985 168 911 rodator@rodator.com

The answer to that question (contrary to what we could all imagine) is that no, less paper was not manufactured during the years of the pandemic that paralyzed the world. In fact, the demand was higher. Later we will explain the reasons.

What did change was the way it is consumed and, as we said, the amount needed. With higher demands comes the challenge of maintaining equipment, and that’s where we come in. Belzona offers solutions to a variety of problems facing the paper industry and recycling. But let’s leave this for later, and let’s go on to explain the reasons for this increase in the demand for paper (what is promised is debt).

The reasons

Over the years, environmental awareness and technology have decreased the need for certain types of paper, such as notebooks or printing paper, among others. In 2020, the rampant spread of COVID-19 shut down the world as we knew it. People and industries depended more than ever on technology. However, paper and its respective field was never affected by lockdowns, environmental concerns or digitization. The paper industry still has several lifelines in other paper-based products (recall the toilet paper rush).

During this time, people had to function from home. More time locked up, more time to order online. The landscape of the retail and food industry had changed. Restaurants used to package (and still package) food in paper meal containers and bags. Retailers used a myriad of corrugated packaging materials like cardboard and wrapping paper to distribute the items people bought from home. Far from diminishing, the demand increased.

But… How is paper made?

First, the wood is harvested from the trees. The wood then goes through a process that involves debarking and chipping to create a mixture of water and wood chips called pulp. The pulp becomes paper after cleaning, bleaching, pressing and drying. Then cut and, if necessary, run through the printer for designs.

With the growing concern for the environment and the ability to easily recycle paper, factories and recycling centers have been reusing paper to produce new material, thus reducing a lot of limited raw materials. Recycled paper is shredded and goes through a process called hydrapulping, which is when the shredded paper is mixed with water to create a kind of “porridge.” Foreign objects are filtered out of the slurry to remove them and de-inked to pulp the mixture. After this recycling process, the pulp can be pressed and dried again for a new batch of paper.

It is better to use recycled paper than virgin paper to produce new batches because it is more malleable, which is especially useful when making boxes or cardboard materials. These products must be punched, folded, cut and grooved, which requires specialized machines. Such machines may experience abrasion, corrosion, physical and chemical attack, and vibration. And that’s where we come in.

Even metal is paper cut

Belzona offers a number of products to prevent or repair these problems. For example, water and moisture in wood and pulp can cause machinery to corrode and be susceptible to chemical attack. In addition, machinery that uses water and chemicals at moderate and high temperatures, such as heated rollers, hydropulper, and deinking machinery can also corrode.

Condensate tank after being lined with Belzona 5892 for corrosion protection

Whatever the problem, Belzona can help. Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) is used to restore the profile of damaged machinery and protect it from harsh chemicals and rust. Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) is a versatile product used for many purposes. The coating’s chemical resistance properties can protect machinery from the effects of moisture and harsh chemicals found in this industry. Other coatings may offer additional protection against erosive or abrasive mechanisms, such as Belzona 1812 (ceramic carbide).

Get in touch with us and we will be happy to help you, through rodator@rodator.com.

 

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