Waste Paper Research Articles

Implementing Green Supply Chain Management in Paper Waste Management at Indonesian Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study of the Paper Recycling Ecosystem

This study examines the implementation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices in managing paper waste within Indonesian higher education institutions, focusing on the influence of recycling infrastructure, subjective norms, and recycling awareness on campus sustainability. Employing a quantitative approach with data from 224 students, the study utilized Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to evaluate relationships among key variables: Paper Waste Capacity (PWC), Subjective Norms (SN), Recycling Awareness (RA), and Ecosystem Sustainability (ES). Findings indicate that enhanced paper waste capacity significantly affects subjective norms around recycling, while subjective norms positively influence individual recycling awareness. Both subjective norms and recycling awareness significantly contribute to ecosystem sustainability, suggesting that GSCM practices, supported by accessible recycling infrastructure and normative reinforcement, can foster a culture of sustainability within universities. This study also highlights the importance of creating a recycling-supportive environment through social campaigns and peer initiatives. The results underscore the broader potential of GSCM as a model for promoting environmentally responsible behaviours in educational settings and beyond. While limited by its specific context, the study calls for further research across diverse institutions and regions to expand understanding of GSCM's impact on sustainability practices

Characterization and analysis of municipal solid waste generated in the semi-urban region of Thanamandi, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India: a basis for developing a suitable waste management approach.

Population growth, urbanization, lifestyle changes, and consumption patterns increase waste management problems in Thanamandi town. The waste generation rate in Thanamandi town is expanding, and there is a need for adequate waste segregation, recycling programs, and sorting facilities. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the municipal solid waste (MSW) generation rate in Thanamandi town, including an analysis of its composition. Additionally, statistical methods are used to assess the potential MSW management approaches. A comprehensive methodology has been adopted, including house-to-house waste collection from 25 pre-selected locations, to ensure representation across different income groups. The collected waste was segregated into food, plastic, paper, and textile waste categories, and the moisture content was analyzed using the oven-drying method. Further, it has been observed from the obtained result that 0.44kg per/capita/day of MSW has been generated from the study area. The result shows that vegetable waste contributes the most followed by food waste and plastic. Additionally, the moisture content of the waste ranged between 12% and 76.25%, with high moisture content primarily found in organic wastes. Moreover, interpolation maps created using QGIS highlighted the spatial distribution of waste generation across the town. They showed a strong correlation between vegetable and food waste and paper and plastic waste. Thus, to manage MSW in the study area, a holistic approach to MSW management is necessary to deal with a mixture of Vegetable and Food waste, i.e., organic matter.

Green Packaging Material Preferences among Young Chinese Consumers: A Comparative Study of Recycled versus Virgin Papers and Bio-based versus Synthetic Materials

Abstract Increasing the use of recycled paper instead of virgin wood pulp paper and plastic in green packaging has the potential to alleviate the current pressure on wood supplies, reduce the carbon footprint of consumer goods, and improve the sustainable development of the forest industry. Exploring how consumers’ environmental, carbon, and health concerns influence their preferences for different layers of green paper products can provide theoretical guidance for enhancing resource utilization and promoting sustainable development of the forest products market. This study aimed to identify consumer perceptions of green attributes, assess the impact of environmental and carbon concerns on green product preferences, and examine the significance of paper materials in various packaging layers. Utilizing conjoint, factor, and regression analyses, we investigated young Chinese consumers’ green packaging preferences, focusing on their prioritization of packaging types and the choice between recycled and regular paper over fossil-based materials. The results indicate that consumers prefer green attributes in food packaging, such as recycled paper, paper-based substitutes for plastic, and corn fiber substitutes for nylon. However, recycled paper and virgin paper have no significant difference in consumer utility. For different layers, the preference for recycled paper was slightly higher for outer packaging than for inner packaging and packaging in direct contact with food. Cognitive and affective attitudes toward recycled paper material have a positive impact on both recycled paper and paper-based plastic substitutes, while environmental concern directly influences the choice of recycled paper, and carbon concern influences consumer preferences for paper-based plastic substitutes.

