Assessing Repulpability and Fiber Properties in Recovered Paper Products

Abstract

Paper is one of the most recycled materials globally. In the United States, the average recycling rate was 60 to 64% in 2024. In response to sustainability goals, producers are increasingly incorporating recycled fibers over virgin wood. This study evaluates the repulpability and fiber characteristics of various paper grades using laboratory repulping and screening. Tissue paper, used brown kraft, Old Corrugated Containers and Sorted Clean News showed the highest repulping yields, above 80%, while Aseptic Packaging, Sorted Office Paper, magazines presented the lowest yields on average at 60%. On average uncoated products demonstrate lower total ash content compared to coated products, except for printing grades and non-domestic containerboard. These results highlight the impact of fillers and coatings on fiber recovery. Fiber quality analysis revealed significant variation between grades, with tissue, Old Corrugated Containers, Sorted Clean News, printed unbleached board, aseptic packaging, and fiber cores displaying the greatest weighted fiber lengths (1.6–1.8 mm) and widths (20–33 µm). Lower fiber yield led to higher fiber costs for raw materials, which is essential to consider in fiber procurement cost analysis. These findings offer practical insights for optimizing recycled fiber use, balancing cost, and maintaining product quality.