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The results of research on physical and chemical methods for the preliminary treatment of wastewater of a cardboard and paper factory in Khmelnytskyi region of Ukraine are presented. At the cardboard and paper factory, wastewater is treated at a sewage treatment plant, which includes sand traps, primary radial sedimentation tanks, aeration tanks with activated sludge regenerators, secondary radial sedimentation tanks, and bioponds. The use of coagulation and chlorination methods before biological treatment in aeration tanks was proposed. Alumoflock 18% was used as a coagulant, polyacrylamide was used as a flocculant, and sodium hydroxide was used as an alkalizing reagent. The study was conducted on a mixture of industrial and domestic wastewater with COD and BOD5 – 3200 and 1575 mg/dm3, respectively, and on industrial wastewater with COD and BOD5 – 4480 and 1960 mg/dm3, respectively. The effects of reducing COD and BOD5 indicators in the first case after coagulation were 30 and 40%, after chlorination - 37.81 and 43.17%, respectively, in the second after coagulation - 28.57 and 47.24%, respectively. It was established that a significant proportion of organic substances according to the COD indicator is in a dissolved state - 60-70%. It has been proven that as a result of chlorination, the maximum reduction of "pure" COD is achieved, therefore, the possibility and expediency of chlorination of water after the secondary settling tank with increased doses should be considered in the wastewater treatment technology of the cardboard and paper factory.

The increase in energy valorization of paper sludge and biomass waste through incineration results in a rise in waste paper fly ash (WPFA), often perceived as hazardous and requiring specific treatment. In this study, natural carbonation technology at a pilot scale was employed to mitigate the hazardous nature of WPFA by enhancing the stabilization of metal and metalloid trace elements (MMTE), particularly barium (Ba) and lead (Pb) leaching. Natural carbonation of WPFA was found to be optimal at a water/solid ratio of 0.3 L/kg under natural temperature and humidity conditions. Batch leaching tests based on thermodynamic equilibrium were used to assess MMTE solubility concerning pH in both non-carbonated and carbonated WPFA at natural pH. After 7 days of natural carbonation, the leaching concentration of Ba and Pb was below the legal limit in France. The concentration of Ba and Pb in carbonated samples decreased by 98.5% and 98%, respectively. Analyses using thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy demonstrated the increased formation and quantity of calcite (CaCO3) with longer carbonation times, along with the formation of new minerals as BaCO3 and PbCO3, confirming the immobilization of these elements post-carbonation. The leaching behavior and release potential of carbonated WPFA were further evaluated using the four-stage sequential extraction procedure proposed by the European Commission’s Bureau of Reference (BCR). The speciation of Ba and Pb shifted significantly from the soluble substance (F1) at 17.6% and 14.8%, respectively, to the carbonate fraction (F2) at 0.49% and 0.02% after 90 days of carbonation. The percolation water collected during the carbonation process adheres to discharge standards into the sea.

The contamination characteristics, migration patterns and health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were investigated in 66 Chinese paper products by using target and non-target screening methods. Among 57 target PFASs, 5 and 6 PFASs were found in the hygiene paper products (

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Virgin wood fiber and recycled waste paper are the main raw materials for paper production. Virgin wood-fiber paper appears less favorable than recycled paper, as recycled paper generally consumes more natural resources. Some indicators raise questions about the product being recycled, including the amount of solid waste produced during production and carbon emissions, which can occasionally be higher than for paper made from virgin fiber, as it may require more energy to operate. This study presents a comparative life cycle assessment of paper production in Indonesia using wood fibers and recycled fiber materials. This life cycle assessment study aimed to compare two comparable products, namely duplex board with 93 percent recycled fiber and folding boxboard with 100 percent wood or virgin fiber raw materials.METHODS: Both products were represented as one metric ton of the final product. The study utilized a cradle-to-grave system and combined primary data from a paper factory in Indonesia with secondary data from the Ecoinvent database, representing processes in background systems. Various impact assessment methods were employed to evaluate the environmental impact, including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the Centre for Environmental Studies, International Reference Life Cycle Data System, and the United Nations Environment Program, Society for Environmental Toxicology, and Chemistry toxicity model. All inventory and impact assessments were performed using SimaPro software.FINDINGS: The current study revealed that duplex board is environmentally preferable to folding boxboard across all the impact categories assessed. The results of the impact assessment of global warming potential fossil, acidification, particulates, fossil abiotic depletion, and human toxicity-cancer for duplex board were 1,848.26 kilogram carbon dioxide equivalent, 8.12 kilogram-sulfur-dioxide-equivalent, 2.12 kilogram particulate matter 2.5-equivalent, 14,668.06 megajoule, and 0.0000017 comparative toxic unit, while for folding boxboard 2,651.25 kilogram carbon- dioxide-equivalent, 13.95 kilogram sulfur-dioxide-equivalent, 3.27 kilogram particulate matter 2.5-equivalent, 22,395.81 mega-joule, and 0.0000021 comparative toxic unit, respectively. All impact magnitudes were measured in functional units per 1 ton of paper product.CONCLUSION: The study has revealed the environmental impact of paper products produced in Indonesia. Paper products made from recycled fibers are a more environmentally favorable option when than those produced from virgin fibers. Through further contribution analysis, it was determined that the main contributor to all impact categories in both production systems was fossil-based energy input. Efforts to improve the environmental performance of the two products should focus on enhancing the energy efficiency of the system and incorporating non-fossil fuel energy sources into the production process.

This article introduces the concept of ecological costs associated with the waste paper recycling system. The costs associated with this process include resource consumption, waste emissions, ecological damage, and production processes. To analyze the ecological costs of deviations from the baseline material flow in a waste paper recycling system, a benchmark material flow diagram is constructed using the material flow analysis method. The diagram illustrates a fully closed one-way material flow of the recycling system, which is highly abstracted and simplified. The study analyzed the ecological costs of the benchmark material flow and the impact of deviations from it. The results suggest that the circulation of materials within and between processes increases the ecological cost of the waste paper recycling system. Furthermore, the release of materials from a process into the environment also contributes to its ecological impact. However, the introduction of external materials into the recycling system can reduce its ecological impact, particularly if these materials are recycled resources. The study emphasizes the significance of considering ecological costs in waste paper recycling systems to minimize their environmental impact.

