Improving Paper Tube Recycling and Reuse with Suppliers
Each year, FEFC goes through approximately 3.5 million paper tubes. Once utilized, some are recovered by the plant and some are recycled from customers. Approximately 1.6 million paper tubes, which is 46%, are recycled each year. However, the lengths of the recycled paper tubes vary due to fluctuation in moisture content in the air, which tends to result in turntable failure or broken ends. To address the problem, FEFC works with the suppliers to seek solutions, and proposes that the suppliers consider climate factors during product design to maintain consistent quality and recycling rate. The adjustment significantly improves the quality of the paper tubes, which the suppliers may also supply to other customers, creating wide-reaching influence on recycling and reuse.