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Waste paper is a major contributor to municipal and industrial waste, and its recycle and reuse are a current challenge. The aim of this research is to convert waste paper into value-added cellulose films through rapid dissolution in pre-cooled H 2 SO 4 aqueous solution. Two types of waste paper, office paper and cardboard, could be dissolved within 210 s. The regenerated office paper films were transparent, and exhibited excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength: 77.55 ± 6.52 MPa, elongation at break: 2.67 ± 0.30 %, and Young's modulus: 5451.67 ± 705.23 MPa), which were comparable to those of cellulose films prepared from spruce pulp in the same solvent. The mixed paper films showed a dramatically reduced UV transmittance due to the existence of lignin. Moreover, the regenerated films were a promising matrix to load antimicrobial compounds, and thus inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, this work provides a convenient way to directly convert waste paper into biodegradable antimicrobial packaging materials., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The rapid increase in solid waste along with urbanisation, especially arising from the industrial and agricultural sectors, sparks concern from the public regarding their adverse impact on human and environmental wellness. Therefore, waste biorefinery is the current interest that aligns with the concept of 'waste-to-wealth'. The conversion of waste into valuable products such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is an alternative method of circular waste management as CNCs have various applications. Their non-toxicity, biocompatibility, excellent mechanical strength, and load-bearing properties render them a good reinforcement agent for packaging films, sensors, and scaffolds. Nonetheless, the lack of studies on the comparison of waste sources and the complex parameters for the extraction of CNCs hinders the development of CNC extraction from waste products. This review paper compares and organizes the information from previously published scientific papers and reports on waste product sources, methods, parameters, and environmental effects of the derivation of CNCs from waste. Previously, no thorough reviews have been done closely on the sustainability aspect of CNC extraction from waste products. Through this review, it shows that there is a positive trend where novel CNC extraction routes are discovered to improve the yield, environmental friendliness, performance, and cost. However, most of the studies did not specify the environmental impacts of the extraction routes, limiting their feasibility for conventional applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of the study of the morphological composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) from the landfill of Atyrau city, and the waste's energy characteristics and presence of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. This study was carried out under a government order to determine the feasibility of recycling accumulated and incoming waste into electricity and its hazard to the environment and the workers involved in handling it. At the moment, there is no MSW recycling in Kazakhstan, which has led to the accumulation of more than 125 million tons of waste with an annual increase of 5 million tons. The research included four major cities (Almaty, Shymkent, Atyrau and Astana), which were selected not only on the basis of population, but also because the cities were located in different climatic zones. Samples were collected at the city landfills: 10 samples with an average distance of 100 m from each other were collected to provide a maximum coverage of both recently received waste and long-time stored waste. The research showed that neither climatic conditions nor the population size had a significant impact on MSW density, the values of which ranged from 120.1 kg/m3 to 145.4 kg/m3, as this indicator directly depends on the quality of life. The mass of the combustible fraction ranged from 39.41% to 54.62% and was mainly represented by plastic, textile and paper waste. The average value for the four cities was 50.30%. The higher calorific value fell in the range of 24.22–30.49 MJ/kg, with an average value of 26.71 MJ/kg. Microbiological studies showed little difference in average composition regardless of climatic conditions. Thus, no sharp differences in MSW composition, its energy characteristics and microbiological composition were found. The results of this study may be useful for optimising MSW recycling and disposal processes, as well as for developing measures to reduce their negative impact on the environment and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure development sustainability, the linear economic approach is being transformed into a cyclical model. For the pulp and paper industry (PPI), which occupies a significant place in the Russian economy, the shift of circular principles to the field of bioeconomics is becoming more important. This requires the development of basic biotechnological approaches implemented in closed cycles (biorefining). The aim of this study was to develop the biotechnological foundations of the circular economic system of the pulp and paper industry. To achieve the goal, the factors for the implementation of the circular mechanism in the pulp and paper industry were established. The composition of pulp and paper waste was systematized, taking into account the places of their occurrence; the directions and forms of the biorefining of pulp and paper secondary renewable resources were determined; and the principal possibility of obtaining bioethanol, based on the whole complex of sugars from cellulose production wastes, is shown. A wide range of general scientific methods was involved (analysis, synthesis, classification, modeling, etc.). Statistical methods were used to process experimental results in the field of pulp and paper waste bioconversion. The biotechnologies involved included methods of destruction, detoxification, and conversion of useful resources into secondary raw materials and final products. From the standpoint of the environmental approach, there are serious efficiency imbalances in the pulp and paper industry, which justify the implementation of circular mechanisms for organizing economic systems. The overall efficiency is ensured by the use of renewable resources and obtaining environmental effects. Algorithms and parameters of green biotechnological regulations for pulp and paper industry waste recycling provide the possibility of microbiological production of a complex of products: biocomposites, bioplastics, medical products, fertilizers, feed additives, vitamin supplements, and bioenergy resources. A strategy for the efficient biochemical processing of pulp and paper waste into green ethanol was determined. The possibility of increasing the efficiency of alcoholic fermentation using various biocatalysts was experimentally confirmed. The technological features of this method, associated with the need for microaerobic fermentation modes, were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the prediction and change of waste-related behaviors represent a key topic for scholars and policy makers. The theoretical mainstays applied to waste separation behavior, such as the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the Norm Activation Model and the Value Belief Norm, do not include the construct of goal in their formulation. Other goal-focused theories, such as the Goal Systems Theory (GST), lack applications on separation behavior. Recently, Ajzen and Kruglanski (2019) have proposed the Theory of Reasoned Goal Pursuit (TRGP) which combines TPB and GST. Considering TRGP has the potential to offer further insights on human behavior and, to our knowledge, there is no application of TRGP to recycling behavior yet, this paper analyses waste separation behavior of households in Maastricht and Zwolle (The Netherlands) under the lens of TRGP. Although waste separation behavior represents a kind of habitual behavior, this paper highlights the influence of goals and motivation on intention to separate waste. Furthermore, it offers some indications to promote behavior change and some suggestions for future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high production of paper, followed by a more significant concern with environmental and economic issues, has led to greater relevance to paper recycling and its raw uses as composite filler. Composites of polypropylene with 10, 20, and 30 wt.% of recycled office waste paper were produced by injection molding and characterized by mechanical and thermal properties. All composites presented a slight reduction of 15°C in thermal stability compared to the polymeric matrix. Moreover, as the filler amount increased, the degree of crystallinity was reduced proportionally. The mechanical test showed similar tensile strength values among neat polymer andcomposites but also showed an increase in the composite’s tensile modulus, related to the stiffness of the natural filler. The composite with a higher percentage of waste paper (30 wt.%) maintained equivalent properties as neatpolypropylene and other composites (10 and 20 wt.%). Thus, 30 wt.% composites proved to be an excellent material with less synthetic polymer percentage, keeping thermal and mechanical properties comparable to the neat PP.Furthermore, this composite does not need chemical treatment or additives harmful to the environment. It is suitable for future applications in various plastic products such as packaging and domestic utensils.

