A Study on Laboratory Type Paper Machine Using Nano Fibrillated Cellulose from Recycled Old Corrugated Containerboard as Bio Additive in Board Production

Raw material, energy, water, and additive cost are challenges for today’s board manufacturing and new sustainable solutions are needed to produce paper products with an favorable environmental footprint.

A laboratory Fourdrinier paper machine study manufactured a board product with a targeted basis weight of 80 g/m² without and with the addition of ground calcium carbonate at a targeted filler level of 10%. Nano fibrillated cellulose produced from recycled old corrugated containerboard with a Valley Beater at a Canadian Standard Freeness level of 40 ml was added at 4% based on oven dry basis weight. Results revealed an increased ash and fine retention as well as an increased burst Index, short span compression strength, and tear index for the base paper as well as with and without ground calcium carbonate addition.