Paper Sludge Recycling Technology: January 2001

Paper Sludge Recycling Technology: January 2001

Chuetsu Pulp & Paper Co., Ltd. (Fukuoka Town, Toyama Prefecture) has established a recycling technology for paper sludge generated at paper mills. This technology aims to extract reusable calcium carbonate from sludge, thereby reducing environmental impact and promoting efficient resource utilization.

Background of the Technology

Paper sludge is a byproduct that is generated in large quantities at paper mills and is usually treated as waste. Sludge contains calcium carbonate, which can be used as an additive to improve the quality of neutral paper. However, separating carbon is difficult, and conventional technology could only achieve a whiteness level of about 55%.

Overview of the New Technology

Chuetsu Pulp & Paper has developed a method to heat the sludge at a relatively low temperature of around 600 degrees Celsius, preventing the alteration of calcium carbonate while burning off the carbon. This process allows for the efficient extraction of only calcium carbonate, achieving a whiteness level of 85%.

Development and Commercialization of the Prototype

The prototype using this technology is scheduled to be completed by February 2001. The completion of the prototype will make it possible to operate it at actual paper mills, reducing waste disposal costs and environmental impact. Additionally, this technology will enable a stable supply of high-quality recycled calcium carbonate, contributing to the overall environmental measures of the paper industry.

Environmental Impact

Paper sludge recycling technology promotes the reduction of waste and efficient use of resources. By processing sludge from paper mills into a reusable form, it significantly reduces the environmental impact of landfill and incineration. Furthermore, the recycled calcium carbonate can be reused in the paper production process, realizing resource circulation.

Future Prospects

This technology is expected to significantly contribute to reducing environmental impact and improving resource efficiency in the paper industry. As the technology spreads to other paper companies and related industries, more companies are expected to adopt this technology, contributing to the realization of a sustainable paper production process. Moreover, applying similar technologies to other industrial wastes could lead to overall environmental improvements.

Summary

Chuetsu Pulp & Paper's paper sludge recycling technology brings innovation to waste treatment in paper mills. This technology enables the efficient reuse of high-quality calcium carbonate, balancing environmental conservation with economic benefits. The future spread and commercialization of this technology will represent a significant step towards a sustainable paper industry.