[Display omitted] • Semi-automated generation of regionalized paper recycling life-cycle inventories. • National impacts on climate change of recycling three paper grades in 191 countries. • Life-cycle assessment case study of Quebec's mixed wastepaper recycling system. Recycling is a commonly acknowledged strategy to reduce the environmental impacts linked to primary resource exploitation. Large regional variations can be observed in recycling processes' parameters, like efficiency, energy mix and treatment of rejects. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is widely used to evaluate the environmental impacts of recycling processes, but existing studies are neither harmonized nor sufficient to provide a comprehensive geographical and technological coverage of recycling processes. The purpose of this research is to develop an efficient and iterative approach for the parametrized generation of semi-automated regionalized life-cycle inventories that take into account technological and geographical variabilities in the recycling sector. The regionalization framework is then applied to create a parametrized paper recycling regionalization tool. This tool is used in the results section to compare the national climate change impacts of recycling three paper grades. Results show a significant global warming impact variability between countries for recycled graphic paper (0.36 to 2.25 kg CO 2 -Eq/kg wastepaper recycled), newsprint (0.27 to 1.84 kg CO 2 -Eq/kg wastepaper recycled) and corrugated cardboard (0.28 to 1.68 kg CO 2 -Eq/kg wastepaper recycled) productions. A regionalized LCA of the international recycling of the mixed wastepaper exported from Quebec's (Canada) sorting centers is also performed with the tool and compared to the non-regionalized mixed wastepaper recycling process available in the ecoinvent database. Only nine midpoint ReCiPe impact categories remain environmentally advantageous compared to virgin paper production when applying the regionalization methodology, compared to sixteen when using the ecoinvent process, illustrating how regionalization can substantially influence LCA results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a sorbent was prepared from wastepaper samples enriched with iron oxide particles and graphene oxide and used in the solid phase extraction of antibiotics. The precursor underwent a carbothermal reduction to promote the formation of paramagnetic phases useful for the recovery of the sorbent during the analysis, and to disperse and fix graphene and the iron oxide in a durable way throughout the cellulose structure. Characterizations were carried out to evaluate the composition (Raman, XRD and EDX) and the morphological structure (SEM) of the material. A UHPLC-PDA method was developed for the simultaneous determination of antibiotics from different drug families (carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, β-lactams) using a 120 SB-C 18 poroshell column (50 × 2.1 mm I.D., 2.7 um particle size) and a mobile phase consisting of 10 mM acetate buffer at pH 5 (Line A) and acetonitrile (Line B) both containing 0.1% of triethylamine. A gradient elution was used for the separation of the analytes, while for the quantitative analysis each analyte was determined at its maximum wavelength. Several experiments were carried out to evaluate the influence of different parameters involving the dispersive magnetic solid phase extraction of these analytes. Samples were extracted using 25 mg of sorbent at pH 5 and desorbed in 5 min using methanol. We report herein on some of the outstanding advantages of using carbon-based sorbent, such as lower toxicity, scalability, improved absorption capacity, target selectivity and stability in acidic medium. Moreover, from the results obtained it is evident that, despite the use of some recycled materials, the performances obtained were comparable or even superior to the methods reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Deinking is an important part of paper recycling that involves the removal of ink particles from the paper fibres. This industrial process is important so that the fibres can be recirculated back into paper production, which enables better sustainability as fewer fresh fibres are needed. In this study, we examined five different alternative fibre materials from different agricultural residues and industrial processes for the pilot production of papers. Papers containing fibres from invasive plants (Japanese knotweed), dedicated crops (miscanthus, acacia), agricultural residues (tomato stems), and industrial waste (jute - fibres from coffee bags) were printed with water-based flexo inks and deinked with two separate processes (chemical and enzymes). Mechanical (break and tensile index, breaking length) and optical properties (ISO whiteness, brightness and CIE L*a*b* values) were measured and ink elimination IR700 and deinking efficiency was calculated for the two deinking processes. RESULTS: Enzymatic treatment improved the mechanical properties of deinked pulp in comparison with the classic chemical treatment. Mechanical strength for almost all papers increased slightly (breaking length up to 20% in tomato and jute), and the optical result (brightness) increased similarly for both processes due to the bleaching action of the colour-shaded samples, whereas the deinking efficiency showed mixed results between chemical- and enzyme-type deinking (with chemical achieving better elimination measured at 700 nm) in the typical range of ink elimination values (15-35%) for flexographic inks. This indicates further optimization of the deinking with enzymes is needed due to different alternative fibre compositions and variations of residues in the delignification processes. CONCLUSION: Using a combination of adjusted enzymatic treatment as a precursor for deinking of paper-based packaging materials sourced from alternative fibres showed promising results regarding mechanical properties, whereas the optical properties need to be improved with cellulase optimization or by using mixes of different enzymes. These kinds of paper materials printed with flexo inks were found to be successfully deinkable with the chemical ISO-based deinking protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review focuses on polymeric waste-paper composites, including state-of-the-art analysis with quantitative and qualitative discussions. Waste paper is a valuable cellulose-rich material, produced mainly from office paper, newspaper, and paper sludge, which can be recycled and returned to paper production or used in a new life cycle. A systematic literature review found 75 publications on this material over the last 27 years, with half of those published during the last five years. These data represent an increasing trend in the number of publications and citations that have shown an interest in this field. Most of them investigated the physicomechanical properties of composites using different contents of raw waste paper or the treated, modified, and cellulose-extracted types. The results show that polyethylene and polypropylene are the most used matrices, but polylactic acid, a biodegradable/sourced polymer, has the most citations. The scientific relevance of waste-paper composites as a subject includes the increasing trend of the number of publications and citations over the years, as well as the gaps identified by keyword mapping and the qualitative discussion of the papers. Therefore, biopolymers and biobased polymers could be investigated more, as well as novel applications. The environmental impact in terms of stability and degradation should also receive more attention regarding sustainability and life cycle analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high production of paper, followed by a more significant concern with environmental and economic issues, has led to greater relevance to paper recycling and its raw uses as composite filler. Composites of polypropylene with 10, 20, and 30 wt.