Commercial organomineral fertilizer produced through granulation of a blend of monoammonium phosphate and pulp and paper industry waste post-composting

This study investigates a commercial granular organomineral fertilizer (GOF) produced by physically mixing landfill paper and cellulose industry waste composted over a long period with monoammonium phosphate (MAP), focusing on its morphological properties, and phosphate release into the water. The organic base used in the GOF composition is rich in humic and fulvic acids due to its long-term composting, rebalances the soil's organic matter, and eliminates a critical environmental liability. No studies have involved long-term lignocellulosic waste composting as the organic base of organomineral fertilizers. Most GOF and MAP granules range from 2 to 4 mm in size, with rough and macroporous surfaces observed through scanning electron microscopy. The specific surface area values of fertilizers are low compared to other fertilizers with different organic matrices. However, 2–4 mm granules exhibit similar values, indicating uniformity of granules. Infrared spectroscopy reveals bands from mineral and organic bases, with possible clay additives confirmed by the silicon detected in Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy analysis. Thermogravimetric curves exhibit improved thermal stability for GOF over the composted organic base, with a 31 °C increase in the second decomposition stage and delayed completion of the subsequent stages. However, this did not significantly alter the Tonset of the ammonium phosphate decomposition, as GOF presented a similar thermal behavior to MAP. GOF and MAP exhibit similar kinetic profiles, with rapid phosphorus release in the first 4 hours, reaching about 77 % of the available phosphorus. GOF shows an increase in specific surface area 29 times after 240 hours of contact with water, facilitating phosphorus release from the commercial mixture. MAP and GOF exhibit a release rate exceeding 84 %, indicating rapid phosphate availability. These values are comparable to those of other organomineral fertilizers. The results demonstrate that the GOF performs similarly to MAP, with lower phosphorus dosages, rebalance of soil organic matter, and increased nutrient application efficiency.

A study on the ability of some fungi isolated from oil soil contaminated to biodegradation plastic and paper waste in Kirkuk city

This study was carried out in department of life science at the University of Kirkuk, College of Education for Pure Science laboratories to determine the capability of some types of fungi isolated from oil soil contaminated samples taken from different areas of Kirkuk city and to evaluate the biodegradation effect of plastics and papers wastes. The results showed that after taking 50 oil soil samples, the following fungi were isolated: The molds found were Aspergillus spp, Penicillum spp and Alternaria spp. Their impact on seven categories of waste was assessed as the weight was determined for each piece. The overall effect from the project was the reduction on the weight, Among the fungi, Alternaria spp outperformed Aspergillus spp, Penicillum spp and the wastes that lost the most weight after the fungi grew on them were cardboard, coffee cup, and drawing paper.

Features of electrolyte coagulation of modified polyamide resin and its effect on the properties of paper and cardboard

The article is devoted to the study of the features of coagulation of a modified polyamide resin for paper and cardboard in the presence of aluminum polyoxychloride. It has been established that the resin under study, the component composition of which is represented by modified polyaminoamides, free resin acid, sodium resinates and maleopimarate, is resistant to water hardness salts, however, the sodium resinates present in its composition are subject to hydrolysis. The process of coagulation of the modified polyamide resin under the influence of aluminum polyoxychloride is multi-stage and ends with the complete deposition of adhesive particles at a system pH of 7.05, which corresponds to an electrolyte consumption of 0.051 g Al2O3/g of resin. The composition of the adhesive deposit formed under such conditions is as follows: aluminum-resin complexes (aluminum resinates and products of the interaction of aluminum ions with modified polyamino- amides) – 88.50 % wt.; free resin acids – 11.47 % wt. Further introduction of the electrolyte into the dispersed system leads to the protonation of the amino groups of modified polyaminoamides and aluminum-resin complexes, which provides with a positive charge. Due to its composition and the ongoing coagulation processes, the modified polyamide resin has a waterrepellent and strengthening effect on paper pulps in a wide pH range (5.8–7.5). Sequential introduction of resin into waste paper suspensions in an amount of 0.25 % of absolutely dry fiber and aluminum polyoxychloride until the paper pulps are achieved makes it possible to improve the hydrophobic and physical-mechanical properties of paper by 70.2–87.2 and 19.5–23.2 %, respectively.

