Recyclability Testing
The laboratory method (CEPI) investigates the disintegration of paper and paper packaging materials using standard mill conditions to determine the yield before and after coarse and fine screening. This disintegration is performed in a standard laboratory fibre disintegrator using a 50-gram sample cut into pieces and 2000 ml water, resulting in a 2,5% consistency. The disintegration is performed for 10 minutes, however special allowance is given for 20 minutes of disintegration if believed the sample will then yield more than 80% fibre. If the yield is higher than 80% then the testing proceeds, else it is already considered unsuitable for standard mill recycling (yield score <0). The image outlines the yield score, with most recycling mills in South Africa operating in the 95% yield, 90 yield score interval 1.
The method investigates the resulting pulp for visual impurities from intact paper or non-paper elements and for sheet adhesion, indicating the presence of stickies or adhesives. The sample is then given a final score after correcting for handsheet quality. This score determines a samples eligibility for standard mill recycling.
The chemical oxygen demand is measured to determine the dissolved organic matter content and the impact on the closed water circuit and wastewater system This result is not yet incorporated into the final score, however future versions will do so. Please refer to the 4evergreen CEPI website for more information and the latest version of the methodology, which is updated every 1-2 years. (https://www.cepi.org/cepi-recyclability-test-method-version-2/). The testing can be requested through Fibre Circle, please contact info@fibrecircle.co.za for more information. Fibre Circle will issue an opinion report on the test report from Mpact with considering the collection of the sample in the end-consumer waste stream. The cost of testing is based on the membership status at Fibre Circle as well as the number of samples submitted for testing. The cost of testing charged by Mpact is R10 500 excl. VAT.
| Fee paying member requesting less than 5 samples | Non-fee-paying member/non-member | Fee paying member requesting 5-10 samples | Industry opinion on existing CEPI report |
|---|---|---|---|
| R 12 075 incl. VAT per sample | R 15 093 incl. VAT per sample | R 9 056 incl. VAT per sample | R1 000 excl. VAT |
Kadant Autolab Testing
The advance repulpability testing utilises a Kadant Autolab pilot plant to investigate the disintegration of more advanced paper and paper packaging, which fail or score too low on the CEPI method for standard mill recycling. This includes materials like wet strength sacks or bags, multilayer paper/board with plastic, metal or biodegradable coatings/laminates. The system utilises an advanced rotor and screen design to simulate the working conditions of full-scale mill equipment such as the HydraPulper from Kadant Lamort. The equipment can operate at higher consistency than conventional repulpers, which introduces more fibre to fibre friction forces, leading to the disintegration of the sample. The equipment can operate with a wide pH and temperature range and allows the use of chemical release agents to aid in disintegration. The images below illustrate the equipment and its use to separate the fibre from the LDPE/aluminium laminate used in liquid board packaging (beverage cartons, such as milk).
The research work currently underway on the Kadant system include the following: • Repulping of potato sack wet strength materials, conditions to optimise yield as well as product resign to improve the repulpability • LDPE laminated board, for various applications which require this functionality. Primarily for food packaging. Understanding the LDPE thickness and lamination process impact on repulpability • Cupstock market evaluation, understanding the repulping of the various types of cupstock (paper coffee cup, cold drink, etc.) which use various laminate materials in single or double layers