Some wastes from the paper pulp production process are still sent to a controlled waste landfill. These materials can constitute alternative resources for constructing road pavements. The study aimed to characterize and explore the sustainable application of two inorganic wastes resulting from the paper pulp process, the dregs (green liquor wastes) and the grits (slaker wastes), in the production of bituminous mixtures by the analysis of samples prepared with 5 and 10% of dregs and 5 and 10% of grits on the baseline reference bituminous mixture AC 14 surf 35/50. Some relevant mechanical properties of the blends were assessed based on Marshall compression, sensitivity to water and wheel-tracking tests. Additionally, water poured on the loose asphalt and compacted slabs’ surface was analysed to determine the portion of harmful chemical compounds leached from the asphalt material. The results show that using dregs presented some technical limitations related to mechanical performance and that the incorporation of grits has an acceptable mechanical behaviour. Moreover, the study shows that the measured leachate resulting from water flow in a reference asphalt mixture and the blends with grits are insignificant. It can be concluded that using grits in asphalt mixtures is a promising technique regarding mechanical behaviour and environmental impacts that need further studies.

Melamine-impregnated paper waste (MIPW) is an unavoidable byproduct of the melamine-impregnated paper production process, and it must be urgently disposed. In this paper, due to its high N content, MIPW was used as a N source to co-pyrolyze with camellia oleifera shell (COS). By changing the proportion of MIPW in the raw materials, the migration path of the N was studied during the co-pyrolysis process. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis (EA), total nitrogen analysis (TN) and ultraviolet spectrophotometry were used to determine the content and the types of N-containing components in raw materials and products. The results showed that during the co-pyrolysis process, the N in MIPW and COS would be converted into different types of N-containing components, and the proportion of MIPW in raw materials directly impacts the product distribution and the N migration path. With the increase in the proportion of MIPW from 10 to 50 wt.% (daf, mass ratio), the proportion of N in raw materials that migrated into the solid phase decreased from 27.58 to 16.31 wt.%, while that which migrated to the gas and liquid phases increased from 24.92 and 47.50 wt.% to 25.97 and 57.72 wt.%, respectively. The proportions of N in the raw materials that changed into pyridinic-N, pyrrolic-N and graphitic-N in the solid phase and N2-N in the gas phase were decreased. The proportions of NH3-N and HCN-N in the gas phase and NH3-N and organic-N in the liquid phase were increased. Moreover, synergies were observed during the co-pyrolysis process, which affected the N migration path in the raw material. This study will provide policy directions and theoretical support for the comprehensive utilization of MIPW and COS.

The paper obtained during the study was mainly obtained from wheat straw cellulose and Jerusalem artichoke cellulose, which contained chitosan of various concentrations. An increase in the mechanical properties of the obtained papers was observed in samples using the substance chitosan. A 1.0% chitosan was added to the paper, mainly based on various plant celluloses. It should be noted that the obtained paper products were used without bleaching due to the fact that it was recommended to use them for wrapping paper. The youngest results were observed in samples prepared from a composition of wheat straw and artichoke pulp. From the fiber morphology, it was observed that the sized paper fibers became stronger, denser and smoother. Keywords: chytazone, Natural polymers, fibers, cellulose. Biocomposites of chitosan (CS)/cellulose nanocrystals (CN) were prepared by using solution casting method. Influences of solution preparation method and CN content on the properties of composites were investigated. Mechanical stirring/ultrasonication or micro fluidization were used to disperse nanocrystals in the chitosan matrix. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, DSC, TGA, TMA and contact angle measurements.

Wastewater generated from pulp and paper production still contains pollutants and contaminants, so appropriate and economical materials are needed to reduce pollutants by using adsorbents from bottom ash. This study examines the characteristics of bottom ash and pulp and paper wastewater, the effect of stirring time, stirring speed, and adsorbent activation temperature on decreasing environmental parameters of wastewater. The synthesis of bottom ash as an adsorbent was carried out by heating at 100 and 200 °C for 1 hour. The wastewater treatment process with maximum yield occurs at a stirring speed of 100 rpm for 50 min. The use of bottom ash without heating as an adsorbent in the pulp and paper wastewater treatment process has reduced TSS 77.5%, COD 85.72%, chloride 26.9%, TDS 1143 ppm, and EC 2180 s/cm, which have met the environmental quality standards.

Fossil-plastics or paper? Or for that matter, bio-plastics and paper? This is a well-entrenched question in academic research, industrial, social and policy-making circles. As environmental life-cycle analyses (or more appropriately, sustainability analyses) show time and again, no single product or process or mode of operation is a ‘total villain’. There are goods and bads, and at times, more of the one than the other. This paper, which is based on a course-report written by the first author at Karlstad University (Sweden), restricts itself to a review of publications which have opted to compare paper bags with low density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags, on the basis of their environmental impacts. Environmental impact categories include the global warming potential, energy demand, fossil fuel depletion, water usage, acidification, eutrophication, and a range of toxicities – human, terrestrial, freshwater-aquatic and marine-aquatic. The articles were obtained through Google Scholar, read and reviewed to glean the results presented therein. The ‘What’, ‘How’ and ‘Where’, so to say were studied carefully to understand the reasons behind any differences or similarities detected. On the basis of this focused review, even though no new knowledge is being added, the common belief that the paper bag is environmentally superior to the LDPE alternative is further consolidated. However, if one focuses on water usage and would assign a high weightage to that environmental impact, LDPE perhaps may score a few ‘brownie points’ over paper. One must also not forget that plastics (LDPE in this instance) can be recycled without significant deterioration in its functional properties. In a circular economy (the bioeconomy part of which gradually will expand over time), while introducing more and more bio-based products into the technosphere by way of trans-materialization is recommended, plastics will still continue to exist – albeit in much smaller amounts – and it would be perfectly fine if the degree of recycling is augmented significantly. Speaking of a holistic sustainability analysis, the socio-economic aspects of a choice between LDPE and paper bags must also be factored in, and studied. Much-desired change happens when the top-down meets the bottom-up somewhere midway.