% of recycled office waste paper were produced by injection molding and characterized by mechanical and thermal properties. All composites presented a slight reduction of 15°C in thermal stability compared to the polymeric matrix. Moreover, as the filler amount increased, the degree of crystallinity was reduced proportionally. The mechanical test showed similar tensile strength values among neat polymer andcomposites but also showed an increase in the composite's tensile modulus, related to the stiffness of the natural filler. The composite with a higher percentage of waste paper (30 wt.%) maintained equivalent properties as neatpolypropylene and other composites (10 and 20 wt.%). Thus, 30 wt.% composites proved to be an excellent material with less synthetic polymer percentage, keeping thermal and mechanical properties comparable to the neat PP. Furthermore, this composite does not need chemical treatment or additives harmful to the environment. It is suitable for future applications in various plastic products such as packaging and domestic utensils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cellulose and paper industry accounts for a large part of the circular economy. The need for activated carbons is gradually increasing, especially in the environmental and energy fields. In this study, the production of activated carbon from waste papers was carried out with the help of the chemical activation method and activation agents (phosphoric acid and zinc chloride). The parameters used in the experiments and analyzed were kept constant for all activated carbons. The density values of activated carbon were analyzed more than once in each sample with a helium-gas pycnometer device. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to detect functional groups in the structure of activated carbon, and a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) was used to study surface properties and porosity development. The distributions of activated carbons and their elemental analysis were examined by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and Mapping analyses. When the results obtained from the activated carbons produced from waste paper in the study were compared with commercial activated carbon, it was observed that the waste paper had a better surface and pore structure than commercial activated carbon for the production of activated carbon, and the activation process was successfully performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to reveal the usability of waste paper sludge on the production of composite materials and the printability of their surfaces were investigated. Design/methodology/approach: First, composite plates were produced by using dried and milled waste sludge together with polyester resin and epoxy. Screen printing using water, solvent and UV-based inks were carried out. Findings: It was determined that UV and solvent-based inks in both resin groups were permanently attached to the surface of composite plates produced using paper mill waste sludge, while it was found that the adhesion was not achieved sufficiently in cardboard factory waste sludge. Originality/value: The unique aspect of this study is obtained the composite plates from paper mill and cardboard mill waste sludge and improved the printability of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate environmental sustainability is currently a major goal of many businesses. This study's main objectives were to examine the interactive role of green organizational climate and supervisor support in predicting pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) at work, namely paper and plastic waste separation, and to test the mediating role of individual-level variables of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in this relationship. The research specifically tested the attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control's mediation of the relationship between green organizational climate and self-reported waste separation, and whether supervisor support moderates the relationship between green climate and TBP variables. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected with an online survey of 311 workers and multiple regression analyses, with the macro Process, were performed to test the hypotheses. The findings confirm the TPB variables' mediating effect. Perceived green climate is positively related to employees' attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control regarding waste separation, which in turn are connected to higher reported levels of paper and plastic separation. The workers' perception of supervisor support moderates the relationship between green climate and subjective norms in favor of paper separation. These findings indicate that green climate is less strongly linked to subjective norms when supervisor support is perceived as stronger than when it is seen as weaker. In conclusion, a green organizational climate plays a determining role in workers' separation of waste at work as it fosters individual motives to perform these behaviors. Moreover, supervisors can provide their workers with social norms and inspire them to support environmental sustainability practices. Thus, as part of an overall transition strategy to achieve sustainability, organizations need to invest in green policies and practices and incentivize supervisors to encourage PEBs and capitalize on their close links to subordinates to foster sustainable norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review focuses on polymeric waste-paper composites, including state-of-the-art analysis with quantitative and qualitative discussions. Waste paper is a valuable cellulose-rich material, produced mainly from office paper, newspaper, and paper sludge, which can be recycled and returned to paper production or used in a new life cycle. A systematic literature review found 75 publications on this material over the last 27 years, with half of those published during the last five years. These data represent an increasing trend in the number of publications and citations that have shown an interest in this field. Most of them investigated the physicomechanical properties of composites using different contents of raw waste paper or the treated, modified, and cellulose-extracted types. The results show that polyethylene and polypropylene are the most used matrices, but polylactic acid, a biodegradable/sourced polymer, has the most citations. The scientific relevance of waste-paper composites as a subject includes the increasing trend of the number of publications and citations over the years, as well as the gaps identified by keyword mapping and the qualitative discussion of the papers. Therefore, biopolymers and biobased polymers could be investigated more, as well as novel applications. The environmental impact in terms of stability and degradation should also receive more attention regarding sustainability and life cycle analyses.

