RECYCLING
PAPER AND CARDBOARD RECYCLING CONTAINER
Although paper used to be obtained from other plants (including hemp, from which high-quality cellulose is extracted), the majority of paper is now manufactured from trees. To produce one kilogram of conventional paper, one hundred liters of water are used.
PAPER AND CARDBOARD ARE USED TO MANUFACTURE:
Recycling saves 25% of energy in the manufacturing process.
HISTORY OF PAPER
PRECEDENTS
In Ancient Egypt, writing was done on papyrus (from which the word “paper” originates), which was obtained from the stems of a plant abundant along the shores of the Nile River (Cyperus papyrus). In medieval Europe, parchment made from tanned goat or sheep skin was used, prepared to receive ink. Unfortunately, parchment was quite expensive, leading to the unfortunate practice of erasing texts from parchments to rewrite over them (resulting in palimpsests). This practice led to the loss of an immeasurable amount of works, starting from the 8th century.
PAPER
However, the Chinese were already producing paper from silk waste, rice straw, hemp, and even cotton. The traditional invention of papermaking is attributed to the eunuch Cai Lun, an advisor to Emperor He of the Han Dynasty, in the 2nd century AD. For about 500 years, the art of papermaking remained confined to China. It was introduced to Japan in 610 and to Central Asia around 750. The knowledge spread to the Arabs, who then carried it to what is now Spain and Sicily in the 10th century. Paper production expanded to France, where linen was used, from the 12th century.
The widespread use of shirts in the 14th century provided enough rags or old clothes for making paper at affordable prices. This, along with the invention of the printing press, led to the emergence of books as accessible products, not just curiosities.
Since then, paper has become one of the iconic products of our culture, made not only from old rags or cotton but also from a variety of plant fibers. Furthermore, the increasing availability of dyes allowed for a wide range of colors and textures.
While certain synthetic materials can now replace paper for certain purposes, paper still holds significant importance in our daily lives, making it a personal and therefore irreplaceable item. The emergence and rapid rise of information technology and new telecommunication systems allow for more advantageous electronic means of writing, storing, processing, transporting, and reading texts, pushing traditional mediums like paper into the background.
PAPER MANUFACTURING
(20TH AND 21ST CENTURIES)
WOOD MECHANICAL PULP
In the initial wood processing (first process), an impure product is obtained, as cellulose is used mixed with the other components of the wood. It is used for the production of low-quality papers (e.g., newsprint for newspapers). It has higher utilization but lower quality, as well as poor consistency and tends to yellow shortly after manufacturing.
BROWN PULP
This is obtained by simply defibrating the wood after washing and boiling it (to remove impurities and facilitate defibration). This yields a pulp with long and resistant fibers. It is used for the production of cardboard, packaging paper, paper sacks, etc.
CHEMICAL OR CELLULOSE PULP
Used for the production of high-quality papers. The initial steps are similar to those of mechanical pulp, but then the wood is cooked with a solution called bisulfite at high temperature (using steam in the “digester”). The mass is then washed with hot water to remove residual bisulfite, bleached, defibrated, and finally, a good cellulose pulp is obtained.
STRAW PULP
Derived from cereals and rice. It has a yellowish color and is used for the production of butcher paper and the inner layers of corrugated cardboard.
TRIM PULP
Paper trimmings are mixed with pulps to reduce costs. Depending on their source, trimmings are divided into the following categories:
- Reel trims: from cutting reels of good quality paper at the factory.
- Guillotine trims: sorted by whiteness, composition, etc.
- Household trims: from offices, used for producing low-quality papers.
- Street or printed trims: used solely for making greyboard.
RAG PULP
As it consists of pure cellulose (free from bark, lignin, etc.), only cleaning is done before processing. It employs cotton, hemp, linen, jute, and silk rags. High-quality papers are produced using this type of pulp.
APPLICATIONS
TOILET PAPER ROLL
Paper is used for countless purposes. Aside from the most common ones (writing, printing…), there are several curious uses:
PRECEDENTS
- For origami.
- Doors. Some low-quality doors consist of two wooden panels with honeycomb-like cells inside that provide strength, made from paper.
- Decorative purposes as a substitute for wood. For instance, in oak designs where breaking it reveals compressed sawdust and a layer with wood grain-like patterns. It’s wallpapered and melamine-treated (giving it a plastic appearance). It’s also used to create decorative objects by layering gummed pieces to achieve the desired shape, or molding it after converting it back to pulp, techniques known as papier-mâché or paper mache.
- Currency (banknotes). Making banknotes is a complex process, and counterfeiting them is extremely difficult. They are produced with a significant percentage of cotton pulp, which provides durability (long fibers). Special fibers that shine under ultraviolet light are added, and watermarking is applied.
- Decorative wallpapering for interior architectural surfaces.
- In sculpture, while it has always had its place for crafting certain figures, more or less artistic, using a material known as papier-mâché, it has also been integrated for the creation of those considered “more noble”. Contrary to assumptions, paper possesses significant strength and longevity over time.
We have developed a successful culture of doing business where key elements are efficient communication, excellent logistics and strong relationships with both Customers and suppliers. Our goal is to keep our network confident and motivated to grow with us achieving common objectives.
Useful Links
Contact Us
-
1500 NW 89th Ct. Unit 214
Doral, FL 33172 - +57 3055975940
- +57 305 597 5941
- info@internationalcartonsuppliers.com
