Recycled Paper

Recycled paper is a particularly sustainable type of paper made from 100% waste paper. High-quality recycled paper can carry environmental certifications such as the Blue Angel eco-label and is designed to reduce the use of fresh wood fibres in paper production.

Because a significant share of harvested wood is used for paper manufacturing, choosing recycled paper can make an important contribution to more responsible resource use. Compared with conventional paper production, recycled paper can save valuable raw materials as well as substantial amounts of energy and water. Depending on the production process, savings of up to 60% energy and up to 70% water are possible.

Modern recycled paper is also highly suitable for professional printing. It is available in different grammages, shades and finishes and can be used for a wide range of printed products. Contrary to common assumptions, good recycled paper does not necessarily yellow faster than conventional offset paper and can offer a reliable, durable and visually appealing result.

The Manufacturing Process

Recycled paper is usually produced through a series of processing steps in which used paper is broken down, cleaned and turned into new paper fibres.

• 1. First, the collected waste paper is mixed with water and broken down into its individual fibres. This creates a thin paper pulp. This step is also known as repulping.
• 2. The pulp is then cleaned to remove non-fibrous foreign materials such as staples, plastic residues, adhesives or other impurities. Depending on the quality requirements, additional cleaning methods may be used.
• 3. If the recovered paper contains printing inks or dyes, the fibres may be further treated in a deinking process. Substances such as sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate can help loosen ink particles from the fibres. For very light or white recycled paper, an additional brightening or bleaching step may be used to remove remaining colour particles.
• 4. Finally, the cleaned fibre pulp is processed into new paper. Depending on the desired product, it can either be combined with a controlled proportion of fresh fibres or used to produce paper made entirely from recycled fibres.

The actual formation of paper sheets is similar to the production of paper from fresh fibres.

• 1. The paper pulp is diluted with water to create an even, fluid fibre suspension. This mixture is then passed over a fine screen, where the fibres begin to form a continuous fibre web.
• 2. The fibre web is pressed and dried until a stable sheet or continuous paper web is formed.
• 3. During this process, excess water drains away while the fibres remain on the screen and bond together. The sheet structure becomes increasingly firm as the water content is reduced.
• 4. Once dried, the paper is finished and cut to the required size or processed further, depending on the intended format and application.

Where Can I Find Recycled Paper at cardstock?

At cardstock, recycled paper is available on request rather than directly through the configurator. It can be used for selected products such as lightweight presentation folders, notebooks or other custom paper-based items where a sustainable material option is desired.

If recycled paper is suitable for your project, we will be happy to advise you on available paper qualities, grammages, colours and possible finishing options.