Fiber Sourcing
Raw material streams for paper production often rely on a mixture of recycled fibers collected from post-consumer or post-industrial sources. Secondary fiber furnish describes the specific blend of recovered paper and board that is repulped and used to create new substrates.
Material Processing
Recovered paper is mixed with water and chemicals in a pulper to break the bonds between the fibers. This process often includes stages for removing inks and adhesives that were present in the original product. When managing secondary fiber furnish, mills must account for the gradual shortening of fibers that occurs each time they are recycled.
Adding a portion of virgin pulp can help maintain the strength and bulk of the new sheet.
Industrial Performance
The variability of recycled sources introduces challenges for maintaining consistent brightness and strength properties. Contaminants such as wax or residual plastics can create spots or weaken the structure of the finished board. Despite these variations, the use of this furnish reduces the demand for fresh timber and lowers the energy consumption of the pulping process.
Manufacturers often specify the percentage of recycled content to meet environmental standards and customer requirements. This practice allows companies to balance the cost of materials with the performance needs of the final package.
