Design for recyclability and the avoidance of waste: the case of printed paper in Germany

Abstract

This paper discusses the generation of process waste in printed paper recycling and some factors affecting the amount of de-inking waste. The effects on waste generation by paper grades, which are designed for improved recyclability, are pointed out. The amount of waste generated is considered as the improvement in recyclability. This corresponds to a reduction in the use of materials that cannot be recycled, which, in the case of paper means lowering their mineral content. Two scenarios of a dynamic model of the fluxes of printed paper in Germany between 1993 and 2000 are used to analyse the amount of waste generated. No product changes are assumed in the first scenario, whereas improved recyclability in the form of less non-recyclable materials is presumed in the second scenario. Results show that improved product recyclability would produce around 800 000 tonnes less waste annually by the year 2000.