Introduction

Paper mill broke — also known as long paper trimmings or “braided material” in operational settings — is a significant byproduct generated during the paper production process. This heterogeneous waste stream typically manifests as entangled strands of waste material with a deceptively complex composition.

Composition of Paper Mill Broke

Ferrous wire — Metal binding materials from paper rolls — 15–25%

Polymeric contaminants — Plastic films, sheets, and synthetic additives — 30–45%

Organic residues — Cellulose fibers, coatings, and chemical additives — 25–40%

Moisture content — Water absorbed during production — 20–35%
Industry Insight: According to industry research, a satisfactory broke rate coming off the production line should be less than 10% of total production. A broke creation rate exceeding 40% indicates serious production problems that need immediate attention.

Recycling method

Path 1: Converting Broke into RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel)
The first and most widely adopted recycling pathway involves processing paper mill broke into RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel) through an extrusion granulation system.

Path 2: Producing Compression-Molded Plastic Products
The second pathway focuses on recovering the plastic fraction from paper mill broke and transforming it into valuable compression-molded products.

Step-by-Step Processing Workflow
Step 1: Metal Separation Specialized magnetic or eddy current separators remove ferrous wires. This prevents equipment damage and ensures product quality in subsequent stages.
Step 2: Surface Cleaning Organic matter, dust, and surface contaminants are removed. Improves raw material purity for optimal plasticization.
Step 3: Two-Stage Extrusion
First-stage extruder: Initial melting and plasticization to homogenize raw materials
Second-stage extruder: Further optimizes plasticization, improving melt uniformity and flowability
Step 4: Precision Quantification A plastic quantitative tank precisely controls material feed rate. Ensures stable, consistent compression molding.
Step 5: Compression Molding Molten plastic is injected into mold cavities under pressure. Molds are customized based on product requirements (trays, pots, pallets, etc.). Cooling under pressure ensures dimensional stability.
Step 6: Automated Handling Material retrieval robots remove finished products. Palletizing equipment stacks products according to preset rules.

Advantage

Key Benefits of Paper Mill Broke Recycling
Environmental Benefits

Reduces landfill dependency — Diverts thousands of tons of mixed waste from disposal

Lowers greenhouse gas emissions — RDF replaces fossil fuels; plastic recycling avoids virgin material production

Supports circular economy principles — Transforms waste into resources
Economic Benefits

Cost savings on waste disposal fees and primary fuel purchases

Revenue generation from selling RDF pellets or finished plastic products

Operational efficiency — Reduces the environmental compliance burden
Industry Compliance

Aligns with ISO 14001 environmental management standards

Supports ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting requirements

Meets increasingly stringent waste management regulations globally