Disposable paper cups are widely used in daily life and most of them are landfilled or incinerated after use, resulting in a serious ecological hazard and significant waste of resources due to the usage of thin polyethylene (PE) as their inner coating. Hence, converting these common solid domestic wastes into high-value added materials is attractive and meaningful. In this study, transparent cellulose-based films were achieved from old bamboo-based disposable paper cups after pretreatment through using the room ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl) as solvent. The cellulose-based film with a dense texture demonstrated a relatively nice mechanical and UV-shielding performances, and its tensile strength was as high as 48 MPa, much higher than that of commercial polyethylene (PE, 12 MPa) film. Thus, the resultant cellulose-based film showed a great potential in the packaging field. Besides, the flexible paper plastic composites (PPC) were also fabricated from the rest thin PE coating with the stuck fibers, and it was found that PPC showed excellent mechanical property and hydrophobicity. Consequently, a feasible and eco-friendly process of recycling and reusing waste disposable paper cups was developed to achieve a complete utilization and valorization of waste disposable paper cups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present society, the recycling and reuse of valuable substances are of utmost importance for economic and environmental purposes. At the same time, there is a pressing need to develop new methods to protect the ecosystem from many human activities, including those that have contributed to an ever-increasing presence of pharmaceutical pollutants. In this study, a straightforward approach that applies a magnetic carbon composite for the effective removal of NSAIDs from biological fluids is reported. The composite was produced by recycling wasted handkerchiefs, to provide cellulose to the reactive system and then transformed into carbon via calcination at high temperature. The morphological and structural features of the prepared "Fe3O4@-activated carbon" samples were investigated via thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Magnetic solid-state extraction was carried out to reveal the adsorption capabilities of the magnetic carbon composite and then combined with UHPLC–PDA for the determination and quantification of five NSAIDs (furprofen, indoprofen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, and indomethacin). The method developed herein proved to be fast and accurate. The adsorbent could be reused for up to 10 cycles, without any decrease in performance; thus, it contributes to an intelligent and sustainable economic strategy projected toward minimal waste generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nazi Germany (1933–45), reclaiming waste became an intrinsic component of the regime's economy as well as its ideological, racial, and expansionist ambitions. National Socialist interventions into waste streams began in 1934 with salvage campaigns. The state then brought urban waste policies and municipal waste services under its control, restructuring and 'Aryanising' the waste salvage trade. Moreover, both consumers and producers were prompted to collect and reprocess waste. Over time, the gradual expansion of the Nazi waste recovery policies and campaigns – here referred to as the 'Nazi waste exploitation regime' – brought forth a determined vision of a circular economy in which no waste whatsoever should escape its reclamation for the national community or Volksgemeinschaft. This article sketches the actors, structures, and objectives of this waste exploitation regime for the case of rags and paper and uncovers its entanglement with Nazi racist and genocidal ideology and expansionism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informal waste reclaimers are a key part of South Africa's recycling economy, being responsible for around 51% of all paper and packaging waste collected in South Africa in 2017. Active in the waste and recycling landscape for more than three decades, their activity predates the earliest voluntary paper and packaging Extended Producer Responsibility schemes. However, these voluntary schemes have been instrumental in scaling South Africa's recycling economy. Investment by brand owners, retailers, converters and recyclers has helped develop local end-use markets, creating a demand for paper and packaging recyclables and a resultant increase in their collection. An analysis of tonnage and price data shows that the mean estimate of money paid by the private sector to the informal waste sector through the purchase of recyclables at intermediaries such as buy-back centres, was ZAR625 million in 2012, increasing to ZAR872 million in 2017. This private sector 'investment' in the local recycling economy has led to direct and indirect job creation and improved livelihoods, particularly for a large, well-established and effective informal waste sector, and has indirectly funded municipal waste diversion strategies, saving municipalities in both the collection and disposal of waste. Significance: * Informal waste reclaimers make a significant contribution to the diversion of paper and packaging recyclables from landfill to recycling in South Africa. * Limited information exists on the earnings of informal reclaimers. * This paper provides new insights on the annual financial payments made by the private sector to informal reclaimers tor the collection of recyclables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of paper is widespread. It could be used in many purposes, starting from printing industry, over different type of packaging etc. At the same time significant amount of waste paper is generated. As material, paper has excellent recycling properties. Paper could be recycled several times, retaining its original quality. The main goal of this research is to present the current situation in the management of waste paper in the Republic of Serbia. It is evident that awareness of citizens is not satisfying in terms of paper disposal. This is also shown by surveys carried out in the cities Zrenjanin and Novi Sad, which can present the general situation in our country. The research presents the public opinion focused on potential causes of low recycling rate. Using STAN software and Material Flow Analysis (MFA), based on the available amount of waste paper, it is estimated which amount of paper is used as a secondary raw material, and which part of the waste paper ends on sanitary and unsanitary landfills. The results of the assessment may be the starting point for some further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste paper is often underutilized as a low-value recyclable resource and can be a potential source of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) due to its rich cellulose content. Three different processes, low acid treatment, alkali treatment and bleaching treatment, were used to pretreat the waste paper in order to investigate the effect of different pretreatments on the prepared CNFs, and CNFs obtained from bleached pulp boards were used as control. All sample fibers were successfully prepared into CNFs by 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation. It was quite obvious that the bleached CNFs samples showed dense fibrous structures on a scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while needle-like fibers with width less than 20 nm were observed on a transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Meanwhile, the bleaching treatment resulted in a 13.5% increase in crystallinity and a higher TEMPO yield (e.g., BCNF, 60.88%), but a decrease in thermal stability. All pretreated CNFs samples showed narrow particle size distribution, good dispersion stability (zeta potential less than −29.58 mV), good light transmission (higher than 86.5%) and low haze parameters (lower than 3.92%). This provides a good process option and pathway for scalable production of CNFs from waste papers.