Recently, the climate and landfill crises have raised concerns in the UK as the country is struggling to meet the sustainability goal it set to achieve. One of the major reasons is due to the inadequate recycling rate of waste paper. Therefore, as an alternative solution to the issue, the aim of our research was to exploit the potential of waste paper as an insulating material to see whether it can be feasible to improve the recycling rate of waste paper in the country. Waste paper has already been in the construction industry for a while, and the use of cellulose insulation is a standard in the Passivhaus construction approach. The study examines cellulose’s performance as an insulation material and its potential to combat the climate crisis by creating four separate comparisons and calculations using Life-Cycle Assessment and Standard Assessment Procedures. The study will investigate the benefits and limitations of the material as well as a case study to justify the use of it. A pioneer project in the field is a retrofit and new-built building project—54–58 Akerman Road in London. It utilises cellulose fibre insulation as the main material for the new-built part. The study will use this project as a context to compare whether cellulose fibre insulation is the best solution for the project. Also, the study will compare cellulose insulation with other conventional insulation materials in a more general setting as well as with the traditional paper recycling approach, by providing an indication of the carbon footprint of the insulation, the energy resources involved and the amount of raw material. By conducting the study, we can know whether recycling waste paper into cellulose insulation is the best solution to the crisis we face. This research can guide the UK’s recycling and use of waste paper, reduce paper waste and energy consumption and improve the sustainability of building insulation materials.

Recovering extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from waste granular sludge offers a cost-effective and sustainable approach for transforming wastewater resources into industrially valuable products. Yet, the application potential of these EPS in real-world scenarios, particularly in paper manufacturing, remains underexplored. Here we show the feasibility of EPS-based biomaterials, derived from anaerobic granular sludges, as novel coating agents in paper production. We systematically characterised the rheological properties of various EPS-based suspensions. When applied as surface sizing agents, these EPS-based biomaterials formed a distinct, ultra-thin layer on paper, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. A comprehensive evaluation of water and oil penetration, along with barrier properties, revealed that EPS-enhanced coatings markedly diminished water absorption while significantly bolstering oil and grease resistance. Optimal performance was observed in EPS variants with elevated protein and hydrophobic contents, correlating with their superior rheological characteristics. The enhanced water-barrier and grease resistance of EPS-coated paper can be attributed to its non-porous, fine surface structure and the functional groups in EPS, particularly the high protein content and hydrophobic humic-like substances. This research marks the first demonstration of utilizing EPS from anaerobic granular sludge as paper-coating biomaterials, bridging a critical knowledge gap in the sustainable use of biopolymers in industrial applications.

The filter paper bio-templating method has become a promising pathway in the fabrication of MgO with tunned physicochemical features. The filter paper-templated MgO (MgO-FPT) has been subjected to several characterisation analyses, and it has revealed that filter paper templating has demonstrated a positive outcome toward an improvement of physicochemical features, i.e., improved surface reactivity and surface area compared to MgO prepared via direct thermal degradation method of magnesium salt (MgO-CT). As the evidence of the FTIR spectra, the MgO-FPT has demonstrated a surface rich CO2-associated functional group, which indicate the enhanced surface reactivity of the MgO, which increase of the adsorbent affinity toward CO2 (even from atmospheric surrounding). Together with the improved structural features compared to MgO-CT (two-fold high surface area), it has significantly refined the CO2 adsorption uptake capacity to almost 15 times higher than MgO-CT with only 0.247 mmol/g. This shows the potential filter paper bio-templating method for the metal oxide-based adsorbent fabrication for CO2 adsorption application.

A chitosan based coating was prepared where eggshell powder was added. Eggshell is a product that appears in large numbers in everyday life, so it has great potential as waste, which can be used to turn it into a valuable material. Cellulose sheets were made from secondary fiber, and after coated with the chitosan based solution to investigate the properties of the sheets. The results of the treated handsheets were compared with the results of the control sheet. The control sheets were compared with 4 different type of paper: coatings of chitosan with 5wt% and 10wt% eggshell powder, only chitosan coating, and paper where eggshell powder was added to the paper pulp. The use of the eggshell powder as an additive in the coating would be a promising material, because it can improve in a large extent the water resistance and the air barrier properties of the paper.

The Paper industry is an energy-intensive and one of the most energy-consuming industries in Indonesia. In this study, Paper Mill energy sources come from coal and renewable energy such as black liquor as a substitute for coal and on-grid 9MW PV system are reassessed by using optimization software, HOMER. This study aims to present a feasibility study of increasing the use of renewable energy sources in Paper Mill to reduce coal consumption for more sustainability. The software HOMER is used as a tool to determine the most feasible combination of component considered in the study. It is feasible to reduce 10,84% coal consumption kg per year with the optimal renewable energy mix consisting of additional 24MW rooftop PV system and 5,94kW hydrokinetic energy from Kampar River located 6 km from the plant. Renewable fraction increased to 16%. This study result is good for sustainable growth of Paper Mill business that investments in climate and nature to support the Indonesian government in achieving net zero emissions.

In this study, cellulose was extracted from Heliánthus tuberósus (Jerusalem artichoke) stems, and its quality indicators were thoroughly investigated. The isolation process involved the removal of impurities and non-cellulosic components, resulting in a purified cellulose sample suitable for further analysis and application.To explore the potential of Heliánthus tuberósus cellulose, composite paper was produced by incorporating basalt fiber into the cellulose matrix. The resulting paper was subjected to comprehensive testing to evaluate its mechanical properties, with a particular focus on tensile strength and tensile length.The tensile strength of the composite paper was determined using standardized testing methods, providing quantitative data on the material's ability to withstand applied forces without breaking or deforming. Tensile length, on the other hand, refers to the maximum elongation the paper can undergo before rupture occurs. These properties were assessed to gauge the overall performance and suitability of the composite paper for various applications.The obtained results were presented in a clear and concise manner, utilizing tables and graphs to facilitate data interpretation and comparison. Tables allowed for the tabulation of the measured tensile strength and tensile length values, providing a comprehensive overview of the material's mechanical characteristics. Graphs were employed to visualize trends, patterns, and potential correlations between different variables, aiding in a deeper understanding of the composite paper's behavior under various loading conditions.

