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Recycling project in the hygiene sector

We present a case study of a project carried out by Tecnofer for an international group that is a leader in the hygiene and health sectors, with sales in approximately 150 countries. Sustainability represents a strategic pillar for this group, which integrates environmental and social practices across all its activities, recognizing environmental responsibility and inclusion as key elements for long-term growth.

For this reason, the company has incorporated the principles of the circular economy into its industrial strategy, working on multiple levels: reducing the consumption of materials and energy, increasing the use of recycled or responsibly sourced fibers, designing more sustainable products and packaging, and developing processes capable of valorizing production waste. The goal is to reduce environmental impact throughout the entire product life cycle, while also promoting value recovery from residual fractions of production processes.

In particular, in industrial contexts related to fiber processing and tissue paper production, pulper waste treatment represents a crucial phase for maximizing material recovery and reducing overall environmental impact.

Project for a multinational company in the hygiene sector

Anno:
2024
Paese:
U.S.A.
Settore:
Paper Treatment

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Dalai Lama

Tecnofer project:

Pulper Rejects Treatment System

Within this context the collaboration with Tecnofer was established, with the aim of developing a plant dedicated to the valorization of pulper waste, capable of recovering fiber and reintroducing it into the production process, effectively separating it from the plastic fraction and thus contributing to more efficient and circular material management.

As part of its operations in the United States, the group launched a project aimed at optimizing the management of pulper waste generated by the paper production process. This is a complex stream, mainly composed of mixed plastics (approximately 75–80%) and a significant share of recycled fiber (20–25%).

To address this need, a dedicated treatment plant was developed, designed to efficiently separate recycled fiber from the plastic material fraction. The system enables the recovery of up to 98% of the fiber contained in the waste, reintroducing it into the production process while separating it from the plastic fraction.

The Benefits

The adoption of this solution has allowed the group’s U.S. division to achieve tangible benefits on multiple levels. On one hand, the high separation efficiency makes it possible to recover a significant share of recyclable fiber, reducing the need for raw materials and improving overall process efficiency. On the other hand, the reduction of residual fiber in the waste fraction, resulting in a 70% reduction in weight, leads to lower volumes to be managed and significantly reduced operating costs, contributing to more sustainable industrial waste management.

The project fully aligns with the group’s circular economy strategy: transforming process waste into a recoverable resource, improving environmental performance, and optimizing the use of raw materials.