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 the current paper recovery practice, more foreign matters are commingled with recycled paper which includes plastic films, metal foils, glass debris, and food residues. In addition, more and more additives are added to the current papermaking or converting processes such as inorganic fillers, starch, wet-strength polymers, wax, and coating materials, which will become “contaminants” in the paper remanufacturing. Contaminants in the 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.