How to Remove Newsprint Ink From Paper
Newspaper is among the most common of recycled products. A newspaper can be recycled five times during its life cycle, and today, with everyone aware of recycling, 73 percent of all newspapers in the United States are recycled. Since the late 1980's, the newsprint industry has made significant advances in the de-inking process, but cleaning the paper of all newsprint ink is still a messy procedure involving large specialized machines and a mix of chemicals.
- Warm water
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Sodium hydroxide
- Sodium silicate
- Surfactants
- Bleach
- Wood chips
- De-inking machine
- Press
Show More
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn the paper into a mush with a combination of warm water and chemicals, notably hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate and surfactants. This solution is mixed in a drum, which is part of the de-inking machinery. The drum rotates the mixture.
-
2
Spin and screen the mush to remove all traces of the old ink. Add wood chips if needed to strengthen the mixture.
-
-
3
Air treat the mush in the flotation cell portion of the de-inking equipment to remove any last remaining traces of ink.
-
4
Wash one final time, using bleach if necessary. Squeeze to remove excess water.
-
5
Let the mixture dry and press into sheets for reuse.