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Background
When Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) are recycled and processed in a paper mill, the resulting pulp goes through a screening process to remove contaminants and impurities. The material that doesn't pass through the screens or is deemed unsuitable for recycling is termed "screen rejects." These rejects typically consist of materials like plastics, adhesives, metals, and other non-fibrous contaminants that are separated from the usable fiber during the papermaking process.
At Greif, we are committed to building a sustainable future by achieving zero waste-to-landfill status at 97 percent of our facilities globally (excluding businesses acquired in 2023) by 2030. In alignment with our waste diversion goals, proper management and disposal of OCC screen rejects are essential to minimize environmental impact and maximize the efficiency of our papermaking process.
What we're looking for
Greif is exploring consultancy and R&D services to address better ways to reduce, recover and/or reuse OCC screen rejects from paper mill operations. We are seeking experts in waste management and recycling, particularly within the paper industry, to collaborate on and explore innovative solutions. The goal is to reduce waste, enhance sustainability, and optimize resource utilization.
Solutions of interest include:
- Advanced waste conversion technology that processes waste into usable fibers or materials, through advanced chemical recycling or other innovative processing methods.
- Advanced screening technology combined with additives to enhance the separation of usable fibers from contaminants.
- Technology for predictive maintenance of paper mill equipment to optimize processes, minimize waste generation, and improve overall operational efficiency.
- Circular Economy solutions that promote waste stream reduction, recycling or reuse, and/or alternative uses for OCC screen rejects (repurposing or upcycling).
Our must-have requirements are:
- Sustainability: solutions must aim to reduce environmental impact, enhance the sustainability of paper mill operations, and optimize the use of resources, including raw materials, energy, and water
- Cost-effectiveness: proposed solutions should be economically viable
- Scalability: solutions should be scalable to accommodate varying production volumes and integrate seamlessly within different paper mill settings
- Performance: solutions must maintain the overall efficiency and quality of paper production processes
Our nice-to-have's are:
- Solutions that contribute to positive public perception and corporate social responsibility initiatives of the organization
- Solutions that involve or benefit local communities through job creation, education, economic impact, or other social benefits
What's out of scope:
- Proposals that involve the disposal of OCC screen rejects through landfilling or other non-sustainable methods (e.g. incineration without energy recovery)
- Projects focused solely on theoretical research without practical implementation strategies or real-world applicability
- Solutions that require significant infrastructure overhauls or capital investments
- Proposals that conflict with existing environmental regulations or pose risks to human health and safety
- Projects that solely aim to shift the burden of OCC screen rejects management to external parties without addressing the root causes or exploring sustainable alternatives
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):
Levels 1-9
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Sponsored researchCo-developmentSupply/purchaseLicensing
Benefits:
Sponsored Research
Funding is proposal-dependent, with an initial allocation of up to $100,000 for 12 months. There is potential for additional funding based on successful proof-of-concept.Who we are
Greif places the utmost importance on protecting, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. More than 12,500 colleagues work in over 200 production, warehouse, and office locations in over 35 countries.
Learn moreReviewers
GW
Geoffrey Westphal
Director, Sustainable Innovation
Q&A with Greif
The Q&A is now closed.
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Q.
OCC screen rejects have a heating value of 15-16 MJ/kg. Our project aims to enhance OCC value by converting them into liquid fuel with a heating value of 25-30 MJ/kg. Would this project be of interest?
3
A.
Absolutely! Sounds very interesting to say the least. Feel free to reach out directly if you have more specific questions.
GW
Geoffrey Westphal, Director, Sustainable Innovation, Greif
June 21, 2024
Is this response helpful?
1
0
Q.
Is it possible to share some characteristics on the screen rejects, such as component proportions? Are such rejects currently only being disposed of by landfilling?
2
A.
Appreciate your patience - was on vacation and am just now catching up! Simple breakdown here - 80% plastic, 10% glass and sand, 5-10% paper. And then we have a 20-40% moisture content on the material. And yes, only disposal is via landfill.
GW
Geoffrey Westphal, Director, Sustainable Innovation, Greif
July 9, 2024
Is this response helpful?
1
0
A.
Thank you for answer! Do you know the type of plastics conforming that 80% reported? Is there any PVC/polyurethane present?
1
A.
Basically every type of plastic is present at one point, but it is inconsistent as what we get in can very greatly.
GW
Geoffrey Westphal, Director, Sustainable Innovation, Greif
July 18, 2024
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Have you looked at biochar creation and application within your waste streams? Interested? We believe it covers all bases.
RF
July 9, 2024
1
A.
Hi- do you think this is an option for this type of breakdown: Occ screen reject composition - 5-10 % fiber, 80% plastic, 5% metal, and 5% sand/grit/glass
GW
Geoffrey Westphal, Director, Sustainable Innovation, Greif
July 18, 2024
Is this response helpful?
1
0
A.
Yes. Our solution fits. Proposal underway. Thank you.
RF
July 20, 2024
1
Q.
Could you provide an estimate of the volume of OCC screen rejects (for example in tons per year)?
1
A.
Approximately 60kt to 100k tons per year across the network of 12 locations. This varies by location, but gives you a good idea across our entire manufacturing footprint.
GW
Geoffrey Westphal, Director, Sustainable Innovation, Greif
July 9, 2024
Is this response helpful?
1
0
Q.
I also support reverse electrodialysis which generates electricity and hydrogen from low temperature waste heat. Would you be interested in this as part of your carbon footprint reduction?
RF
July 9, 2024
1
A.
Same response as the last one- does it work with this composition? Occ screen reject composition - 5-10 % fiber, 80% plastic, 5% metal, and 5% sand/grit/glass
GW
Geoffrey Westphal, Director, Sustainable Innovation, Greif
July 18, 2024
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
Having two solutions, shall we submit one proposal or two separate ones?
1
A.
Go ahead and submit 2 so we can more easily differentiate the solutions. Thanks!
GW
Geoffrey Westphal, Director, Sustainable Innovation, Greif
July 31, 2024
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