The main aim of the study was to assess the environmental performance, through the application of the life cycle assessment, of a recycled paper production process focusing on the energy aspect. The production process occurred in a paper mill that produces packaging paper using paper and cardboard from source separation of municipal solid waste as raw materials. Two scenarios (S1 and S2) were defined by their energy supply sources. A cogeneration (CHP) system using natural gas for the combined production of thermal and electric energy was the source in S1. The Italian electricity grid (using the Italian country mix) and a natural gas boiler were the separate sources for electric and thermal energy, respectively, in S2. Finally, in order to evaluate the environmental effects on the results of the study about the variation in the natural gas supply source, four alternative Italian import mixes (M1, M2, M3, and M4) were defined by varying the contribution of the supplier countries. The environmental impacts were evaluated with ReCiPe 2016 (H) using both midpoint and endpoint approaches. The results showed that for both the scenarios, the energy consumption was the main cause of impacts mainly because of the natural gas contribution. The presence of the cogeneration (CHP) system generated significant environmental benefits compared with the use of energy provided by more conventional sources. The production and use of chemicals as well as the disposal of waste produced during the paper production were other environmental hotspots. The variation in the composition of the Italian import mix of natural gas, in terms of the supplier country’s contribution, had a significant influence on the results. The import of natural gas from Russia was the most impactful option. Since Russia is the country that contributes to the Italian import mix the most, in the next years, the use of natural gas in Italy could become increasingly impactful. Therefore, the replacement of natural gas with renewable sources is an urgent priority.

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• Index of recycling sustainability for assessing waste paper recycling. • Integrating methodology of GIS and value chain model. • Historical changes of informal recyclables distribution sites in Beijing. • Value chain of waste paper recycling in Beijing may face challenges in the future. • Policy implications to improve waste paper recycling in Beijing. China established a self-organized and market-driven recycling system, which was dominated by the informal sectors. In recent years, the amount of domestically-recycled waste paper grew slower than expectation in China, which may be resulted from a decline in economic sustainability of current recycling system. For understanding the waste paper recycling system in most cities in China, the economic mechanism remains unclear and the city-level data is extremely insufficient. In this work, an index of recycling sustainability (IRS, benefit divided by cost) is analyzed with a resolution of 1 km2 grid in Beijing City, by adopting value chain and GIS methodology. Five degrees of IRS are defined, from high-degree (IRS > 1.10) to low-degree (IRS < 0.95). Different stakeholders in the informal waste paper recycling system were interviewed to fill the data gap. Results show that: (1) from 2015 to 2018, the informal recycling of waste paper accounted for approximate 80% in Beijing; (2) the number of informal recyclables distribution sites decreased from 27 to 11, and their average distance to the city-center rose from 27.5 km to 40.9 km; (3) in 2015 and 2018, the grids with high-degree IRS accounted for 99.5% and 89.2%, respectively, indicating a sustainable waste paper recycling industry in Beijing; and (4) according to the scenario analysis, if the operating cost rises by 30%, the grids with low-degree IRS accounts for 98.5%, indicating a nontrivial challenges when the recycling cost keeps increasing in the future. Policy recommendations are put forward for a more sustainable paper waste recycling system in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining recycling of paper wastes (WPs) with extrusion‐based additive manufacturing represents a sustainable route to cellular cellulose composites tailored for lightweight construction. Particularly, shear mixing of shredded WPs with an aqueous solution of a polymer binder like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) yields aqueous pastes suitable for 3D printing. As a shear thinning additive, both WP and microfibrillated cellulose account for enhanced shear thinning and dimensional stability. Opposite to the formation of dense WP/PVA composites by melt extrusion, 3D printing of aqueous pastes produces cellular cellulose/PVA composites exhibiting hierarchical pore architectures. In spite of low densities around 0.8 g cm−3, high Young's modulus (2.0 GPa) and tensile strength (53 MPa) are achieved. Mechanical stability, water resistance, and even flame retardancy simultaneously improve by crosslinking with glyoxal and especially by mineralization. Multimaterial 3D printing combines the 3D dispensing of cellulose/PVA pastes with the simultaneous, staged, or subsequent spraying of aqueous water glass to enable mineralization of composite surface, bulk, and interlayers. Furthermore, the glyoxal‐mediated crosslinking affords thermo‐ and moisture‐responsive cellulose/PVA composites with programmable shape change induced either by heating at 100 °C or by exposure to moisture at 37 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, recycling potentiality of municipal solid wastes of the province of Sinop, being a significant coastal town of Central Black Sea in terms of tourism. The studies related to nonhazardous kinds of wastes formed within the borders of the province have been assessed. The compositions and the changes in the amounts of the wastes formed in the province have been analyzed and assessed in association with the consumption habits. The composition of the recyclable wastes among the municipal solid wastes in the province and the management of these wastes have been studied. The amount of municipal solid wastes occurred has been determined and the mount of the wastes recycled by these wastes has been detected and thus the recycling activities started in the region have been evaluated. Recycling activities started in some regions of the province for recyclable urban wastes such as paper, carton, glass, metal and plastic etc., which are of high incidence within waste composition have been assessed. The analysis and evaluation of the studies conducted to some districts of the city related to packing wastes and management have been conducted. Therefore, applicability