INGEDE Method 4

Standard Evaluation

Deinking evaluation protocols provide standard laboratory procedures to measure the recyclability of printed paper products by simulating industrial flotation processes. The application of ingede method 4 determines the ease with which printing inks can be detached and separated from paper fibers. Testing laboratories rely on this process to certify that new graphic paper grades are compatible with municipal recycling systems.

Laboratory Procedure

Printed samples are first disintegrated in an alkaline solution to release the ink particles from the fiber matrix. The resulting slurry undergoes a simulated flotation step where air bubbles carry the hydrophobic ink particles to the surface to be skimmed off as foam. Measurement of the brightness before and after this treatment reveals the efficiency of the ink removal.

Decisive Factor

Ink chemistry and print drying mechanism determine whether the ink can be successfully separated or if it will fragment into microscopic particles that discolor the pulp. Liquid toner and certain inkjet formulations often fail this evaluation because they either create inseparable films or disperse into fine specks. Flexographic inks present a different challenge by dissolving into the process water and darkening the fibers.

High scores on this test allow manufacturers to market their print products as highly recyclable.

A compressed bale of corrugated cardboard sits beside a large circular water filled hydrapulper inside a modern paper recycling facility.

TAPPI T 277 Micro-Stickies Phase Separation

Quantification of Dissolved Acrylic Micro-Stickies in Closed Water Loop Papermaking Circuits

Quantifying dissolved acrylic micro-stickies in closed water loops requires 0.45-micron phase separation followed by solvent extraction and total organic carbon verification.

Precision circular sample cutter rests on a steel testing table beside a small corrugated fiberboard disc within a dimly lit industrial facility.

Thermal Transfer Press Slot Width EPR Fee Modulation

Laboratory Screen Slot Dimensions and Macro-Stickie Yield Calculation Methods

Laboratory screen slot dimensions dictate macro-stickie separation efficiency, requiring standardized 0.10 millimeter slot width calibration to calculate accurate area yields for packaging recyclability certification.

Digital rendering features textured paperboard substrate samples arranged on a metallic pedestal inside a raw concrete corridor beside a black grid screen.

Stock Preparation Wire Deposition INGEDE Method 4

Unresolved Discrepancies between Laboratory Screen Slot Pass-Through Thresholds and Commercial Paper Stock Sticky Accumulation

Laboratory screen slot pass-through fails to predict commercial micro-sticky deposition due to thermal softening and shear-induced particle coalescence.

Kraft corrugated cardboard cartons are stacked in a pyramidal structure on a dark steel table surrounded by circular sample housings.

Filtrate Organic Load INGEDE Method 4 Total Organic Carbon

Quantifying Micro-Sticky Accumulation and Filtrate Organic Load in Closed Loop Paperboard Recycling Circuits

Quantifying micro-stickies and organic load in closed-loop board circuits requires combined TOC analysis and hydrophobic deposition testing to prevent deposit failures.