Paper is one of the most recycled materials globally today.  Producing paper with recycled fibers consumes 30-70% less energy and emits less greenhouse gas than using virgin (fresh-cut) wood.  However, with current paper recovery practice, more foreign matters are commingled with the recycled paper which include plastic films, metal foils, glass debris, and food residues.  In addition, more and more additives are added to the current papermaking or converting process such as inorganic fillers, starch, wet-strength polymers, wax and coating materials, which will become “contaminants” in the paper remanufacturing.  Contaminants in recycled paper not only make the paper remanufacturing process more costly but also affect the quality of the paper remanufactured. 

 In this webinar, Dr. Kecheng Li will present an overview of the paper recycling process with a focus on the challenging issues in the paper remanufacturing process. Dr. Kecheng Li is a professor and Chair of the Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering at Western Michigan University. He has more than 20 years of experience in pulp and paper research and technology development.

*This webinar replay is available exclusively for active Members of the Institute through the Member Portal. If you are interested in learning more about member benefits or becoming part of our consortium, please visit the membership page.