By recycling paper and cardboard, we save both energy and raw materials but, of course, we can only achieve this if it is sorted correctly. When it is discarded as residual waste, recycling cannot take place. We are also counting on you to sort paper and cardboard correctly. Consult the sorting rules for paper and cardboard.

Paper-cardboard recycling process

• Paper and cardboard are sorted according to quality, and anything that is not paper or cardboard is removed. Depending on the quality, different applications are possible: magazines require a different level of paper quality than packaging boxes;
• The paper is mixed with water, which yields a grey paste called pulp. Lacquer, staples, varnish, glue, plastic and string are removed from the pulp. To produce some paper types, the pulp must also be deinked and bleached;
• Finally, the pulp is pressed and dried, ready for further processing.

Applications for recycled paper and cardboard 

Recycled paper and cardboard are part of our everyday lives. Newspapers and magazines are printed on recycled paper, while writing pads, notebooks, drawing paper and printing paper are also often recycled. Even kitchen rolls, toilet paper and paper tissues often contain recycled paper. Recycled cardboard can be found in, among other things, packaging cardboard and cardboard boxes, as well as any cardboard used for storing, transporting or protecting items.

Waste paper and cardboard is routinely turned into new paper or cardboard, but its life cycle is not endless since the quality of the material diminishes with each treatment. After being reused five to seven times, the material reaches the end of its useful life and, for this reason, new paper fibers are added each time.