Pulp Paper & Logistics


DESIGN 15


Representation of the players involved and flow of material (packaging or packaging waste)


improve barrier properties and water or grease resistance), passing through the fastening systems and arriving at the management of the packaging for communication and display purposes.


Composites, laminates, and multi-layer materials From interviews and direct observations, it emerged that the characteristics of the packaging that mainly limit the efficiency of recycling are related to the use of composite and multi-layer materials. Lamination, coatings, special papers, paper-plastic, and paper-bioplastic composites


should be avoided where possible or should be limited, as they may prevent the dispersion of the fibres in the pulping phase at the paper mill; furthermore, they risk retaining or blocking the outflow of cellulose fibres from the pulper.


Contamination and residual content Solutions to avoid contamination of the cellulose substrate and residual content inside the packaging (e.g. peelable designs) should be favoured because incomplete emptying can interfere in the formation of the sheet downstream of the recycling process.


Packaging and types of material made predominantly from paper


Fastening systems and adhesives Other critical issues that limit recycling activities are adhesives and fastening systems which, given the nature of the materials that compose them (e.g. metals, polymers, etc), are difficult – if not impossible – to be pulped. Furthermore, plastic tape should be avoided or, if not possible, minimised in use.


Inks and varnishes Finally, inks and paints were also evaluated as critical, as they can affect the optical quality of the secondary raw material and may also require de-inking processes. Thus, inks should be minimised in use and EuPIA’s guidelines should be followed.


Broad topics covered in guidelines published by foreign consortiums, organisations and bodies


These design guidelines were also compared with the main ones existing in Europe, showing both similarities among countries due to the phases of the recycling process, and also differences due to the technological and plant discrepancies between nations. By following these guidelines, the designer – to whom these guidelines are addressed – can develop a broad overview of the impacts of the design choices and play an active role in improving the circularity of the paper- cardboard supply chain. ● Andrea Marinelli and Barbara Del Curto are from the Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica ‘Giulio Natta’, Politecnico di Milano, while Romina Santi is from the Dipartimento di Design of the Politecnico di Milano


January/February 2021


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