Abstract. In this study, a composite material was successfully produced by incorporating waste paper and basalt fibers. The utilization of waste paper as a raw material contributes to sustainable practices and waste reduction. The physical and mechanical properties of the obtained composite material were comprehensively investigated to evaluate its potential for various applications.The physical parameters of the composite material, such as density and porosity, were measured to assess its structural characteristics. Density provides insights into the compactness and mass per unit volume of the composite, while porosity indicates the presence of voids or open spaces within the material. These parameters play a crucial role in determining the overall performance and suitability of the composite for specific applications.Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the composite material were examined to evaluate its strength, stiffness, and durability. Tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance were among the key mechanical parameters studied. Tensile strength determines the material's ability to withstand pulling forces, while flexural strength measures its resistance to bending or deformation. Impact resistance evaluates the material's ability to absorb energy when subjected to sudden or dynamic loads.

This study investigated the color removal efficiency of pulp and paper mill wastewater using residual eucalyptus wood as a method to minimize the solid wastes generated from pulp and paper processes. The activated carbon used in this study as the color adsorbent was produced from residual eucalyptus wood. The carbon was activated with phosphoric acid and carbonized in a furnace at 500°C for 60 min. Effects of types and amounts of activated carbon on color removal efficiency were evaluated. Three types of solid wastes, consisting of wood chip, bark, and mixed wood (wood chip:bark, 1:1), were investigated at a loading of 1, 3, 5, and 7 g/100 mL under contact times of 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. The results showed that 7 g of wood chip activated carbon/100 mL under all contact times gave color removal efficiency of 94-97%. However, the highest adsorption capacity of 216 ADMI/g occurred at 1 g of adsorbent used. Freundlich isotherms were satisfactorily fitted to experimental data for the best condition with high correlation coefficients. The color removal efficiency depended on surface area, pore volume, structure, and characteristics of the activated carbon.

A worldwide evaluation of the present status of renewable-energy generation, with a focus on photo-voltaic (PV) solar energy for the production of electricity. The most pertinent elements of the development and experiences of nations working to build and use these technologies are covered in this article. It also cites studies that highlight the efforts made by nations to reduce their emissions of green-house gas or to enhance the quality and accessibility of electric energy generation in light of their unique geographic and environmental circumstances. These studies focus in particular on remote communities that have limited access to the national power grid due to technological or financial constraints. This paper focusses on renewable-energy might serve as a starting point for assessing how clean energy affects the world's energy supply and demand, they are becoming an increasingly popular option in terms of cost and efficiency, which can attract new investors. By analysing recent data, case studies, and literature, this review aims to provide stakeholders with insights into the achievements and hurdles of solar energy, fostering informed decisions towards a sustainable and resilient energy future.

As both governments and customers push for sustainable and recyclable textile products, textile companies will have to change their linear business model to a circular one. The aim of the present work is to help these companies take action by providing an update of the state-of-the-art of textile recycling technologies. Extensive desktop research was performed in order to prepare an overview of existing textile recycling technologies, their current state, and projected developments, also including facilitating technologies for sorting and disintegration of textile products, as well as virtual platforms that connect stakeholders and inform consumers.

The purpose of this research is to process a mixture of paper waste and garden waste based on material flow analysis and to analyze parameters based on parameters of water content, ash content, heating value, along with Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA)/Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG). The garden waste treatment process consists of shredding, drying with a rotary dryer, separator, and then shaving with a hammer mill. Paper waste only needs a shredder and siege process. Then the mixing process and pelletizing of paper waste and garden waste are carried out according to the variation (w/w) 100% paper (K100), 75% paper (K75), 50% paper (K50), 25% paper (K25), and 100% garden waste (K0). The water content ranged from 5.8 to 15.25%. The ash content was seen from K0 to K100 samples that the ash content increased from 4.54 to 9.85%. A correlation of 0.9047 was found from the samples K0 to K100. There was an increase in the correlation between increasing the calorific value if the mixture with paper waste increased. The caloric value in K0 to K100 increased from 13.11 to 19.03 MJ/kg. The TGA/DTG analysis reduced mass due to water evaporation, devolatilization, and carbonization processes.

Abstract Accurate maps of subsurface tile drainage lines are needed for agronomic and environmental research studies and the maintenance of current tile drainage systems. In this study, tile lines at the Purdue University Agronomy Center for Research and Education near West Lafayette, Indiana were located using a combination of visual aerial photo interpretation, expert knowledge, and paper construction drawings. The mapping accuracy was assessed at 27 locations where tile lines were located physically using a tile probe. Tile lines were correctly predicted 89% of the time with an average spatial accuracy of ±1.23 m of the true tile locations. This approach was better than a previous tile line location map prepared using an automated remote sensing method, which had an average spatial accuracy of ±2.12 m.

To reduce the pollution caused by paper sludge in the environment and overcome issues of poor water resistance and brittleness in Magnesium Oxychloride Cement (MOC), the MOC was modified by adding different dosages of paper sludge. The mechanical properties and damage modes of composite MOC materials containing paper sludge were studied by uniaxial compression tests. Under cyclic loading conditions, the damage progression of MOC composites was characterised using the tensile-shear conversion factor (Tsc) and by monitoring the energy parameters (elastic strain energy, plastic strain energy and dissipation energy). The results show that the average peak stress drop of MOC composites gradually increases with the increase in paper sludge dosage. Under uniaxial compression conditions, the Tsc of the MOC composites decreases from 0.99 to 0.44, and the damage mode is transitioned from brittle tensile damage to tensile-shear damage, X-shaped conjugate surface shear damage and finally to pure shear damage with an increase in doping. During cyclic loading conditions, the brittleness of MOC composites gradually decreases with an increase in paper sludge doping, which verifies the effect of paper sludge on the mechanical properties of MOC materials and the change in damage modes from the perspective of energy dissipation.

Water is a vital resource for the existence of mankind and all ecosystems on Earth. Before using it, it must be ensured that water is of good quality, within the hygienic-sanitary norms for human consumption. In recent decades, the supply of drinking water has been supplemented with the water bottled in glass and plastic bottles, which is found everywhere in the market of the Republic of Kosovo. This paper deals with the content of the label paper and the variation of physico-chemical parameters of bottled water which is extracted, analyzed, processed, filled, packaged and distributed on the market of the Republic of Kosovo and beyond as a product for consumption. i.e. In this paper 20 brands of groundwater (types of water) produced and packaged in the territory of Kosovo.