Utility Model for Climate Change Adaptation at El Bosque University: Circular Economy Approach to Paper and Cardboard Waste

The impact of climate change has intensified the urgency of adopting sustainable practices in academic institutions, highlighting the need for innovative models that not only mitigate environmental impact, but also promote effective adaptation. This paper presents a pioneering approach focused on the development of a utility model designed specifically for climate change adaptation in the context of Universidad El Bosque. The paper focuses on the implementation of circular economy strategies, focusing on the efficient management of usable waste generated at the institution, specifically for cardboard and paper. This model, the result of interdisciplinary research, not only proposes tangible solutions to reduce the university's carbon footprint, but also establishes an exemplary paradigm for other educational institutions on their path towards environmental sustainability. In the development of the research and analysis of the data recorded by the Environmental Management Unit, it is determined that the rate of generation of usable waste from the university corresponds to a total of 19,475 kilograms for the 2023 period. Therefore, through the detailed analysis of the implementation and results obtained, this article seeks to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in a useful model for adaptation to climate change, with a practical and replicable approach in university environments and beyond, which consists of proposing a model for the implementation of a process of transformation of cardboard and paper waste, for the production of stationery items that can be sold in the university store, promoting reuse, circular economy and sustainability.

Co-combustion of organic industrial and municipal solid wastes in Shanghai: Evaluation based on energy recovery, thermal behavior and gases pollutants emissions

The imperative for efficient recycling and treatment of organic industrial solid waste (OISW) has spurred the integration of co-combustion strategies with municipal solid wastes (MSW) in recent years in China. Herein, we conducted a detailed analysis of five years data on the production and classification of industrial solid wastes in Shanghai and employed the response surface methodology (RSM) and grey correlation analysis (GCA) to optimizing the blending ratios of five distinct types OISW for their co-combustion with MSW. Proximate and elemental analysis was conducted to analyze the chemical composition of each OISW. The combustion kinetic and typical parameters such as activation energy, ignition and burnout temperatures, comprehensive combustion index of individual OISW and their blending with MSW were examined by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The influences on energy recovery and pollutant gases emissions were assessed and the accuracy was verified by using the Grey artificial neural network (GANN) model. The results indicated that at a 30 % blending ratio of industrial solid waste, the optimal proportions for sewage sludge, waste wood, waste plastic, textile waste, and waste paper were 32.15 %, 5.14 %, 14.32 %, 1.92 %, and 46.47 %, respectively. The optimized blend achieved a significant 29 % decrease in overall carbon emissions and a notable 23 % increase in the energy recovery rate. In this circumstance, the emissions of HCl, SO2 and NOx, were measured at 2.07 mg/m³, 33.46 mg/m³ and 194.81 mg/m³, respectively, all of which are well below the national standards (GB18485—2014) for the emission of flue gas from MSW incineration in China.

Effects of industrial solid waste on the generation of PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs and PAHs tuned by waste pseudo-components during engineering co-combustion

Co-combustion of municipal solid waste (MSW) with industrial solid waste (ISW) is becoming prevailing. But its effects on generation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) remain unclear, hindering their efficient control. Hence, six batches of engineering incineration tests containing diverse blending types and ratios of ISW were designed in an incinerator of 650 t/d. To target the relationship between complex waste components and contaminants, a pseudo-component matrix model was innovatively incorporated, with nine plastic and biomass pseudo-components quantitatively extracted. Compared to raw MSW incineration, co-combustion generally increased generation of 17 PCDD/Fs and 12 dl-PCBs in fly ash up to six-fold, with the highest TEQ concentrations of 843 ng/kg and 68.1 ng/kg, respectively, while exerted less impact on generation of 16 PAHs. Among nine pseudo-components, polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and cellulose were identified as the key to generation of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. Combustion of PET and cellulose served to provide benzene derivatives, while PVC contributed more chlorine. Tracking the original waste, blending with waste plastics, polyester textile, artificial leather and paper should be strictly regulated. This study was of significance to optimize co-combustion for source reduction of toxic pollutants.

