| Abstract [eng] |
Packaging is defined as the enclosement and protection of products for their distribution, storage, sale, consumption, and use [1], with the preferred material being paper and cardboard-based packages. Taking this into consideration, by 2021 the global paper industry reported a market value of 372.34 billion USD [2] and a production volume of approximately 417.3 million metric tonnes [3]. Therefore, when assessing global waste composition trends, it is not surprising to find that the most prominent stream after organic waste corresponds to paper and cardboard with a 17% representation [4]. Considering the above as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) tackling sustainable consumption and production patterns (Goal 12), the necessity to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (Goal 13), and sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss (Goal 15), the following research had as its main objective to measure the impact of commonly used inks, coatings, varnishes, and decorations in paper and cardboard packaging repulpability according to the American Fibre Box Association (FBA) repulpability standard. Ten (10) samples employing digital printing – 2 samples – Offset printing in cardboard packages – 5 samples – and Offset printing in paper labels – 3 samples – were sourced from Kaunas University of Technology Publishing House and packaging manufacturer Trustpack, Lithuania. Results show that 3 out of the 10 samples produced more than 15% of rejects, and therefore cannot be considered repulpable. Additionally, the 3 samples show the inclusion on foil paints or metallized engravings, which supports the conclusion that the addition of such materials to the packaging significantly reduce the amount of recoverable material. |
