Recyclability Protocol
Evaluation protocols for paper and board products provide a framework for measuring how effectively materials return to the production cycle after consumer use. Industry professionals use aticelca 501 to determine if a specific packaging structure permits the recovery of fibres while excluding prohibited contaminants. This procedure identifies the level of material that successfully passes through standard papermaking equipment without causing operational disruptions or quality defects in the final sheet.
It applies to finished items rather than raw pulps.
Laboratory Simulation
Physical processing begins with the pulping of the sample under controlled temperature and mechanical conditions to simulate industrial hydrapulper actions. During this phase, aticelca 501 monitors the breakdown of adhesive layers and plastic coatings to ensure they do not fragment into problematic microparticles. Large rejects are weighed and recorded.
These residues must remain below specific thresholds to prevent the clogging of screens during secondary fibre preparation. Precise measurement of the resulting rejects allows for the calculation of the total fibre yield available for reuse in new products.
Grading Outcome
Final classification assigns a letter grade ranging from A+ to C based on the cumulative mass of recovered fibres and the presence of non-recyclable components. A sample failing to meet the minimum requirements for class C is deemed non-recyclable. This result informs brand owners about the suitability of their packaging for existing municipal collection streams.
