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2025 Vol.57, Issue 3 Preview Page

Original Paper

Comparative Analysis of Fiber Characteristics on Recycling Potential and Paper Properties of Milk Cartons and PE-Coated Cardboard
Yong-Hun Lee1
,
Chul-Hwan Kim2†
,
Hyeong-Hun Park1
,
Tae-Gyeong Lee1
,
Ju-Hyun Park1
,
Min-Sik Park1
,
Jae-Sang Lee3
1Department of Forest Products, Gyeongsang National University, Graduate Student
2Department of Forest Products, Gyeongsang National University, Professor
3Department of Environmental Materials Science, Gyeongsang National University, Undergraduate Student
†Corresponding Author: E-mail: jameskim@gnu.ac.kr (Address: Department of Forest Products, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea)
30 June 2025. pp. 40-52
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Abstract

This study examines the fiber characteristics and resultant paper properties of disintegrated milk cartons and polyethylene (PE)-coated cardboard to assess their recycling potential. Key differences were observed in the fiber length, fines content, and coarseness of the cartons and cardboard. The milk cartons exhibited longer and coarser fibers, whereas the PE-coated cardboard had shorter fibers and lower coarseness. The paper made from milk cartons exhibited higher freeness, lower bulk, higher tear strength, and enhanced brightness compared to those of the paper made from the cardboard, making it ideal for durable, high-clarity applications. In contrast, the PE-coated cardboard yielded paper with a higher tensile strength and bulk, aligning with the need for flexible and opaque materials. These findings underscore the necessity of understanding fiber properties to optimize recycling strategies and tailor paper products to advance the sustainability and functionality of recycled materials.

Keywords
Milk carton
PE-coated cardboard
recycling potential
fiber length
freeness
sustainability
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Information
  • Publisher :Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국펄프종이공학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of Korea TAPPI
  • Journal Title(Ko) :펄프종이기술
  • Volume : 57
  • No :3
  • Pages :40-52
  • Received Date : 2025-01-20
  • Revised Date : 2025-02-06
  • Accepted Date : 2025-05-20
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7584/JKTAPPI.2025.6.57.3.40
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