An update on TLMI’s liner recycling initiative

In mid-2024, TLMI took a firm stand on improving siliconized paper release liner recycling by creating the Liner Recycling Initiative (LRI), a pilot program to identify and solve obstacles to recycling that material. We partnered with Resource
Recycling Systems (RRS), a global consultancy that provides solutions for optimizing recycling processes, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact at all points in the supply chain.

“By integrating these efforts, we can enhance collaboration, improve material flow, and ultimately increase our chances of success”

RRS’s partner in this project is Sustana Solutions, a paper recycling mill that will take siliconized paper release liner from
roll-to-roll labels; variable information labels used in E-commerce, transport, logistics, and warehousing; and prime
labels. Sustana Solutions is a diversified paper company with three divisions – Sustana Fiber, Sustana Paper and
Sustana Recycling.

Sustana Fiber has two pulp mills that recycle white grades of paper using a float de-inking process that can remove silicone, ink and other contaminants from used office paper, cartons and silicone-coated paper release liner. The mills are in De Pere, Wisconsin, and Levis, Quebec.

Sustana Fiber mixes silicone-coated release liner with other sources of recovered white fiber like office paper and cartons to produce a high-quality, recycled market pulp that can be used as recycled content in white fiber products like office paper, tissue products and food-grade applications.

TLMI’s LRI pilot program will cover the areas surrounding two Sustana Fiber mills in Chicagoland and the Northeast US.
The first objective of the pilot project was to work with Sustana Fiber to develop a bale specification document, which RRS can then use to recruit paper liner generators to start recycling their liner. The bale specification has been completed and is available on the LRI website (www.linerrecycling.com).

The next objective is to identify liner generators surrounding the mill locations.

Updated approach

Initially, the strategy focused on partnering with large generators due to the assumption that they would facilitate
a more straightforward logistics process. The expectation was that these generators could deliver substantial quantities of
material (truckloads) that could be shipped directly to the mill; however, in practice, this approach proved to be more complex than initially anticipated, highlighting the need to re-evaluate our strategies.

RRS’s findings indicated that large and small generators may need a broker or aggregator to process their materials to meet the mill’s specifications efficiently. For example, materials such as liners on cores must undergo grinding and baling processes before being delivered to the mill, adding a layer of complexity to logistics. Consequently, RRS discovered a robust broker network operated by Sustana Recycling and various third parties. This network presents a valuable opportunity to connect all sizes of liner generators to the market as part of a unified pilot framework. By integrating these efforts, we can enhance collaboration, improve material
fl ow, and ultimately increase our chances of success.

In the current landscape of the brown fiber market in the US, release liner is often viewed as a problematic material. This perception is mainly due to concerns associated with adhesives found on residual labels, which can complicate recycling. Conversely, Finat research shows that some European mills have successfully integrated small percentages of release liner into old, corrugated containers (OCC); however, it is essential to note that this approach has not yet led to widely accepted testing protocols before mill acceptance, raising concerns about quality and reliability assurance.

While testing is being conducted in parallel to the LRI, any potential brown fiber mill acceptance will likely fall outside the timeline of our initial LRI project, underscoring the need for continued diligence and proactive measures in this area.

In support of the LRI, TLMI’s Liner Recycling Committee, led by Christina Barajas (Mactac) and Adam Frey (Wausau Coated Products), have strategized around this vital initiative by creating four working groups to assist RRS: mill outreach, broker outreach, silicone research and testing and generator outreach. If you are a TLMI member and are interested in participating in any of these working groups, we welcome your participation. Contact me at rosalyn.bandy@tlmi.com for more
information.

The LRI is designed to assist all current liner recycling work done by the industry by being transparent and providing options to all. As such, there are ways that industry members can support the LRI, whether you are a TLMI member or not.

To help locate generators of the liner, you can work directly with RRS, including a non-disclosure agreement, if desired, to connect any customers interested in recycling their silicone-coated paper release liner. For more information, contact me.

Rosalyn Bandy is VP of sustainability for TLMI. For more information about TLMI sustainability, contact Rosalyn.bandy@tlmi.com. For information about TLMI membership, contact engagement director, dale.coates@tlmi.com