of recycling works and management of municipal solid waste in the city has been assessed and besides this "sustainability" has been researched. Furthermore, research and evaluation on production, collectiontransportation, recycling applications and phases of these wastes, having an economic value and evaluation on the issue have been carried out in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though recycling of waste paper is widely practiced but usually it is downgraded to lower valued recycled waste paper. Based on this concern, we report the development of novel NaOH/urethane aqueous system for extraction of microfibrillated cellulose from waste paper. The purity of so obtained microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) was evaluated by morphological tests using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by evaluation of physicochemical properties using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Morphologies of MFC studied by SEM and TEM showed that the size of purified cellulose fibrils reduced when compared to that of waste paper but fibrils are cleaner and smoother due to the removal of talc and lignin. XRD analysis revealed that MFC exhibits good crystallinity. The utility of sulfonated and pristine microfibrillar cellulose in removal of lead from contaminated water is also reported. Our results show that renewable, sustainable, cheap, and waste biomass like waste paper can be used for producing valuable second-generation high-value products.

This paper describes the waste paper recycling process. Special emphasis is placed on the description of technological phase (disintegration or grinding, screening, cleaning, washing and/or flotation, water treatment and disposal of sludge), which are generally required in the processing of waste paper, and which also represent the main phases in the mineral processing. The waste paper is a potential secondary raw materials but due to degradation of cellulose physical properties which occur during the recycling, the cellulose fibers can be recycled a limited number of times. Because of this, the impact analysis of mechanical and chemical treatment on the secondary fiber quality is also given in the paper.

This study revealed the influence of different natural and mineral binders on the bending and water absorption properties of developed wastepaper-based composites. The prepared binders; cassava starch, natural rubber latex and Ordinary Portland Cement were mixed in predetermined proportions with white and brown paper slurries, respectively to form homogenous pastes that were used for the production of the composite samples. The developed composites were allowed to cure at room temperature in the laboratory for 28 days after which bending and water absorption tests were carried out on the samples. It was deduced from the work that both white and brown paper pulp-based composites possess improved properties over the control sample. However, white paper pulp/cement with 60-40 wt.% proportion gave the best performance in bending modulus, bending strength at peak and yield as well as resistance to water absorption. Likewise, white paper pulp/natural rubber with 60-40 wt.% gave the best result in deflection at peak. Hence, white paper pulp and 60-40 wt.% proportion were found to be the superlative criteria for the development of paper pulp-based composites with optimum bending and resistance to water absorption properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Approximately 90,000 tonnes of waste paper is generated yearly in Trinidad and Tobago which has become a waste disposal challenge. A possible solution is to utilize waste paper as a feedstock to locally manufacture penicillin-based drugs which Trinidad and Tobago, like most Caribbean and Latin American territories, import for treatment of bacterial infections. Due to low foreign exchange reserves, adequate importation of these drugs has suffered. Methods: A market survey was conducted to determine the most consumed penicillin derivative. The method of production of the penicillin derivative and the quantity of glucose required was then used to generate a plant design for waste paper conversion to glucose and its subsequent utilisation for antibiotic production. A financial analysis was then completed to determine the economic feasibility of such a plant. Results: The plant was designed for Amoxicillin with an estimated local consumption at 30,000 kg/year. A financial analysis for the process design at this capacity was unfavourable. A breakeven analysis showed that production must exceed 123,000 kg to generate an IRR of 15% with a breakeven selling price of US $85/kg. A production capacity of 150,000 kg resulted in an annual revenue of US $32 million with NPV of US $40 million, IRR of 26%, and Payback period of 3 years. Conclusions: An Amoxicillin plant with production capacity of 150,000 kg operating in Trinidad and Tobago is an economically beneficial and feasible venture and also presents a sustainable disposal strategy for waste paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Using waste paper as fuel for domestic heating is a beneficial recycling option for small island developing states where there are lacks of resources for energy and waste treatment. However, there are concerns about the impact of air pollutants emitted from the burning of the self-made paper briquettes as household air pollution is recognised as the greatest environmental risk for human. In this study, combustion tests were carried out for paper briquettes made in one Pacific island and three commercial fuels in Australia including wood briquettes, kindling firewood and coal briquettes in order to: 1) characterise the emissions of three criteria air pollutants including particulate matters, CO and NO x including their emission factors (EF) from the tested fuels; and 2) compare the EFs among the tested fuels and with others reported in the literature. The results showed that waste paper briquettes burned quickly and generated high temperature but the heat value is relatively low. Paper briquettes and coal briquettes produced higher CO concentration than the others while paper briquettes generated the highest NO x level. Only PM 2.5 concentration emitted from paper briquettes was similar to kindling firewood and lower than wood briquettes. Burning of paper briquettes and wood briquettes produced particulate matter with large average count median diameter (72 and 68 nm) than coal briquette and kindling firewood (45 and 51 nm). The EFs for CO, NO x and PM 2.5 of paper briquettes were within the range of EFs reported in this study as well as in the literature. Overall, the results suggested