Sofia Martinez
Plastic-coated paper, also known as enamel paper, gloss paper, or thin paper, is a type of paper that has been coated with a mixture of materials or a polymer to enhance its weight, surface gloss, smoothness, or reduce ink absorbency. While plastic-coated paper has its advantages, it raises the question of whether it is recyclable. The recyclability of plastic-coated paper depends on various factors, including the type of coating, the thickness of the coating, and the recycling process. Some coatings, such as PE and PET, need to be removed from the paper during recycling to enable fibre recovery for making new paperboard. On the other hand, water-soluble coatings can be advantageous for recyclability as they can dissolve during the paperboard manufacturing process. Ultimately, the impact of plastic-coated paper on the recycling process and its environmental implications are essential considerations when assessing its recyclability.
Is plastic-coated paper recyclable?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | The recyclability of plastic-coated paper depends on the type of coating and the recycling process. Some plastic coatings can be separated from the paper during recycling, allowing the film to be filtered out. However, the plastic layer typically needs to be removed for the paper fibres to be recovered and recycled. |
| Coating Materials | Common materials used for plastic coatings include polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET), silicone, and wax. These coatings provide properties such as water resistance, weight, surface gloss, and protection. |
| Recycling Process | Plastic-coated paper can be shredded, incinerated, or landfilled. Special recycling processes are available to separate plastics. However, most plastic-coated papers are not suitable for composting, and high-ink/varnish weights can impact the de-inking process during recycling. |
| Sustainability | Plastic-coated cardboard is less sustainable than pure paper cardboard due to the additional processing required to separate and recycle the plastic component. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic-coated paper recycling methods
Plastic-coated paper, also known as enamel paper, gloss paper, or thin paper, is any paper that has been coated with a mixture of materials or a polymer to enhance qualities such as weight, surface gloss, smoothness, or reduced ink absorbency. The coating can be applied as a solution, molten liquid, or powder, and it may be made of plastics such as Polyethylene (PE) or Polyester (PET).
When it comes to recycling plastic-coated paper, the plastic layer typically needs to be removed to allow the paper fibres to be recovered and recycled into new paper products. This can be achieved through special recycling processes that help separate the plastics from the paper. Some plastic laminations can be separated during the recycling process, allowing the film to be filtered out. Shredding the coated paper prior to recycling can also aid in the separation process. Additionally, some plastic coatings are water-dispersible, making them easier to recycle and repulp.
However, it is important to note that not all plastic coatings are recyclable. In some cases, plastic-coated papers may be incinerated for heat or landfilled instead of recycled. Composting is generally not suitable for most plastic-coated papers, as the non-biodegradable plastic components can contribute to the global microplastics waste problem.
To improve the recyclability of plastic-coated paper, some alternatives are being explored. One option is to use coatings that are made from natural sources, such as bioplastics, or coatings that offer compostability or biodegradability. Water-soluble coatings, for example, can be used to provide grease resistance to paperboard used for dry, fatty, or oily foods. As long as the packaging is relatively clean, the water-soluble coating will dissolve during the paperboard manufacturing process, making the product fully recyclable.
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Paperboard recycling plants
Plastic-coated paper is paper that has been coated with a mixture of materials or a polymer to impart qualities like weight, surface gloss, and smoothness. The coating process may involve the use of materials such as kaolinite, calcium carbonate, bentonite, and talc, bound to the paper with synthetic viscosifiers or natural organic binders.
While plastic-coated paper can be recycled, the plastic layer must be removed to enable the recovery of fibres for recycled paperboard production. Some plastic laminations can be separated during the recycling process, allowing the filtering out of the film. However, the degree of separation depends on the specific recycling process. Certain coatings, such as water-soluble ones, can be advantageous for recycling as they dissolve during the paperboard manufacturing process. On the other hand, coatings that are neither readily soluble nor plastic can still be recycled with paperboard, but they may require additional steps like de-inking.
In the United States, there are numerous paper recycling plants, with 58 listed in one directory. Ohio stands out for its vibrant recycling program, attracting leading recyclers like Greif and Pratt. Greif, a global packaging manufacturer, recycles over 95% of its paperboard production and operates recycling facilities in Ohio that employ over 1,000 people. Pratt, a supplier of sustainable packaging solutions, opened one of the largest and most advanced 100% recycled paper mills in Wapakoneta, Ohio, employing over 750 green-collar workers.
Overall, paperboard recycling plants are essential for processing plastic-coated paper and ensuring that the paper fibres can be recovered for recycled paperboard production. These plants contribute to both economic and environmental sustainability by reducing the energy consumption associated with producing paper from natural resources.
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Coatings and their impact on recyclability
Coatings are applied to paper to impart certain qualities, such as weight, surface gloss, smoothness, or reduced ink absorbency. They can be made of various materials, including plastics like Polyethylene (PE) and Polyester (PET), which are applied as a laminate or extrusion coating. These plastic coatings need to be removed from the paper during recycling to allow the fibres to be recovered and reused. While some plastic laminations can be separated during the recycling process, allowing the film to be filtered out, the plastic layer often needs to be removed before recycling. This makes plastic-coated paper less sustainable than pure paper.