Development of new and modification of existing chemicals, which act not only as binders, but also provide increased retention of fiber and other pulp components on the paper machine grid, accelerate pulp dehydration, and provide special properties (moisture resistance, heat resistance, improvement of other technical characteristics of paper and cardboard) of paper and cardboard, is an important and urgent task of chemical technology and ecology. This paper presents results of the corn starch modification with epoxypropyltriethanolammonium chloride, hexamethylolmelamine and hexamethylenetetramine. Modified starches provide the necessary strength indicators of cardboard from waste paper and low turbidity of wastewater. The obtained starches can be used in mills that use low-quality waste paper for the production of cardboard and paper products with the aim of saving fiber, reducing wastewater pollution and as a result reducing the negative impact on the environment.

There has been controversy regarding the air pollutants emitted from sources closely related to the activities of daily life in China, such as cooking, setting off fireworks, sacrificial incense and joss paper burning, and barbecue (which have been named the five missing sources – FMSs), and the extent to which they impact the outdoor air quality. To date, due to the lack of both an activity dataset and emission factors, there have been no estimations of the emission of air pollutants from FMSs. In this work, we have attempted to combine questionnaire data, various statistical data, and data on points of interest to obtain a relatively complete set of activity data. The emission factors (EFs) of carbonaceous aerosols were tested in our lab. Emission inventories of carbonaceous aerosols with a high spatial–temporal resolution for FMSs were then established, and the spatial variation trend and driving forces were discussed. From 2000 to 2018, organic carbon (OC) emissions were in the range of 4268–4919 t. OC emissions from FMSs were between 1.5 ‰ and 2.2 ‰ of the total emissions in China. Black carbon (BC), elemental carbon (EC), and brown carbon (BrC) absorption cross-section (ACSBrC) emissions from FMSs were in the ranges of 22.6–43.9 t, 213–324 t, and 14.7–35.6 Gm2, respectively. Their emissions tended to be concentrated in certain periods and areas. The OC emission intensities in central urban areas were 3.85–50.5 times those in rural areas (due to the high density of human activity), while the ACSBrC emissions in rural regions accounted for 63.0–79.5 % of the total emissions (resulting from uncontrolled fireworks). A mass of fireworks led to much higher ACSBrC and EC emissions on Chinese New Year's Eve, with respective values that were 1444 and 262 times their corresponding yearly averages. Significant (p<0.01) correlations between the population's income and pollutant emissions were also found: these correlations were positive (r=0.94) and negative (r=-0.94) for urban and rural regions, respectively, indicating the necessity to regulate residents' lifestyles and increase residents' income in respective urban and rural regions. This study provides firsthand data to identify emissions, variation trends, and impacting factors from the FMSs. This is helpful for modeling works on air quality, the climate effect, and human health risks during specific periods or in specific regions as well as for modifying emission control policies. The data compiled in this work can found at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.19999991.v2 (Cheng et al., 2022).

Packaging waste correct sorting hugely impacts fiber-based packaging circularity. Currently, this is more crucial than ever, also due to the increased market share of fiber-based packaging. This study evaluated the relationship between the aesthetic properties and user material sorting actions of lightweight dispersion-coated and uncoated paper substrates. Unlike previous literature, no labeling or graphics were involved in this study, focusing on the physical and aesthetic properties of both coatings and substrates. Untrained panelists participated in a multi-phase (descriptive and hedonic) analysis involving a questionnaire and antonym scales about samples’ visual and tactile properties, which were also characterized. The results highlight a remarkable panelist’s ability to assess the relative gloss and roughness. Perceived roughness and mattness statistically significantly correlated to cellulosic material identification. Moreover, material sorting into the paper recycling stream was statistically significantly regulated by sample mattness, followed by sample roughness. This work suggests that, without any graphic or textual information, the combination of substrate characteristics and coating formulation strongly impacts the packaging aesthetics, hence packaging perception as paper-based material. Consequently, the correct material identification and sorting can be encouraged by proper packaging materials selection and coating development.

The rapid growth of airlines over the last period has led to the development of the aviation industry, resulting in increased requirements for ancillary services. Nowadays, the demand for the use of paper-based documents is increasing day by day as airlines encourage passengers to use more ancillary products. One of the most important issues in the aviation industry is flight safety. The procedures and instructions required for all aviation operations are organized in accordance with the regulations and printed on paper in accordance with the demands. For this reason, since it is mandatory to keep all aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation records on printed paper and to keep them for a certain period of time, aircraft fly with almost their entire weight on paper. Considering the global hazards in the world, although the aviation sector is the least environmentally damaging of all transportation sectors, new solutions have been sought to make aviation operations less harmful to the environment, minimize errors and risks, allow for faster communication, and be safer and more sustainable. In order to meet the demands, studies on reducing the use of paper have been brought to the agenda. In this study, after a literature review, real data from a maintenance, repair, and overhaul organization are used to suggest digital conveniences that can save costs, increase productivity, save space, facilitate documentation and information sharing, keep personal information more secure, and help the environment through paperless living.

In this paper, we estimated the methane emissions by the disposal of sanitary and domestic-use paper consumed throughout Brazil from 1901 to 2016. The apparent consumption of this type of paper from 1961 to 2016, calculated from the data of the FAOSTAT system, was used to estimate the amount of waste disposed of annually in three site categories: sanitary landfill, controlled dump, and open-air, uncontrolled dump. The 2006 IPCC Guide methodology was used to calculate CH4emissions and long-term carbon storage. Nine scenarios based upon the law that establishes the National Solid Waste Policy (NSWP) were examined, considering 100% waste disposal and treatment in landfills or incineration from 2014. The total emission was estimated at 1.967 MtCH4, corresponding to 55.080 MtCO2eq by GWP-AR5, and the stored carbon at 3.724 Mt, corresponding to 13.655 MtCO2eq. CH4emission increased beyond the population growth rate due to an increase in the per capita paper consumption in the country, from 0.02 kgCH4.year-1 in 1961 to 0.30 kg CH4.year-1 in 2016. The NSWP has not yet been accomplished, and the scenarios outlined indicate that, from the point of view of CH4 emissions, it would be more advantageous to carry out incineration instead of applying other waste treatment technologies.

