe recycling paper is paramount in addressing environmental concerns. First and foremost, it significantly reduces the demand for fresh wood pulp, consequently curbing deforestation and preserving vital forest ecosystems. It also helps conserve energy, as it requires considerably less energy to process recycled paper than manufacturing paper from raw materials. This leads to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to mitigating climate change. 

Furthermore, recycling paper helps divert massive amounts of paper waste from landfills, alleviating the burden on these sites and minimising the release of harmful chemicals associated with paper decomposition. Overall, paper recycling is a vital tool in our quest for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

The Paper Recycling Process 

Now that you know the importance of using discarded paper to produce new products let us answer the question, "How is paper recycled?”

1. Collection

The paper recycling process starts with the collection of used paper and cardboard materials. At Cawleys, our team gathers discarded materials from various sources, such as businesses, offices, and recycling centres. We also provide specialised recycling bins and collection programmes, which play a pivotal role in ensuring that paper waste is diverted from landfills and directed toward our recycling facility.

2. Sorting

Once collected, the paper materials undergo a meticulous sorting process. During this stage, the paper is separated from other recyclables like plastics and metals, to ensure purity in the recycling stream. Manual and automated sorting techniques are used to help eliminate contaminants that could compromise the quality of the recycled paper. 

At the recycling facility, the paper waste is further sorted according to quantity and value, which is determined by assessing the materials used in the initial production process. Generally, the paper is classified based on its surface treatment and structure.

3. Shredding and pulping

After sorting, the paper is shredded into smaller pieces and mixed with water to create a pulp, which consists of individual paper fibres that can be broken down and reprocessed into new paper products. The pulping process may involve chemicals and mechanical agitation to further break down the fibres and remove any residual ink or coatings.

4. Screening

Afterwards, the paper pulp is screened to remove any remaining contaminants, such as plastic fragments, staples, or other unwanted materials. This step ensures that the recycled paper pulp is as clean and pure as possible, improving the quality of the final product.

5. De-inking and drying

For recycled paper that requires de-inking, a specialised process is used to remove ink and other printing substances. This step is crucial for producing high-quality recycled paper products, especially for applications such as newsprint and office paper. The recycled paper may also undergo bleaching, particularly if the goal is to produce white paper. 

Once de-inked, the paper pulp is dried using large drying machines or allowing it to air dry. This allows for the creation of recycled paper rolls or sheets that can be used to manufacture a wide range of new paper products.

Join the Green Revolution by Recycling Your Paper Waste 

Recycling paper is a powerful and effective way to breathe new life into paper waste, allowing us to create something new from discarded materials. At the same time, it helps us address the environmental challenges posed by excessive paper consumption, such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. 

If you need expert help when managing and recycling your office’s paper waste, we at Cawleys will gladly assist you. Get in touch with our team, and we’ll answer any of your enquiries.