Ecological whiteners, recycled fibers, renewable energy, saving water and reducing liquid and solid waste

In our mind when we imagine a sheet of paper to write on, or a page of a book, it comes to our mind immediately the shade of white, bright, clean and clear. Or if we imagine a paper or cardboard packaging we remember more often those on a white or light base, with bright colors that give a sense of new and clean.

Main topics covered in the article:

- Pollution factors

- Ecological whiteners

- How to reduce water consumption in production

- Renewable energy and waste

But as in all things, the flip side of the coin can be the environmental impact that beauty and white can have in the paper and cardboard production.

The main culprits of a possible environmental impact in the production phase of paper products can be identified in whiteners and, in general, other process chemicals, in the use of the necessary raw material, such as wood pulp, in the consumption of water, energy and in the production of liquid and solid waste.

Let's see in detail the main items that weigh on the environment

The environmental impact of paper brighteners and more environmentally friendly solutions

The bleaching of paper in the production process can have a significant environmental impact, due to the use of chemicals and the emission of pollutants . Impact that brings together several interconnected factors:

Water Pollution: Paper bleaching often involves the use of chemicals, such as chlorine, chlorates, and chlorides, which can be released into water bodies.

These substances can cause water pollution, altering their quality and damaging aquatic ecosystems. Some chemicals used in bleaching, such as elemental chlorine, can form toxic organic chlorine compounds, including chlorophenols and dioxins, which are potentially harmful to human health and the environment.

Water consumption: Paper bleaching requires large quantities of water for washing and treating the cellulose fibers. This can have a significant impact on local water supplies, particularly in areas with limited water resources or during periods of drought.

Energy consumption: the paper bleaching process requires the use of energy for the operation of the production facilities and for heating of the water used in the process. The use of energy from non-renewable sources contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and to the aggravation of climate change.

To mitigate the environmental impacts of paper bleaching, alternative technologies and methods have been developed, such as the use of chlorine-free bleaching processes or the adoption of chemical recovery and reuse systems.

Also, using recycled cellulose fibers or sustainable alternatives, such as sugarcane or bamboo fibers, can reduce the need for bleaching and its associated environmental impacts. Adopting sustainable manufacturing practices and responsible use of natural resources are key to mitigating the environmental impact of paper bleaching.

Since point of view of products suitable for paper whitening in the production phase, which have a greener attitude, we can mention ecological whiteners as an alternative to the purely chemical classic ones. These eco-friendly whiteners reduce or eliminate the use of harmful chemicals, such as chlorine and chlorinated compounds, which can have a negative environmental impact.

Here are some examples of ecological brighteners used in paper production:

Bleaching without chlorine: This bleaching technique completely eliminates the use of chlorine and chlorinated compounds. Some of the chlorine-free bleaching methods include the use of oxygen (oxygen bleaching), hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide bleaching), or enzymes (enzymatic bleaching). These alternative bleaches reduce emissions of harmful chemicals and are considered more environmentally friendly than traditional chlorine bleaching.

Ozone-based bleaching: Ozone is a powerful oxidant that can be used as a bleach in paper production. The ozone-based bleaching process reduces the use of chlorine and can help reduce emissions of toxic chemicals into the environment. However, ozone itself must be produced carefully, as it can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, an air pollutant.

Whitening with stabilized hydrogen peroxide (H2O2): Hydrogen peroxide is a mild oxidant that can be used as an alternative to chlorine in paper bleaching. Stabilized hydrogen peroxide is often used in combination with other substances, such as chelating agents, to improve the effectiveness of whitening. The use of hydrogen peroxide reduces the environmental impact compared to chlorine and chlorinated compounds.

Sunlight-based whitening: Exposing cellulose pulp to sunlight can help whiten it naturally. This process, known as sun bleaching, uses the sun's ultraviolet rays to oxidize and whiten the cellulose pulp. While it may take longer than chemical methods, it is considered an environmentally friendly method of whitening.

The adoption of ecological whitening agents in paper production helps to reduce water pollution and the emission of toxic chemicals into the environment. These sustainable alternatives help preserve water quality and reduce the impact on human health and ecosystems.

Using recycled paper and cardboard reduces environmental impact on forests, let's see the advantages:

Paper recycling: promoting and encouraging paper recycling is one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution deriving from the production of virgin paper. Recycling reduces the amount of virgin lumber needed and reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with making paper from virgin fiber.

Use of recycled fibers: Using recycled paper fibers as a raw material for paper production reduces the dependence on virgin fibers and minimizes deforestation. Using recycled fibers also requires less energy and water than producing paper from virgin fibers.

Responsible forest management: Sustainable paper production requires responsible forest management. The purchase of wood fibers from certified forests, which follow sustainable management criteria, contributes to the conservation of forest resources and the ecosystem.

How to reduce water consumption in paper and board production:

Reducing the use of water in paper production is a fundamental aspect to make the process more sustainable. Let's see some effective strategies to reduce water use:

Water recycling: implement water recycling systems throughout inside paper manufacturing plants can greatly reduce the consumption of fresh water. The water used in production processes, such as cellulose fiber washing or cooling, can be treated and reused in other stages of the process. This helps to reduce dependence on fresh water and minimize the use of water resources.

Use of clean process water: optimizing the use of water in the different stages of the paper production process can reduce waste. For example, separating clean from contaminated process water can allow clean water to be reused in other process steps where high quality water is not needed. This helps reduce overall water consumption.

Improved cleaning practices: Reducing the amount of water used to clean equipment and surfaces can contribute to a significant reduction of water consumption. Implementing more efficient cleaning systems, such as using high-efficiency cleaners and high-pressure spray systems, can help reduce the volume of water required for cleaning operations.

Optimization of manufacturing processes: Identifying and implementing changes in manufacturing processes to reduce water use can lead to significant savings. For example, optimizing the impregnation and washing phases of the fibers, improving filtration systems and concentrating washing operations efficiently can reduce water consumption without compromising the quality of the final product.

Water consumption monitoring and control: implementing water consumption monitoring and control systems allows you to identify and address areas of waste or inefficient use. The adoption of advanced technologies such as sensors, automatic controls and data analysis can provide valuable information to optimize the use of water in the paper production process.

Employee awareness: Involving and raising awareness among employees on the issue of responsible use of water can contribute to greater awareness and more responsible behavior. Promoting a corporate culture oriented towards water sustainability can encourage the adoption of efficient water use practices by all operators involved in the production process.

Finally, we can mention two fields of intervention on indirect production processes that can lead to a reduction in the environmental impact in the production of paper and cardboard:

Use of renewable energy: reducing the environmental impact of paper production also involves adopting of renewable energy. Using solar, wind or hydroelectric energy to power paper manufacturing plants helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of fossil fuels.

Reducing waste and recycling waste: reducing waste generation and promoting waste recycling in paper production is essential for minimize the environmental impact. Implementing waste reduction programs, recovering energy from waste and using composting processes can help reduce negative environmental impacts.

Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian.