You might not have paid attention to the huge volume of waste paper and cardboard discarded daily. These wastes, known as “Akhal” (waste paper/cardboard), are not only a profitable economic solution for recycling industries but also play a crucial role in environmental preservation. Imagine that thousands of trees are cut down annually to produce paper and cardboard, but by using “Akhal,” this trend can be controlled, and natural resources can be preserved. This article aims to introduce you to the concept of “Akhal” paper and cardboard, its benefits, and its applications. If you are looking for a sustainable and smart solution for the optimal use of paper waste, stay with us.
What is “Akhal”?
“Akhal” refers to paper waste that includes items such as newspaper waste, cardboard, paperboard, wallpaper, and similar materials. In the past, these wastes were considered useless garbage with no defined application. Such a viewpoint led to the waste of national resources and increased costs. However, in recent years, with increased environmental awareness and the identification of extensive applications for paper and cardboard waste in paper and cardboard manufacturing industries, as well as the production of various packaging papers, a large volume of these wastes has entered the recycling cycle.
The recycling of paper and cardboard waste has led to the provision of a significant portion of the raw materials needed by these industries, reducing dependence on raw materials obtained from cutting down trees. This, in addition to reducing the need for deforestation, has also led to a reduction in the cost of producing raw materials.
Grades of “Akhal”
Grade One “Akhal”
Grade One “Akhal” includes various types of kraft sacks such as pet food bags, cement bags, and also recycled papers used in the production of these items and similar cases. Additionally, cardboard boxes related to large cigarette and banana boxes, known as DLK (Double Lined Kraft), also fall into this category. Each of these items is classified as Grade One cardboard “Akhal” or paper and cardboard waste based on its specific characteristics.
For example, a kraft sack can have a nylon or foil layer or be without these layers. Also, DLK, due to having a high percentage of virgin fibers, includes characteristics such as appropriate length, high strength, and a low amount of recycled fibers. All these items, at the time of purchase, are examined and categorized based on type, model, fiber content, impurities, and moisture content of the load.
Grade Two “Akhal”
This category of waste includes various ordinary cardboard types. Ordinary cardboard refers to those cardboard types that have been recycled only a few times, and their fibers have largely retained good quality and length. The price of this type of cardboard waste is determined by factors such as purchase time, impurity level, type and model, moisture content of the load, and the quality of the fibers present in it.
Grade Three “Akhal”
This refers to waste that is often unsorted and has high levels of impurities and moisture. These wastes have been recycled multiple times, to the extent that they have lost their appropriate length and strength. This type of waste is usually used for producing very low-quality papers. Despite the cheap price of this waste, due to numerous impurities and low fiber quality, production costs increase significantly. The price of this type of waste is determined by factors such as type and model, amount of colored and white paper, impurity level, moisture content of the load, and purchase time.
Paper Pulp or “Akhal” Pulp
Paper pulp or “Akhal” pulp is produced from Grade Three “Akhal” where coarse impurities have been separated, and it has been mixed with water. This pulp has a very high moisture content, such that for every ton of it, there are only about 400 kg of fibers, and the remainder consists of water. In terms of impurities, this pulp is cleaner than Grade Three cardboard “Akhal,” but the high volume of water in it makes its weight greater than that of the fibers. This type of pulp is mostly used in factories whose production lines are unable to separate impurities from waste or that face storage problems.
Benefits of Using Paper and Cardboard Waste
The use of paper and cardboard waste in various industries offers numerous advantages. This action leads to energy savings and reduced air pollution by preventing the burning of waste. It also prevents the waste of natural resources and generates economic profit through the export of these wastes. By using paper and cardboard waste, deforestation is prevented, and green spaces are preserved. This process also leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as producing cardboard from waste paper requires less energy, and ultimately, it helps reduce the waste of cellulosic resources and protect the environment.
Challenges of Using Cardboard “Akhal”
The use of paper and cardboard “Akhal” in cardboard production comes with challenges. One of the most significant challenges is the variability in the quality of waste paper, which can affect its physical properties and consequently impact the final quality of the cardboard. Furthermore, processing waste paper for cardboard production requires advanced technologies to maintain the strength and quality of the cardboard. Additionally, there are difficulties in the collection and processing of waste materials that can make the recycling process complex and challenging.
Sustainable Solutions for Using Cardboard “Akhal”
To achieve sustainable solutions in cardboard manufacturing from cardboard “Akhal,” the first step is to invest in research and development of new technologies for optimal recycling and processing of these materials. Additionally, promoting a recycling culture in society and encouraging individuals to collect waste materials for cardboard production are other effective solutions. Furthermore, prioritizing the use of high-quality and standard waste paper in the cardboard production process can help maintain the final product’s quality.
Applications of Cardboard “Akhal”
After undergoing processing stages and being converted into pulp, paper and cardboard “Akhal” are used in the production of various products. These products include packaging paper, carton layers, egg cartons, papermaking and cardboard paper, industrial paperboard, wallpaper, and similar items. Specifically, three commonly used products from “Akhal” recycling are as follows:
- White Top Paper: This type of paper is used in cardboard manufacturing for producing the outer layers of corrugated sheets. Its white surface is typically suitable for printing or labeling.
- Fluting Paper: Fluting paper is corrugated or wavy and is used in the middle layer of the carton sheet. Its function is to absorb impacts and withstand static and physical pressures exerted on the carton.
- Testliner Paper: This is a type of kraft paper produced from paper and cardboard waste and used in the sheet-making and carton-making process. This type of paper, made from recycled materials, is known as testliner paper.
Conclusion
Paper and cardboard “Akhal” refers to waste including various types of paper, cardboard, paperboard, and similar materials that were previously considered garbage. However, due to growing environmental awareness and new uses, these wastes have now entered the recycling cycle and contribute to the production of raw materials in various industries, such as papermaking and cardboard manufacturing. Using cardboard “Akhal” has many benefits, and these wastes are used in various forms, such as white top paper, fluting paper, and testliner paper, to produce diverse products like carton layers, egg cartons, and packaging paper.
