By Rusen Kumar
3M India is also conducting the paper liner recycling program through collaborating with recycling vendors having an organized collection and distribution system and with proper equipment managing the wastepaper to be effectively utilized by recycling mills. This is in alignment with 3M’s sustainability strategic framework – Customer Sustainability Demand, 3M Sustainability Goals and Achieve Zero Waste. How 3M is committing towards global EPR regulations with its paper liner recycling project and creating a better impact on the environment. An interview of Rachita P, Product Stewardship & Regulatory Affairs Leader – Asia, 3M. Edited excerpts:
Describe 3M Paper Liner Recycling project.
The 3M Paper Liner Recycling project aims to convert the paper liner waste generated from graphic films into a valuable form of fibre-based product rather than be disposed of in a landfill. Recycling liner waste thus helps in promoting circularity.
This project was undertaken to help our customers solve customer sustainability challenges in the disposal of Liner waste, which is mainly made of cellulose fibre and polyethene construction.
Paper liners have value only until they are attached to the self-adhesive graphic films. During the film application, the liner is removed and discarded and becomes waste soon as the film is applied onto any substrate. The liner waste is either incinerated or landfilled as no known recycling method exists. The current disposal methods negatively impact the environment. The paper liner construction has the potential for being recycled, and this 3M project helped to qualify a process to exploit this potential. The recycling of liner waste can support a reduction in GHG emissions, energy consumption and environmental destruction.
How is the company facilitating the process of paper waste recycling through collaborating with relevant stakeholders?
Graphic manufacturers will accumulate the paper liner waste generated from using 3M graphic films. When a sizeable amount is collected, it will be transported to the recycler location. This network will operate on Pan -India basis channelling liner waste from the 3M converter locations to recycling facilities. Collaborating with capable recycling partners will help manage an organised collection and distribution system that will help manage and effectively utilise liner waste. In this model, 3M intends to recognise quality waste processors and then introduce them to our 3M convertors, to facilitate a contract agreement for recycling.
The project’s output will immensely benefit the Indian Paper recycling Industry, which is facing an acute shortage of fibre resources, while reducing the environmental impact caused by liner waste.
How does your company contribute to the circular economy through paper liner recycling? What are some effective applications of its end products?
The primary goals of this program are to promote circularity, manage customer expectations and meet global EPR regulations, which align with 3M’s sustainability strategic framework.
- Manage Customer Sustainability challenges
- 3M Sustainability Goals
- Achieve Zero Waste
- Promote circularity
The 3M Paper Liner waste has numerous end applications when recycled. Some recycling options are listed below. Further, it is to be noted that these converted products can be recycled up to 10 times for the same or similar applications:
- Industrial packaging
- Farm packaging (Egg trays)
- Duplex Boards
- Paper-based Pallet used in Packaging,
- Packaging for Sealing fans
- Wall Panels (Replacements for MDF boards)
What are the opportunities for India to prevent overusing landfills through a sustainable solution? What are the usual challenges faced in the process?
In India, the recycling industry is rapidly evolving for paper and plastics due to the burning environmental concerns and increasing regulatory framework. As part of EPR, brand owners and producers are now responsible for exploring the evolving possibilities and opportunities for recycling their products after the end of life. This would help prevent landfill overuse, reduce environmental degradation and promote circularity.
In the case of the graphic film liner, the construction of a liner consists of layers of plastic and paper. To recycle paper and plastic individually, they need to be separated. It was a difficult task to find a recycler who could manage this effectively.
The recycled products also need to pass tests such as burst strength. For the recycled paper to meet the specification, the right blend of the paper from liner and other waste must be used. It was a challenging task to determine this. Mass adoption of this process will require the qualification of multiple recyclers across India. Establishing this capability is going to be critical for this project to succeed.
What is 3M India’s vision in sustainable and eco-friendly waste management?
3M is a purpose-driven company, and we believe in applying science to create a more positive future where everyone can thrive. We back initiatives that can help our customers to reduce their environmental footprint. 3M India’s Vision is to solve customer challenges through sustainable waste management and further promote reduce, reuse & recycle concepts by creating closed loop models to promote circularity.
In your opinion, how is the recycling market in India is undergoing transition, especially post-pandemic and emerging to be a world leader in paper waste management?
According to us, the paper recycling industry is already a mature process in India, and there is an effort to channel most of the paper waste for recycling; however, plastic recycling technologies are rapidly evolving due to regulatory mandates and consumer demands for recycling to adopt sustainability lifestyles.
India is committed to sustainable goals, and we believe the graphic industry will play its part in helping the country succeed. From small beginnings come great things, and we at 3M hope the industry will contribute to adopting sustainable practices.
(Rusen Kumar is the editor at India CSR.)
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