Different shades of green deception. Greenwashing’s adverse effects on corporate image and credibility

Climate change poses one of today’s greatest challenges, compelling organizations to adopt sustainable practices, which are frequently communicated to bolster their image and credibility. However, some organizations tend to exaggerate their green commitment, resulting in a perceived disparity between their environmental claims and actions, which is commonly referred to as greenwashing. This study examines the impact of different levels of greenwashing on corporate image and credibility. Through a 4×2 between-subjects experiment, participants were exposed to a publishing company’s promise to use 90 % recycled paper, followed by the revelation that the actual amount of recycled paper used was either 90 %, 86 %, 54 %, or 23 %. Additionally, the pre-image of the company was manipulated by portraying it as either a popular or an unpopular employer. Results indicate that even small discrepancies lead to a decrease in image perception and credibility, with motivated reasoning and expectation violation mediating these effects. However, these effects were not influenced by a positive or negative pre-image of the company. Overall, this research highlights the importance of honest and transparent communication of CSR activities.

Comparative analysis of volume change behavior of expansive road subgrades stabilized with waste paper sludge

Expansive soils have a high tendency for volume change in case of fluctuations in moisture content, potentially causing significant damage to light structures, particularly road pavements. This paper investigates the influence of waste paper sludge (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:WPS$$\\end{document}) as an alternative sustainable stabilizer on the volume change behavior of expansive road subgrade soils of different origins. For this purpose, \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:WPS$$\\end{document} was added to the expansive soils at ratios of 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15% by dry weight of the soils. A series of Atterberg’s limit, swelling, shrinkage, compaction, and consolidation tests were performed on pure soils and soil specimens with \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:WPS$$\\end{document} to attain a comprehensive understanding of the role that \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:WPS$$\\end{document} plays in the volume change behavior of expansive soils. The experimental test results showed that the addition of \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:WPS\\:$$\\end{document} led to a considerable decrease in the plasticity and swell-shrink potentials of subgrade soils. The consolidation settlement of expansive road subgrades was also reduced to some extent with \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:WPS$$\\end{document}. Moreover, the statistical analysis of the test data indicated a significant relationship among different swelling-shrinkage parameters. The experimental results presented here suggest that the \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:WPS$$\\end{document} may be a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable stabilizer to reduce the volume change sensitivity of expansive road subgrade soils.

Structural, morphological, and thermal properties of cellulose nanofibers extracted from waste paper

Structural, morphological, and thermal properties of cellulose nanofibers extracted from waste paper

Bioenergy potential of paper waste: Fungal pretreatment and kinetics modelling

Using the fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Aspergillus niger as a biopretreatment agent to improve degradation of lignocellulosic paper with analogous increase in biogas production, anaerobic digestion (AD) was executed. Milled and hydrothermally-treated (HT) or steamed paper were separately inoculated for 360 hr at 28 °C with each fungal species, with an uninoculated treatment as control. AD experiment was conducted in bench-scale batch bioreactors for 48 days at 40°C. The initial characteristics of the feedstock and inoculum were examined in addition to biomethane yield, total and volatile solids degradation, and lignocellulosic content removal. The pretreatment of milled paper with P. chrysosporium resulted in the highest biogas yield of 1035 mL/gVS, followed by A. niger with a yield of 550 mL/gVS. These values represented a significant increase (p < 0.05) of 226 % and 73 % compared to the untreated feedstock, respectively. P. chrysosporium pretreatment achieved the highest total solids removal of 66.85 %, whereas A. niger pretreatment resulted in the maximum volatile solids removal of 64.63 % in HT-paper waste. P. chrysosporium also exhibited the highest lignin removal efficiency, with 84.31 % in milled feedstock and 79.17 % in the steamed state. A. niger showed 77.28 % and 67.09 % lignin removal in the milled and HT paper, respectively. The study demonstrated that pretreatment with P. chrysosporium and A. niger significantly (p<0.05) improved biogas production by facilitating the biodegradation of lignocellulosic components. All measured biomethane data from experiments fitted adequately to the modified Gompertz model with R2 ranging from 0.97 to 0.99.