A successful transition to a lower-emission society may require major changes in the patterns of individual behaviours. Yet, whilst awareness and concern about climate change have increased in recent years among the global population, global greenhouse gases emissions have not ceased to rise. This paper discusses potential reasons underlying the gap between individual knowledge of climate change and the actions implemented to contain greenhouse gas emissions. To investigate this phenomenon, we look at the scientific literature exploring the factors influencing pro-environmental behaviour. First, we highlight how an individual’s environmental knowledge is not only approximate but also biased by cognitive, affective, and cultural factors, influencing their appraisal of climate information and their motivation to act. Second, we discuss three major models of pro-environmental behaviour, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the Norm-Activation Model (NAM), and the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN), to highlight their failure to account for automatic cognitive and affective factors influencing an individual’s ability to implement pro-environmental intentions. Then, we discuss the Comprehensive-Action-Determination Model of pro-environmental behaviour (CADM), and its efforts to overcome the limits of the previous models. Finally, we examine the dispositional traits associated with pro-environmental engagement to highlight how the relationship between dispositions and pro-environmental behaviour performance appears related to self-regulation processes, supported by executive functioning; increased self-regulation would enable alignment of pro-environmental intentions and behaviours, and anticipation of the long-term consequences of present behaviours. We conclude by calling for more research to be carried out on the effect of enhanced self-regulation, and of self-regulation training, on individual reactions to the climate crisis.

The pulp and paper industry (PPI) is a major contributor to the global economy, but it also poses a challenge for waste disposal, as it generates large amounts of several waste streams. Among these, paper rejects are generated during the papermaking process and could account for up to 25% of the produced paper. Moreover, hundreds of millions of tons of paper are produced annually that end up in landfills if not burnt or recycled. Furthermore, the PPI significantly contributes to climate change and global warming in the form of deforestation and water and air pollution. Therefore, the impact of this industry on the sustainability of natural resources and its adverse environmental health effects requires special attention. This review focuses on discussing the sustainable routes to utilize paper waste and rejects from the PPI towards a circular economy. At first, it discusses the industry itself and its environmental impact, followed by the possible sustainable approaches that can be implemented to improve papermaking processes as well as waste management systems, including paper recycling. The literature indicates that paper recycling is crucial because, if appropriately designed, it significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions, water and resources consumption, and manufacturing costs. However, several concerns have surfaced about the different chemicals that are used to improve recycling efficiency and recycled paper quality. Furthermore, paper recycling is limited to up to seven times. This review, therefore, goes on to highlight several sustainable waste management routes for paper waste utilization other than recycling by emphasizing the concept of converting paper waste and rejects into energy and high-value materials, including biofuels, biohydrogen, biomethane, heat, nanocellulose, hydrochar, construction materials, and soil amendments. Both the benefits and shortcomings of these waste management routes and their applications are discussed. It becomes clear from this review that sustainable management solutions for paper waste and rejects are implementable, but further research and development are still needed.

Packaging and labels are used for a variety of products and have become an indispensable part of daily life, while products without labels or packaging cause uncertainty among consumers. The global trend is to reduce the amount of packaging waste by recycling and reusing the same material or using other available waste raw materials. With large quantities of stalks remaining discarded in the fields after harvest each year, cereal straw is emerging as an alternative source of lignocellulosic fibers for secondary green packaging and labels. In this study, the usability of printed papers with discarded lignocellulosic fibers by offset and gravure printing processes for secondary green packaging and labels was observed based on the qualitative parameters of reproduction and ink penetration into the printing substrate. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that gravure prints have greater penetration of the ink into the printing substrate, resulting in more uneven surface coverage with printing ink, compared to offset prints, where the viscosity of the ink and the printing process itself have the greatest influence. Therefore, these substrates with discarded lignocellulosic fibers can be used for secondary green packaging and labeling printed by the offset printing process, while gravure printing requires an additional coating or a larger amount of filler in the paper structure.

Competition issues with food industry have recently boosted the exploration of alternative solutions capable of replacing starch in papermaking to a certain extent. Covalent grafting of quaternary ammonium groups onto LignoBoost® Eucalyptus kraft lignin has recently shown promise in this regard as the cationic products feature excellent water solubility across the entire pH scale. Considering these suitable properties, cationic kraft lignin was applied and evaluated, for the first time, in the perspective of partial substitution of cationic starch in papermaking, using bleached Eucalyptus kraft pulp. Based on an assessment of key paper properties, such as mechanical (tensile, bursting, and tearing indexes), structural (roughness, capillarity rise, air resistance, internal strength, and water contact angle), and optical ones (brightness, opacity, and relative color change), it is safe to conclude that the partial replacement of conventional cationic starch by cationic lignin does not compromise these features. The results also show that properties can be fine-tuned by varying the degree of lignin derivatization, providing paper-specific solutions for replacing starch by lignin potentially available at large-scale at the pulp and paper industry, closing the loop within the circular economy concept.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences (NHESS), an interdisciplinary and international journal dedicated to the public discussion and open-access publication of high-quality studies and original research on natural hazards and their consequences, we highlight 11 key publications covering major subject areas of NHESS that stood out within the past 20 years. The papers cover all the topics contemplated in the European Geosciences Union (EGU) Division on Natural Hazards including dissemination, education, outreach and teaching. The selected articles thus represent excellent scientific contributions in the major areas of natural hazards and risks and helped NHESS to become an exceptionally strong journal representing interdisciplinary areas of natural hazards and risks. At its 20th anniversary, we are proud that NHESS is not only used by scientists to disseminate research results and novel ideas but also by practitioners and decision-makers to present effective solutions and strategies for sustainable disaster risk reduction.

