CEPI Recyclability Test

Evaluation Mechanics

Operational thresholds for the cepi recyclability test rely on the mass balance between incoming air-dry samples and the resulting screened material. Each specimen undergoes three discrete stages including soaking and defibering followed by fractionation. Gravimetric analysis captures the mass of the screen rejects which represents the total loss of material volume.

These measurements quantify the interaction between paper substrates and industrial water loops where adhesion between polymers and fibres prevents effective separation. Mill operators monitor these values to adjust processing speeds when feedstock contains high concentrations of wax, resin or synthetic lamination films. Water quality in the test circuit mimics typical recycled paper mills to ensure the results mirror real production outcomes.

Consistent water hardness and chemical dosage prevent false positives caused by laboratory conditions that deviate from standard mill practices.

Processing Impact

Performance data derived from the cepi recyclability test provides the technical foundation for claims regarding the environmental credentials of packaging substrates. Paper converters and box manufacturers apply these findings to justify material choices when internal recovery systems operate under strict reject limits. Suppliers utilize the resulting metrics to confirm that specific surface treatments remain compatible with existing recycling infrastructure.

Low reject volumes allow mills to maintain high production capacity without overloading cleaning equipment. Successful results depend upon the capacity of the fibre matrix to undergo hydration and mechanical separation at the point of re-pulping. Producers achieve optimal results when lamination layers remain thin enough to pass through standard screen slots without accumulating as heavy waste.

Laboratory verification of these parameters confirms the suitability of a substrate for circular fibre markets.