In-plant Testing of the Novel Methods of Separating Water-based Inks & Stickies from Spent Paper Fibers

The objective of this project is to synthesize collectors (clay particles) that can remove water- and oil-based ink particles and synthesize collectors (clay particles) that can remove stickies from used paper fibers to increase U.S. paper recycling rates. The project seeks to conduct laboratory tests at Thiele Kaolin to establish the optimal conditions for removing water-based inks and stickies and in-plant testing of the process being developed as a stepping-stone to commercialization.

Once completed, this project expects to reduce primary feedstock by 3.6 million metric tons (MMT) of paper, reduce energy consumption by 77.8 PJ, and decrease emissions by 3.6 MMCO2e.