The production process of the traditional paper making process produces a large amount of waste water, known as paper black liquor. It is needed to explore new ways of reusing this waste and replacing part of the base bitumen to reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, thus obtaining better environmental, economic, and social benefits. This paper analyses the feasibility of using paper black liquor, which contains a large amount of lignin, as a modifier for bitumen in the paper industry. Samples of modified bitumen were prepared with 15%, 30%, and 45% of the base bitumen replaced by paper black liquor, and a control group of base bitumen was prepared for testing. The samples were subjected to an 85 min short-term ageing test, FTIR scanning test, thermogravimetric test, frequency scanning test, MSCR test, and LAS test. The analysis of the FTIR and thermogravimetric tests showed that the paper black liquor was mainly composed of lignin and some cellulose, and contained a small amount of salts with Na ions; based on the results of the frequency scan, the compatibility analysis of the vGP curve showed that the modified bitumen was more compatible in the high-temperature range after short-term ageing, thus inferring that the water content of the concentrate had an influence on the compatibility, making it necessary to further investigate different optimum water contents to achieve the best performance and benefit. The incorporation of paper black liquor improved the rutting resistance and fatigue resistance of the modified bitumen, and also gave the paper-black-liquor-modified bitumen a better ageing resistance than the base bitumen. While demonstrating the feasibility of using paper black liquor as an bitumen modifier, this study also helps to provide a basis for theoretical applications of biomass materials in the field of road engineering.

This Special Issue aimed to collect high-quality papers (original research articles or comprehensive review papers) published during 2022 on the subject of waste recycling [...]

In this study, the physical and chemical properties of untreated, lime-stabilized and composted wastewater sludges from a Finnish pulp, board and paper mill integrate were compared in order to assess their fertilizer properties based on the requirement of the Finnish Fertilizer Product Decree. Furthermore, the extraction properties of heavy metals in sludges were assessed by the three-stage sequential extraction procedure of the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) and the solubility indexes for heavy metals were calculated in order to evaluate the release potential of elements from the sample (sludge) matrix. The results of this study indicated that the total heavy metal (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) concentrations in all sludges were lower than the statutory Finnish limit values for fertilizer products. However, the untreated sludge required either lime-stabilization or composting in order to fulfil the Finnish maximum concentrations of pathogens (coliforms and Escherichia coli) for fertilizer products.

Since society is moving towards sustainable development, interest in secondary use of waste has recently become significant. This paper investigates a process to develop an acoustic material, using two types of waste. Composite acoustic panels were developed using waste tyre textile fibres (WTTF) and paper sludge (PS), and polyvinyl acetate (PVA) were used as a binder. Non-acoustic (bulk density, airflow resistivity) and acoustic (sound absorption coefficient, sound transmission loss) parameters were studied. Composite acoustic panels with different proportions of WTTF/PS/PVA (sixteen samples) were subjected to testing for the sound absorption coefficient according to ISO 10534-2 and sound transmission loss according to ASTM E2611. The density of all samples varied between 155.2 and 709.9 kg/m3, the thickness between 14.4 and 20.5 mm, and the airflow resistivity between 29.5 and 101.5 kPa∙s/m2. The results reveal that the proportion of various waste materials in mixtures can improve the acoustic performance of panels. The combination that gives the highest αavg. with a value of 0.50 was experimentally found to be 70% WTTF mixed with 15% PVA and 15% H2O. The average sound absorption coefficient with a value of 0.46 was also found to be 25% WTTF mixed with 25% PS and 25% PVA and 25% H2O. In sound transmission loss, the most effective was 50% PS and the 50% PVA composite, the TLeq was 28.3 dB, while the composites together with 30% WTTF, 20% PS and 25% PVA, and 25% H2O showed 18.9 dB loss. The results obtained using WTTF and/or PS wastes are attractive and show great and promising development potential.

In this study, the primary paper-mill sludge characterized as containing 51% glucan was used to optimize the enzymatic saccharification process for the production of bioethanol using a Box–Behnken design (BBD). Polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG-4000) surfactant-assisted enzymatic saccharification of dried primary sludge (DPS) showed a 12.8% improvement in saccharification efficiency. There was a statistically significant effect of solid enzyme loading and saccharification time on the enzymatic saccharification of DPS at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05). The optimum levels of 10.4% w/w DPS solid loading, 2.03% enzyme loading (10 FPU g/DPS), and 1% (w/w DPS) PEG-4000 loading for a saccharification efficiency of 57.66% were validated experimentally and found to be non-significant with regard to the lack of fit with the predicted saccharification efficiency of 56.76%. Furthermore, Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermented the saccharified sugars into ethanol (9.35 g/L) with a sugar-to-ethanol conversion yield of 91.6% compared with the theoretical maximum. Therefore, DPS is a more suitable renewable biomass for determining the presence of fermentable sugar and for the production of ethanol.

In order to improve the hydrophobicity of xylan hemicellulose, a simple procedure of its chemical modification with alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), a non-toxic, cost-effective, and eco-friendly chemical, was performed. For this purpose, the reaction products of beech wood xylan and different amounts of hydrophobic AKD were used for paper surface treatment. Thus, the coatings of about 4.5 g/m2 were applied on both sides of base paper in single and three successive layers. To obtain a complete reaction between AKD and xylan hemicellulose, the coated papers were thermal cured (about 110 °C) and the effects of AKD content on the barrier (water, oil, and water vapours) and mechanical properties were analysed. The structural analyses by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) of coated samples emphasized the presence of β-keto-ester compounds as a result of the reaction between xylan hemicelluloses and AKD. This is confirmed by the improving of barrier properties as the AKD content in coating dispersion is higher. The good barrier performance and improved strength properties were obtained for the coated papers with xylan hemicellulose and 1% AKD applied on paper surface in three successive layers (about 4.5 g/m2). In this case, the water vapours transmission rate (WVTR) was 35% lower than those untreated and the resistance to air passing through coated papers was over 3 times higher compared with base paper. There are no results reported on the chemical reaction of xylan hemicelluloses with AKD as well as its application in coatings for paper packaging. In this context, the obtained results in this study can contribute to expand the applications area of hemicelluloses offering a sustainable strategy for the developing of food packaging papers with appropriate barrier properties using biopolymer coating materials.

