Journal article
Waste paper for recycling: Overview and identification of potentially critical substances
Paper product manufacturing involves a variety of chemicals used either directly in paper and pulp production or in the conversion processes (i.e. printing, gluing) that follow. Due to economic and environmental initiatives, paper recycling rates continue to rise. In Europe, recycling has increased by nearly 20% within the last decade or so, reaching a level of almost 72% in 2012.
With increasing recycling rates, lower quality paper fractions may be included. This may potentially lead to accumulation or un-intended spreading of chemical substances contained in paper, e.g. by introducing chemicals contained in waste paper into the recycling loop. This study provides an overview of chemicals potentially present in paper and applies a sequential hazard screening procedure based on the intrinsic hazard, physical-chemical and biodegradability characteristics of the substances.
Based on the results, 51 substances were identified as potentially critical (selected mineral oils, phthalates, phenols, parabens, as well as other groups of chemicals) in relation to paper recycling. It is recommended that these substances receive more attention in waste paper.
Language: | English |
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Publisher: | Elsevier BV |
Year: | 2015 |
Pages: | 134-142 |
ISSN: | 18792456 and 0956053x |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.02.028 |
ORCIDs: | Pivnenko, Kostyantyn , Eriksson, Eva and Astrup, Thomas Fruergaard |
Biodegradation Biohazards Chemical hazards Chemical substance Chemicals Conversion process Environmental initiatives Hazardous substances Hazards Indicators (chemical) Paper Paper and pulp production Priority pollutants Product manufacturing Recycling Screening procedures Waste management Waste paper
Environmental Pollutants Hazardous Substances Solid Waste Waste Management