6E evaluation of an innovative humidification dehumidification solar distiller unit: An experimental investigation

This work aims to enhance the productivity, efficiency, energy utilization, feasibility, and environmental outcomes of solar desalination systems via representing an innovative humidification dehumidification solar distillation unit coupled with a built-in air solar heater and photovoltaic thermal unit. The air solar heater was further improved by the incorporation of copper chips as thermal energy-storing materials for extending the desalination process during the sun’s hours. Three distinct humidifier beds, including plastic waste (case A), wick materials (case B), and cellulose paper (case C) were tested and compared regarding system temperatures and hourly and daily drinkable water yield. Additionally, a 6E analysis was assessed and evaluated in terms of energy, exergy, economic, exergoeconomic, exergoenvironmental, and exergoenviroeconomic analysis for all the cases. According to the outcomes, the humidification dehumidification solar distiller with cellulose paper yielded the highest productivity and 6E outcomes where the daily drinkable water, thermal efficiency, and exergy efficiency were estimated as 7.78 L/m2, 73.45 %, and 5.3 %, outperforming the CSD by nearly 142.59 %, 144.02 %, and 229.19 %, respectively. Moreover, the price of drinkable water and the payback time decreased to 0.0099 $/L and 0.12 years, which represents a reduction of 68.27 % and 69.23 %, respectively, at an exergoeconomic factor of 4.19 kWh/$. Furthermore, the amount of CO2 reduced was increased to 3.92 tons, which is associated with earned credits of carbon of 56.78$. Finally, for this case, the HDH humidifier efficiency, dehumidifier effectiveness, and gain output ratio maximum and mean values were 96.66 and 84.5 %, 85.61 and 78.96 %, and 1.86 and 1.08, respectively.

Comparative morphological, proximate, phytochemical and anti-oxidant study of oyster mushroom cultivated on paper waste and sawdust

Comparative morphological, proximate, phytochemical and anti-oxidant study of oyster mushroom cultivated on paper waste and sawdust

Simulation study on heavy metals, phthalate esters, and organic halogens: Content and distribution characteristics during waste paper recycling.

Imported waste paper and recycled pulp may contain pollutants, posing potential environmental risks to the ecosystem of China. This study examined the presence and distribution patterns of heavy metals, phthalate esters (PAEs), and adsorbable organic halogens (AOX) in recycled pulp and production wastewater after various recycling processes of three typical restricted types of imported waste paper. The results indicated that the concentration ranges of heavy metals, PAEs, and AOX in the three types of imported recycled waste paper were 21.61-40.38mg/kg, 15.35-27.88mg/kg, and 19.21-57.72mg/kg, respectively. The comparative analysis with the initial waste paper demonstrated a reduction in heavy metal content in the recycled pulp by 17.80-49.75%, PAEs by 65.42-90.55%, and AOX by 32.80-42.34%. The average concentrations of these pollutants in wastewater were 0.85-1.66mg/L, 27.28-59.86mg/L, and 1.15-3.34mg/L, respectively. Chromium and lead were identified as the primary heavy metals present in the waste paper. Following pulping, No. 1 and No. 2 met the arsenic and lead levels specified in the "Reuse Fiber Pulp" standard (GB/T24320-2021), whereas No. 3 met these criteria after de-inking only. The main PAEs detected in the waste paper were dibutyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, most of which were removed during the pulping stage. Significantly higher levels of AOX were observed in No. 2 and No. 3 than in No. 1, with a minimal impact on AOX removal from the pulp during the recycling process.

