How are recycled paper products used to make tissues and boxboard?

Recycled paper is processed into tissues and boxboard through distinct recovery methods depending on the desired end product.1

Recovery Processes

• Boxboard: This typically utilizes a recovery process that does not require de-inking. After being sorted, the wastepaper is fed into a pulper—a large tank with agitator blades—where hot water is used to separate and disperse the fibers. The resulting stock is then screened and washed to remove trash and dirt before being formed into new products.1
• Tissues: These products often utilize mixed paper that has been separated from corrugated materials. Because tissues require higher quality standards than coarse papers, the stock often undergoes a de-inking process. This involves using chemicals, such as caustic soda, to disperse ink, followed by washing and sometimes bleaching with hypochlorite to improve whiteness.21

While recycling is a vital component of waste management, it is important to recognize that the process is complex due to the presence of contaminants like adhesives, plastic coatings, and printing inks, which require careful sorting and cooperation among producers and recyclers.12