that using paper briquettes as fuel for domestic heating will not likely to generate higher level of three major air pollutants compared to other traditional fuels. Highlights • The first attempt to report emission of key air pollutants from waste paper briquettes. • Burning of paper briquettes emitted relatively high CO and NO x concentration. • Burning of paper briquettes emitted PM with large average particle size. • Waste paper could be recycled as briquettes for domestic use like other common fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Municipal solid waste paper was used as raw material for cellulose nanofibres (CNFs). • Pulping, washing and flotation were used as pre-treatments before nanofibrillation. • Despite different amounts of impurities in waste fibres, CNFs were obtained. • Properties of waste CNFs were affected by the used pre-treatment. Abstract When aiming for higher resource efficiency, greater utilization of waste streams is needed. In this work, waste paper separated from mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) was studied as a potential starting material for the production of cellulose nanofibres (CNFs). The waste paper was treated using three different techniques, namely pulping, flotation and washing, after which it was subjected to an ultrafine grinding process to produce CNFs. The energy consumption of the nanofibrillation and nanofibre morphology, as well as properties of the prepared nanofibers, were analysed. Despite the varying amounts of impurities in the waste fibres, all samples could be fibrillated into nanoscale fibres. The tensile strengths of the CNF networks ranged from 70 to 100 MPa, while the stiffness was ∼7 GPa; thus, their mechanical strength can be adequate for applications in which high purity is not required. The contact angles of the CNF networks varied depending on the used treatment method: the flotation-treated networks were more hydrophilic (contact angle 52.5°) and the washed networks were more hydrophobic (contact angle 72.6°). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In some Southeast Asian countries, there has been a new approach to waste recycling called "waste banks," which aims to encourage community members to recycle and develop sustainable waste management. This study investigated the waste banks using Bank Sampah Malang (BSM) in Malang City, Indonesia, as a case study. The aim of this study was to determine the flow of recyclables and which recyclables should be separated by participants of waste banks to effectively earn revenue. The second aim was to estimate the potential revenue from recyclables in the waste bank system. Detailed data, such as weight by recyclable material type, were collected from January 2 to April 4, 2013. There were five groups that participated at BSM, one of which [communities (COM) consisting of a minimum of 20 households] contributed the majority of the recyclables that were submitted to the BSM (72%). In the case of COM, only 14 of the 70 categories, including waste paper, clear polyethylene terephthalate bottles, and polypropylene cups for drinking water, generated 80% of the profit and the other items should be eliminated from the list to avoid overwhelming the participants. This study found that households can earn an average of 322,000 Rp (23.2 USD) per year from waste reclamation. The managers of waste banks can emphasize that this amount is sufficient to by school supplies for children in campaigns promoting BSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper industry generates significant quantities of waste. The recycling of paper waste (PW) for peat replacement in growing media for ornamental plants cultivation was studied. Five ratios of PW–peat (0%, 10%, 30%, 50% or 100% v/v) were evaluated for marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), petunia (Petunia × hybrita L.) and matthiola (Matthiola incana L.) plants. Addition of PW increased the substrate pH and mineral content but decreased the air-filled porosity. In marigold, the use of 100% PW reduced plant height, plant diameter, fresh weight for both leaves and flowers and the total number of flowers produced compared to the control (100% peat). In matthiola, 100% PW reduced plant height, whereas the addition of PW even at 10% decreased plant diameter and fresh weight (biomass) but increased dry matter content. Petunia plants grown in 100% PW exhibited lower growth (plant height and diameter), whereas adding ≥ 50% of PW decreased plant fresh weight. The total number of flower buds and open flowers increased (more than twofold) on plants grown in 30% PW compared to the control substrate, indicating flower earliness. Plant leaf chlorophyll content (Chl a, Chl b, total Chl) decreased as the PW ratio increased. Total phenolics and antioxidant capacity as well as plant damage index and enzymes scavenging activities varied among species. Mineral content fluctuated among species with decreases of N and P in plants grown in PW mixtures while matthiola showed phytotoxicity symptoms. The present study suggests that peat can be substituted by up to 30% of PW for marigold and petunia for potting culture, but not for matthiola, as the physicochemical properties of the substrate need further improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years the demand for productive waste sorting techniques has risen because of the need for a cleaner environment. The paper proposes a waste sorting robotic system that integrates parallel robots in a metallic cell in order to be able to sort different types of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste paper recycling is a process by which waste paper or waste cellulose fibers are processed together with some chemical additions to produce another product such as file cover, greeting card paper board and duplicating paper for goods. A new efficient and simple method has been designed then applied in a present work. Different types of waste papers are introduced as (writing paper WT, news paper NT and magazine paper MT) during an experimental design apparatus stages of collecting, separating, cutting, digesting / cooking, bleaching, lifting couching, pressing and drying, finishing for final applications at operation conditions. The finish products go to checking their characteristics properties, physical and mechanical properties such as specific gravity, moisture content, brightness color, porosity, stiffness, tensile strength, tensile breaking, elongation, and tearing resistance. The result for these properties proved that all types give good mechanical properties for application in another utilization use as saving pads for goods with optimum application of newspaper samples.

