How to: Cardboard recycling
Before we talk about the recycling process, we would like to explain why it is so important to recycle your paper and cardboard. Paper, the raw material for cardboard, is made from wood fibres. Logically, this also requires logging. And by recycling paper there is less need for new raw materials, which reduces the overal CO2 emissions. This makes it very important to recycle your paper.
Where does the cardboard go?
After the cardboard box has been used, it will hopefully go into the old paper bin. This initiates the process of creating a new box. The paper is collected by the regional processing company. This company ensures that the paper is separated and then shredded. Once the paper has been shredded, it is pressed into bales to be transported to the paper factory, such as our own factory DJP De Hoop. At De Jong Verpakking we also collect our old paper to return it to a paper factory.
What happens in the paper mill?
When the shredded paper bales have arrived at the factory, the bales will be dissolved in water. This causes the paper to turn into pulp. When all the paper has dissolved, the cleaning process will begin. In this process all contamination will be removed. These are, for example, the staples, tape, glue strips and the ink that are in the cardboard or paper. All loose pieces of plastic are also removed. When all this is removed, the paper process can begin.
Making the paper
This cleaned pulp forms the basis for the recycled paper. This pulp then goes through several rollers to make a long and wide roll again. This new recycled paper is then used for new products such as our cardboard packaging.
What can you do about a good recycling process?
As a consumer you can also contribute to a better recycling process. You can do this by keeping the paper as clean as possible. So this is not just removing plastic casings but also things like tape and bubble wrap. If this is removed, the old paper can be better processed into pulp and ultimately new recycled paper.
You as a consumer can therefore have a whole new box produced from your old paper and cardboard, as long as you separate your waste properly. So it is very important to put your cardboard in the right container. If you have any questions about this recycling process, you can always email us at info@dejongverpakking.com or read our blog about which paper can be put in the waste bin.