Indonesian municipal solid waste (MSW) is dominated by biodegradable MSW (organic and paper). Due to the degradation process, the physical and hydraulic characteristics of these components can change. It is important to study the physical and hydraulic characteristics of MSW, because landslides occurred in several landfills in Indonesia after heavy rains. Field observations showed that landslides occur due to reduced paper components in the landfill (due to high recycling activities), and cause high percolation of water into the landfill. In the research, 38 samples consisting of two variants of MSW samples (organic and 80% organic + 20% paper), were prepared under the conditions of optimum moisture content. The organic sample of MSW is leaf, while the paper sample of MSW is newspaper, which were shredded to a diameter of about 1 cm. The tests of moisture content, bulk density (in the mould of permeameter), particle size distribution, and permeability were carried out on both sample variants for 90 days, with a test frequency of once in 5 days. The results showed that there was an increase in the moisture content and density, and a decrease in particle size and permeability in both variants of MSW sample. Organic MSW + paper has lower permeability and higher density than organic MSW. This requires further study, because a high paper recycling ratio can lead to a change in the landfill characteristics.

Floods kill numerous people every year in both developed and developing countries. The transfer of research findings from the academic community to practitioners, policy-makers and citizens may reduce the impact of floods on mortality. This systematic review analyzes 44 scientific articles extracted from WOS and SCOPUS databases written in English, published between 2010 and 2020, and focuses on flood fatalities. The first main finding of this review is the classification of drivers of flood mortality into two groups: the first group relates to the environment, and the second group relates to the fatalities. The second main finding is the identification of strategies to practically cope with the identified drivers of flood fatalities. The main shortcomings of the review concern (a) the unavailability of papers based on flood fatality occurrence in developing countries and (b) the absence of data focusing on people who have survived floods. This review amplifies useful findings, best practices and lessons learned that can be useful for administrators, risk managers, and teachers of primary and secondary schools to mitigate the impact of future floods on human life.

Abstract Freestanding films with high strength and conductivity are critical for flexible electronics, such as supercapacitors. Herein, inspired from the natural leaf, a freestanding paper is constructed through fast vacuum filtration by “mesophylls‐like” MXene (Ti3C2TX) nanosheets and “vein‐like” cellulose filaments and silver nanowires (Ag NWs). The produced nanocomposite paper with 25 wt% Ti3C2TX and 8 wt% Ag NWs (PMxAg25‐8) exhibits high conductivity (58 843 S m−1) and excellent mechanical properties (Tensile strength of 34 MPa and Young's modulus of 6 GPa), which arises from the synergistic effects of the interactions between cellulose and MXene and the three‐dimensional interpenetrating frameworks. This interpenetrating framework can further benefit the electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite papers and the foldable paper electrode presents a high capacitance of 505 F g−1 with only 25 wt% MXene. This work paves the way for the fast fabrication of strong and multifunctional MXene macro‐assembly for flexible electronics by conventional papermaking process.

Pulp and paper mills are known large emitters of air pollution creating potential environmental challenges and human health impacts. This study assesses air pollution and associated impacts from connected pulp and paper facilities which operate in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada, and Madawaska, Maine, United States (US). Despite operating within two regulatory jurisdictions on both sides of the international border (in Canada and the US), the mills have exceeded their approvals to operate and national air quality regulations multiple times between 2010 and 2017. Previous studies have linked many types of cancer as well as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases to air pollution emitted by pulp and paper mills, making this an important regional issue in Canada and the US. While potential environmental and community impacts are likely similar on both sides of the international border, emissions from each side are not reported on the other, and few studies have been conducted on either side. Historic and ongoing lack of local epidemiological health and environmental impact studies and recommendations for improvements to mill operations to improve environmental and human health are presented.

Environmental degradation resulting from the overexploitation of natural resources has become a pressing global concern. This review paper aims to investigate the relationship between natural resources and environmental degradation, with a specific focus on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and ecological footprint (EF) as indicators. The study method involved an exhaustive search across prominent research databases, including ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and Springer, using carefully defined search terms. A total of more than 160 research papers related to the search terms were obtained from the four sources of the database during the initial search. After applying sorting, filtering, and removing duplication and repetitions, we were left with 75 research papers that had a direct link to the topic under investigation. From these 75 papers, we further applied inclusion criteria to identify the most relevant studies for our review, resulting in the final inclusion of 50 research papers. The selected papers were thoroughly assessed for their methodological robustness, relevance, and adherence to the research questions. The review encompasses studies from diverse geographical regions and periods, shedding light on both positive and negative associations between natural resources and the two key indicators of environmental degradation (CO2 emissions and EF). The review identified diverse findings in the literature, highlighting both positive and negative associations between natural resources and environmental degradation indicators (CO2 and EF). The results of this comprehensive review will contribute to a better understanding of the complex interplay between natural resources and environmental sustainability and will offer valuable insights for policymakers and researchers alike.

The paper industry is an important component in the Colombian economy, the need for the continuous use of paper and cardboard in different activities results in the generation of paper sludge, for this reason there is an imminent need to generate alternatives for the use of these industrial wastes. which have been on the rise in recent years. This study is divided into two stages, the first is the evaluation through experimental analysis of the demonstration of the effectiveness of paper mud as an important source of carbon in composting processes, the second is the life cycle analysis (LCA) of the Alternative replacement of Composting vs. Synthetic Fertilizers. The product obtained from the evaluation corresponds to a stabilized compost with chicken manure, which is an important source of Carbon, Nitrogen and Calcium Carbonate, resulting in an environmentally sustainable alternative compared to the use of synthetic fertilizers. In the future, an increase in the use of fertilizers is expected, due to the growth of the world population, which generates an expansion of food production and an imminent need to attend to it. The ALC provides a better understanding of the process and its environmental impacts, the results will allow us to conclude on the most appropriate management option by showing the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of compost. Organic fertilizers, unlike synthetic fertilizers, improve the fertility, texture and structure of the soil in the long term, promoting good drainage, aeration, water retention and root penetration, in addition to contributing to the stabilization of pH in acidic soils. The main challenges in integrating composting from paper sludge and chicken manure is to balance the C / N ratio, making a balance of the nutrient mixture and thus improving composting times, the loss of humidity, temperature gain, microbiological control and porosity.