The deinking in the paper industry is in great demand, and microbial enzymes are key players. In the present study, the endoglucanase production from newly isolated fungi Aspergillus niger MPS25 is reported. The optimization of endoglucanase production was carried out using one factor at a time approach resulting in endoglucanase activity (2.37 IU/ml) at 45 °C and pH 8 in submerged fermentation (SmF), which shows optimum enzyme activity at 60 °C. Interestingly, the metal ions viz. Co2+ stimulated the endoglucanase activity, whereas Mn2+ reduced the enzyme activity, which shows that this enzyme can be used for effluent treatment released through deinking. The enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw produced 26.96 ± 0.108 mg/g of reducing sugars, indicating its potential in saccharification and the biofuel industry. Furthermore, the validation of the deinking efficiency of this enzyme resulted in improved deinking of mixed office waste and old newspapers by 31.5% and 20.4%, respectively. The strength properties, viz. burst factor and tear index, breaking length, and tensile index of the handmade paper sheets, were also improved which were analyzed by the scanning electron micrographs. The FTIR and XRD analysis of pulp provided insights into the changes in functional groups and cellulose crystallinity, respectively. These results indicate that multi-efficient endoglucanase from Aspergillus niger MPS25 is suitable for enzyme-based eco-friendly deinking for waste paper recycling and lignocellulosic biomass saccharification. [Display omitted] • The endoglucanase from newly isolated fungi Aspergillus niger MPS25 is reported. • The endoglucanase showed stability at 60 °C with wide pH range. • The endoglucanase significantly improved the deinking efficiency for mixed office waste (31.5%) and old newspapers (20.4%). • The SEM, FTIR and XRD analysis provided technological insights for process scale up. • This multi-efficient endoglucanase proved to be suitable enzyme in eco-friendly recycling of MOW and ONP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of collecting, managing, transporting and disposing hazardous waste is one of the most delicate challenges faced by the member states of the European Union. That is why this paper focuses on the hazardous waste, in a complex and comprehensive approach, referring to all the steps and operations that are undertaken in the aforementioned management process. Thus, the present study addresses the theoretical aspects of waste, starting with the concept of waste and continuing with waste classification, which will encourage a better understanding of its complexity. Thereafter, we shall emphasize the most important normative acts operating in this problematic field (all based on European legislation). The second part of the paper focuses on waste management, in the sense that we will refer to the hazardous substances registration, the labeling of products containing such substances, their transportation and storing, recycling and recovery (when it proves appropriate), as well as to the treatment and disposal (or neutralization) of hazardous substances. Given the importance of these activities which have great consequences on people's health and life, in the last part of the paper we shall refer to the necessary control over the way waste management is undertaken, especially concerning hazardous waste management. Likewise, references to more recently regulated issues will be enunciated, in relation to the extensive responsibility of the producer of goods containing hazardous substances for the environment and for human beings, so as to stimulate the production of environmental friendly goods and services as an essential component of the European Union's new intelligent environmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has gained prominence in the last decade due to increasing supply chain constraints for critical materials (such as lithium and cobalt) and policy shift toward increased circularity of materials to mitigate environmental concerns. Conventional recycling methods (e.g., pyrometallurgical techniques) are suboptimal because of high-temperature (>1400 °C) processing with recovery yields ranging from 50% to 85%. On the other hand, optimal preprocessing/pretreatment of end-of-life (EoL) LIBs results in a) high (>90%) recovery yield, b) lower temperature processing (lower environmental footprint), c) high potential for commercial returns of materials, and d) lower safety risks. This paper reviews major preprocessing methods, including sorting, stabilization, dismantling and comminution, and separation for spent LIBs. The capabilities of major recycling firms and preferences for preprocessing in recycling methods are also reviewed, highlighting research and development (R&D) initiatives to allow more efficient and cleaner solutions for recycling spent LIBs. The industry-wide state-of-the-art recycling process is also detailed based on global practices, focusing on the highest yields and lowest environmental footprint. Finally, this paper provides policy recommendations to enable sustainable recycling of LIBs on a global scale, consequently reducing the environmental Impact of waste material and addressing the growing need for LIBs as a result of the increased demand for electric vehicles and stationary storage. [Display omitted] • This paper addresses waste management of Li-ion batteries (LIBs). • Outlines the pros and cons of the preprocessing approach in LIB recycling. • Reviews the commercial preprocessing techniques used by LIB recyclers. • Proposes an optimized recycling method to increase element recovery. • Highlights (and proposes) new regulations to make preprocessing viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is the largest waste paper importing market in the world. Due to more and more demands and awareness of environment/ safety issues, in recent years the Chinese government has implemented a number of new regulations on waste paper importing, for example, prohibiting importing of unsorted waste paper and lowering the foreign (non-paper) content in the imported waste paper from 1.5% to 0.5%. Small-scale (less than 50,000 tons per year capacity) paper mills are not eligible for importing waste paper. These new regulations have had profound impacts on the global waste paper recycling practice and the papermaking industry in China. At the same time, these new regulations bring up new challenges to the global waste paper recycling practices, such as increased labor costs and decreased recycling efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of two common systems of waste separation such as drop-off sites collection and kerbside collection, and the addition of an incentive program in small communities of the Czech Republic were investigated. Our findings suggest that the paper and plastics separation rates of total municipal solid waste are 7.7% for drop-off sites and 9.7% for kerbside collection system. If we add an incentive program, the separated paper and plastics rate can reach more than 17%, which represents a significant increase of the separation rate. Additionally, higher density of drop-off sites can also increase separation rate, but the effect is relatively low, and this approach is often not economical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]