Parivartan | Atmiya University, Rajkot - ATMIYA University
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In today’s world, where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discourse, the importance of sustainable practices cannot be overstated. The depletion of natural resources and the accumulation of waste pose significant threats to our planet's health. In this context, the establishment of a paper recycling unit emerges as a commendable endeavor. This report aims to explore the intricacies of such a unit, elucidating its objectives, processes, outcomes, benefits, and its crucial role in fostering an environmentally conscious society.

The primary objective of a paper recycling unit is to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts associated with conventional paper production and disposal. Key objectives include:

 

  • 1.Resource Conservation: Reduce the demand for virgin wood pulp, thereby conserving forests and preserving biodiversity.

  • 2.Waste Reduction: Minimize the volume of paper waste sent to landfills, alleviating the burden on waste management systems.

  • 3.Energy Savings: Decrease the energy consumption and carbon emissions involved in paper manufacturing processes.

  • 4.Promotion of Circular Economy: Facilitate the transition towards a circular economy by reintroducing recycled paper into the production cycle.

  • 5.Environmental Awareness: Foster awareness and education regarding the importance of recycling and sustainable consumption practices.

Outcomes Environmental Impact Paper recycling

The establishment of a paper recycling unit yields several notable outcomes:

  • 1.Production of Recycled Paper: The primary outcome is the production of high-quality recycled paper products suitable for various applications, including printing, packaging, and stationery.

  • 2.Resource Conservation:By recycling paper, significant quantities of water, energy, and raw materials are conserved, reducing the environmental footprint of paper production.

  • 3.Waste Diversion: Recycling paper waste diverts it from landfills, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for additional waste disposal infrastructure.

  • 4.Economic Opportunities: Recycling initiatives create employment opportunities across the value chain, from collection and sorting to processing and distribution.

 

Environmental Impact :

By using recycled paper, we can save trees and how one tree can be useful to environment is

  • Recycling of water worth Rs. 41 lakhs.

  • It emits 700 kg of oxygen.

  • It absorbs 20 kg of dust in a year.

  • It decreases temperature by 3 - 4 °C.

  • It produces oxygen worth Rs. 17.50 lakhs.

  • It prevents erosion of soil Rs. 18 lakhs.

  • It controls air pollution of worth Rs. 35 lakhs.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Implementing a paper recycling unit in Atmiya University aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations. Here's how such an initiative contributes to fulfilling these goals:

  • 1. SDG 4: Quality Education: By integrating sustainability practices such as paper recycling into the curriculum, educational institutes promote quality education that fosters environmental literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Students gain hands-on experience in sustainability initiatives, preparing them to address global challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

  • 2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: A paper recycling unit encourages responsible consumption and production patterns by reducing paper waste, conserving resources, and minimizing environmental impact. Through waste reduction strategies and recycling initiatives, educational institutes demonstrate a commitment to sustainable resource management and contribute to achieving SDG 12 targets.

  • 3. SDG 13: Climate Action: Recycling paper reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with paper production, landfilling, and incineration. By diverting paper waste from landfills and promoting circular economy principles, educational institutes mitigate climate change impacts and support efforts to achieve SDG 13 objectives related to emission reduction and climate resilience.

  • 4. SDG 15: Life on Land: Forest conservation is integral to paper recycling, as it reduces the demand for virgin wood pulp derived from deforestation. By preserving forests and biodiversity, educational institutes contribute to SDG 15 targets aimed at halting biodiversity loss, restoring ecosystems, and promoting sustainable land use practices.

  • 5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Collaboration between educational institutes, government agencies, businesses, and community organizations is essential for advancing sustainable development goals. By engaging stakeholders in paper recycling initiatives, educational institutes foster partnerships for sustainable development and demonstrate the power of collective action in achieving common objectives.

Production

Recycled paper can be used to create a wide range of applications and products, offering both environmental benefits and practical uses. Here are some common applications and products made from recycled paper:

Year Total paper Recycled Material Produced
Filter paper sheet (46*57 cm)
2019-20 880 Kg 28,160
2020-21 475 Kg 15,200
2021-22 635 kg 20,320
2022-23 590 Kg 18,880
2023-24 520 Kg 16,640
In last 5 years 3090kg 99,200

Instrumentation and Process

  • 1.Soaker (Collection): Paper waste is collected from various sources, including households, businesses, and industries. Collection methods may vary, ranging from curbside pickup to designated drop-off points.

  • 2.Beater (Sorting): Upon arrival at the recycling facility, the paper is sorted based on its grade, quality, and type. Contaminants such as staples, tape, and plastic are removed during this stage.

  • 3.Hydra Pulper: The sorted paper is then pulped, a process that involves shredding it into small pieces and mixing it with water to create a pulp slurry.

  • 4.Screw press (Cleaning): The pulp undergoes a cleaning process to remove ink, adhesives, and other impurities. This may involve techniques such as screening, flotation, and centrifugation.

  • 5.Uni-vat (Refining): The cleaned pulp is refined to improve its quality and consistency. This step may include additional processing to enhance fiber strength and durability.

  • 6.Calendaring: The refined pulp is formed into sheets using a papermaking machine.

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