Inks and varnishes used for printing and protection are also considered coatings, albeit very thin ones. Paperboard recyclers can handle and recycle coated paperboard, but they prefer not to have to de-ink packaging. High ink or varnish weights can negatively impact the de-inking process and should be avoided if possible.
Water-soluble coatings are an alternative to plastic coatings that can provide basic grease resistance to paperboard used for dry but fatty or oily foods. These coatings dissolve during the paperboard manufacturing process, making the product fully recyclable. Compostable bio-coatings are another option that can replace oil-based plastic films. However, they may not be removed any more easily during the recycling process than plastic coatings and are unlikely to provide similar properties in the short term.
Coatings made from natural sources, such as bioplastics, compostability, or biodegradability, can be used as an alternative to plastic. While these coatings may offer an alternative end-use, such as composting, they do not necessarily make the recycling process easier. Overall, the impact of coatings on recyclability depends on the type of coating, its method of application, and the recycling process used. Some coatings may aid recycling, while others may hinder it or make it more challenging.
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Plastic laminations and coated paper
Plastic-coated paper, also known as enamel paper, gloss paper, or thin paper, is any paper that has been coated with a mixture of materials or a polymer to enhance qualities such as weight, surface gloss, smoothness, or reduced ink absorbency. The coating is often applied as a solution, molten liquid, or powder, and can be made from materials such as kaolinite, calcium carbonate, bentonite, or talc. This process results in a thin layer of plastic on the paper, which needs to be removed before the paper can be recycled.
Some plastic laminations can be separated from the paper during the recycling process, allowing the film to be filtered out. The degree of separation depends on the specific recycling process and whether the coated paper is shredded beforehand. Certain plastic coatings are water-dispersible, aiding in recycling and repulping. Special recycling processes are available to help separate plastics. However, most plastic-coated papers are not suitable for composting and may end up in landfills or incinerated for heat.
Coatings made from natural sources, such as bioplastics, compostability, or biodegradability, are preferred for their environmental benefits. These coatings aim to provide similar properties to traditional plastic coatings, such as water resistance, in the short term. While they may not be as easily removable during the recycling process, they offer an alternative end-use, such as composting.
Paper recycling facilities can typically handle small amounts of plastic on boxes, but the plastic and paper must be processed separately, making this type of cardboard less sustainable than pure paper cardboard. The paper or cardboard is ground up, mixed with chemicals, and then centrifuged to create new paper.
Overall, plastic-coated paper can be recycled, but it requires special processes to separate the plastic from the paper. The recyclability also depends on the specific type of coating and the availability of specialized recycling facilities.
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Paper recycling facilities and plastic
Plastic-coated paper is paper that has been coated with a mixture of materials or a polymer to impart qualities like weight, surface gloss, smoothness, or reduced ink absorbency. The coating can be applied as a solution, molten liquid, or powder. Coatings are often chosen for reasons other than being an alternative to plastic, such as being made from natural sources or offering compostability or biodegradability. However, if a coating is used to replace a plastic layer, it must provide similar properties, such as water resistance.
When it comes to recycling, the plastic layer or coating needs to be removed from the paper to allow the fibres to be recovered and used to make new paper products. Some plastic laminations can be separated from the paper during the recycling process, allowing the film to be filtered out. Special recycling processes are available to help separate plastics, but most plastic-coated papers are incinerated or landfilled rather than recycled.
Paper recycling facilities often have de-inking capabilities, so inks and varnishes used to print and protect paper are usually acceptable. However, if very high ink or varnish weights are used, the impact on the de-inking process should be considered.
As for plastic recycling, it is important to check local programs to confirm what types of plastics can be recycled in your area. Plastic containers usually have a triangle with a resin number that can be compared to local recycling guidelines. Some types of plastic that typically cannot be recycled in household bins include plastic bags, wraps, films, and Styrofoam.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic-coated paper can be recycled, but the plastic coating must be removed first. This can be done through special recycling processes that separate the plastic from the paper. However, plastic-coated paper is often incinerated or landfilled instead of recycled.
Plastic-coated paper, also known as enamel paper, gloss paper, or thin paper, is used for high-quality printing in magazines, books, calendars, and brochures. It is also used for packaging, especially for food items, as the plastic coating provides water resistance and protects the paper from oils and grease.
There are a few methods to separate plastic from paper. One method is to shred the coated paper before recycling, which helps increase the degree of separation. Another method is to use water-soluble coatings that can be dissolved during the paperboard manufacturing process, allowing the paper to be fully recycled.
Instead of plastic coatings, paper can be coated with natural materials such as bioplastics, which offer compostability or biodegradability. Water-soluble coatings are also an alternative, as they can be easily removed during the recycling process. However, these alternatives may not provide the same level of protection and durability as plastic coatings.
