Production of de-inked pulp
Paper Recycling
Unlike paper made from virgin wood cellulose fibers, recycled paper produced from de-inked pulp helps preserve forests, protect the environment, and mitigate climate change—while consuming up to 60% less energy. Hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and persulfates can be used at various stages of the recycling process, contributing to consistently high paper quality.
Hydrogen Peroxide: The Key to Clean and Bright Recycled Paper
Paper recycling refers to the process of converting recovered paper into new paper products. The resulting secondary fibers can be reused multiple times without significant loss in quality. This process conserves substantial amounts of water, energy, and natural resources.
De-inked pulp is suitable for producing graphic papers (such as newsprint, magazines, and copy paper), tissue products (including toilet paper, handkerchiefs, and kitchen rolls), and high-brightness packaging materials (like packaging paper, board, and testliner).
Hydrogen peroxide is applied during the repulping stage, alongside other de-inking agents such as soap, silicate, and caustic soda. Printing inks are then removed through flotation and/or washing processes.
In the subsequent bleaching step, hydrogen peroxide enhances the brightness of the de-inked fibers and prevents alkaline yellowing. Even small doses improve the brightness of the pulp, and H₂O₂ leaves no toxic residues—making it an ideal chemical for sustainable recycling.
Peracetic acid (PAA), a powerful oxidizing agent, is used to control slime formation in the paper machine’s water circuit.
Persulfates are employed in paper sizing, binder and coating preparation, and the production of specialty papers. Activated alkali persulfates efficiently repulp neutral/alkaline wet-strength broke and decolorize dyes and optical brighteners.
H2O2 and PAA for paper recycling applications
Printing Ink Removal
In paper recycling, removing printing ink is a critical step—especially when the recovered fibers are reused to produce printing or tissue paper. Effective de-inking ensures high-quality results and supports the production of clean, bright recycled paper products.
Bleaching of de-inked pulp
To achieve high brightness and prevent yellowing, de-inked pulp is bleached using hydrogen peroxide. This process enhances the visual quality of the recycled fibers while supporting environmentally friendly paper production.
water treatment in paper mills
Water circuits are disinfected to prevent microbial contamination of fiber material. Peracetic acid solutions remove biofilms and inhibit slime formation. Hydrogen peroxide helps prevent unpleasant odors and anaerobic conditions.
Our products
For bleaching in paper and pulp applications, we recommend our standard-grade hydrogen peroxide, HYPROX®. It delivers reliable performance and supports environmentally responsible production processes.
Formulations of peracetic acid (PAA) are effective against a broad spectrum of harmful aquatic organisms that disrupt industrial processes. PAA solutions are used in various water treatment applications and offer an alternative to common chlorine-based disinfectants, leaving no harmful by-products.
Persulfates are used as pulping agents for paper containing wet-strength resin. Unlike sodium hypochlorite, which may lead to corrosion and organic halide formation, persulfate salts are non-halogenated and suitable for reprocessing waste and off-spec recycled paper.
Sustainability aspects of paper recycling
Paper consumption is high despite the growing use of digital media. The European paper industry is driven to make its model more circular and sustainable with a focus on the production of recycling paper, which is much more environmentally friendly than paper, whose fibers are made of virgin pulp. CO2 emissions are reduced by an average of 15%. Our environmentally friendly hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid ensure high-quality and high brightness products without burdening the effluent.