Toward Zero Waste: Sustainable Practices in Waste Management at ETUT

The paper discusses Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan's (ETUT) waste management initiatives, particularly its Zero Waste Program aimed at minimizing waste generation and promoting sustainability across campus. Strategies include educational campaigns, eco-friendly purchasing, and collaboration with vendors for waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. ETUT employs structured waste categorization, centralized repositories for reusable items, and a recycling plant with advanced sorting machinery. Innovative methods like paper recycling and composting are used, along with exploring plastic repurposing into fibers and fuel. Organic waste management includes composting, notably reducing landfill waste. Inorganic waste reduction involves paper recycling, plastic conversion, and electronic repair and donation. The program emphasizes waste reduction through recycling and reuse, including upcycling workshops. Hazardous waste from laboratories is managed with local authorities for safe disposal, while relevant associations for environmental safety oversee sewage disposal. These strategies highlight ETUT's commitment to sustainability, positioning it as a regional leader in responsible waste management.

The production of D-lactic acid by fermentation from the waste newspapers recycling as the carbon source

D-lactic acid (D-LA) is an important substance, which has been used in various end-use industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and milk beverages. Lignocellulose is a desirable material for D-LA fermentation, due to its hydrolysate rich in monosaccharides can be obtained from the wastes to finally achieve high D-lactate yields. In this study, the waste newspapers removed most of the lignin was applied as a carbon source to produce D-LA using Escherichia coli JH15, rice straw hydrolysate and mixed sugars (glucose and xylose) were selected as a control. Compared with rice straw hydrolysate, the waste newspapers hydrolysate as a carbon source for D-LA production has obvious advantages, including high D-LA concentration, fast fermentation speed and no need for detoxified treatment. Compared to the mixed sugars, the D-LA productivity and conversion yield of total sugars to D-LA did not been different significantly using waste newspapers hydrolysate as a fermentation substrate, but the fermentation duration was extended by 6 hours. The fermentation could be finished just after 16 hours in a 7-L fermenter, and the maximum concentration of D-LA reached 33.60 g/L, with a high conversion yield of total sugars to D-LA (0.92 g/g). According to the fermentation performances of the concentration of D-LA, the yield of D-LA, the conversion yield of total sugars to D-LA, the fermentation duration, the waste newspapers hydrolysate as a carbon source for D-LA production is an efficient strategy to enhance the economic feasibility of this bioprocess.

Barrier molded fiber products based on recovery and up-cycling of paper and agricultural wastes via a Pickering emulsion approach

Barrier molded fiber products based on recovery and up-cycling of paper and agricultural wastes via a Pickering emulsion approach

Synergistic deinking effect of neutral sodium sulfite with fungal hemicellulase enzyme for improved recycling of waste papers

The study examined the beneficial effects of the synergistic deinking and delignification process on the quality of recycled pulp. By utilizing a mixture of neutral sodium sulfite, sodium carbonate, and fungal hemicellulase enzyme, the research demonstrated that the paper achieved enhancements in brightness, whiteness, tensile and burst indices, while also exhibiting reduced yellowness and ERIC in comparison to paper derived from chemically deinked pulp. The high-resolution ESCA analysis demonstrated a reduction in lignin surface coverage, and enhancement in the O/C atomic ratios. FTIR spectra indicated notable alterations in the structure of fibers and the functional groups of deinked pulp fibers. XRD spectra confirmed a higher cellulose crystallinity index and FESEM micrographs illustrated a rougher surface with the emergence of new fibrils. Additionally, UV analysis of the pulp effluents indicated significant lignin absorbance, while post-bleaching with H2O2 further enhanced the reactivity of the pulp and the overall quality of the paper.