Industry
Fact-checked

At AboutMechanics, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is a Paper Recycling Plant?

Esther Ejim
Esther Ejim

As part of the drive toward the conservation of resources, a lot of effort has been put into recycling various materials, including paper, with the view of saving other resources like trees as well as other energy sources that are utilized in processing them. In order to help with recycling, a paper recycling plant processes used paper with a view toward prolonging the usefulness of the paper and also protecting other resources. The process of recycling paper in a paper recycling plant involves a lot of steps that are usually initiated through the collection of the used paper for delivery to the plant.

The first step in processing used paper starts from the collection of paper from different sources, ranging from the paper that is discarded in the homes and offices to the paper that is collected from different receptacles all around the city. When the paper is collected, it is delivered to the paper recycling plant where the proper recycling will start. Usually, the paper will be sorted as part of further precaution to ensure that other undesirable materials have not been mixed in with the paper, including metals and plastics. After this initial sorting, the paper will still be subjected to further sorting as a means of separating it into categories that may be determined by the quality as well as whether it has been written on or contains some form of print.

A bag made of recycled paper.
A bag made of recycled paper.

The reason for sorting the paper into such categories is because the paper with ink, print or other forms of colorant must be subjected to a process aimed at separating the ink from the paper. This is actually necessary, because the presence of ink on the paper during the recycling process will lead to a low quality of finished product due to the fact that the whiteness of the paper will be compromised by the presence of the ink. The main aim of the recycling process in the paper recycling plant is to obtain the fiber from the paper, something that involves soaking the paper to allow for the easy separation of the fiber and the pulp. This process can be repeated again when previously recycled paper is returned to the plant; however, the fiber can only be recovered a certain number of times before it completely breaks down.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A bag made of recycled paper.
      By: rakratchada
      A bag made of recycled paper.
    • Cardboard can be made using recycled paper.
      By: Giuseppe Porzani
      Cardboard can be made using recycled paper.
    • Cardboard is used for most of the world's packaging but is highly recyclable.
      By: photka
      Cardboard is used for most of the world's packaging but is highly recyclable.
    • A paper recycling plant might make biodegradable toilet paper from recycled paper.
      By: Nikola Bilic
      A paper recycling plant might make biodegradable toilet paper from recycled paper.