Faculty of Technology Management & Technopreneurship

RECYCLING PAPER BUSINESS AT ASIA HONOUR PAPER

INDUSTRIES (M) SDN. BHD.

SITI NOR FAZLIN BINTI CHE ZAKARIA

Bachelor of Technology Management (High Technology Marketing)

with Honours

2021
 RECYCLING PAPER BUSINESS AT ASIA HONOUR PAPER
INDUSTRIES (M) SDN. BHD.

SITI NOR FAZLIN BINTI CHE ZAKARIA

Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Bachelor of

Technology Management (High Technology Marketing) with Honours

Faculty of Technology Management & Technopreneurship Universiti

Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

2021
 DECLARATION

“I hereby declare that the work of this exercise is mine except for the quotations and
summarize that have been duly acknowledge”

Signature :…………………………………………………….

Name : SITI NOR FAZLIN BINTI CHE ZAKARIA

Date :…………………………………………………….
 SUPERVISOR DECLARATION

“I/We hereby declare that I/We had read through this thesis and in my/our opinion
that this thesis is adequate in terms of scope and quality which fulfill the
requirements for the award of Bachelor Degree of Technology Management
(High Technology Marketing)”

Signature :………………………………………………….

Name of Supervisor : PROF. MADYA DR. CHEW BOON

CHEONG Date :………………………………………………….

Signature :………………………………………………..

Name of Panel : MADAM AZRINA BINTI OTHMAN

Date :………………………………………………..
 DEDICATION

This thesis is dedicated:

To my parents, Che Zakaria Bin Che Wail and Fadilah Binti Mat Amin whom
has always been there supporting me through my ups and downs and giving me
the extra boost that I always needed to finish up my thesis. My one and only sister,
Siti Nor Faizah Binti Che Zakaria who always has been such a supportive person
for me to finish what I have started and that has been giving me the moral support
that I need. Next, Prof. Madya Dr Chew Boon Cheong, my supervisor that has
guided me and giving me the motivation to finish my thesis. Thank you for the
guidance and motivation for helping going through this research. Lastly, to my
beloved friends that has been behind me and supporting me in my up and downs
while helping me throughout the project towards accomplishing my thesis.
 ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the previous studies related to the research objectives that have
been presented. In general, paper recycling is a severe problem for industries that run
paper recycling businesses. Therefore, researchers have also submitted past studies
related to proposed strategies to help companies engaged in paper recycling activities in
addressing the problems faced. The focus is on the recycling industry in Malaysia. The
determination to manage this research project is to study the proposed strategy to
overcome the difficulties faced by Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd., in
conducting paper recycling business. Research questions were expanded and tested to
achieve the objectives of this research. A review of the framework was conducted to
review the proposed strategies to address the challenges faced by Asia Honour Paper
Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd in Pahang in the paper recycling business. The primary data
was collected through virtual interviews with seven respondents: three managers and
four staff in various departments. The departments involved are the recycling paper
waste department, segregation centre, production department and human resources
department. Secondary data, researchers refer to journals, books, magazines and
internet access. The data collected will be analysed after the completion of the virtual
reality interview session. The research methodology used in this research is a
qualitative method. The researcher prepares interview questions to be answered by the
respondents and uses the descriptive method as a research design to collect data.
Researchers also use several research mechanisms that will be used in this research
which are scientific canons, to ensure that the study results are of quality and produce
qualified research.
 ABSTRAK

Penentuan untuk menguruskan projek penyelidikan ini adalah untuk mengkaji

cadangan strategi untuk mengatasi masalah yang dihadapi oleh Asia Honour Paper
Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd., dalam menjalankan perniagaan kitar semula kertas. Soalan
penyelidikan diperluaskan dan diuji untuk mencapai objecktif penyelidikan ini. Kajian
semula rangka kerja dijalankan bagi mengkaji cadangan strategi untuk mengatasi
cabaran yang dihadapi oleh Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd di Pahang
dalam perniagaan kitar semula kertas. Data utama dikumpulkan melalui temuduga
alam-maya dengan 7 orang responden dimana 3 orang pengurus dan 4 orang staff di
pelbagai jabatan. Jabatan yang terlibat adalah jabatan sisa kertas kitar semula, pusat
pengasingan, jabatan pengeluaran dan jabatan sumber manusia. Data sekunder pula
penyelidik merujuk kepada jurnal, buku, majalah dan akses internet. Data yang
dikumpul akan dianalisis selepas selesai sesi temuduga alam-maya. Metodologi
penyelidikan yang digunakan dalam penyelidikan ini adalah kaedah kualitatif dan
penyelidik menyediakan soalan temuduga untuk dijawab oleh responden dan
menggunakan kaedah deskriptif sebagai reka bentuk penyelidikan untuk mengumpul
data. Penyelidik juga menggunakan beberapa mekanisme penyelidikan yang akan
digunakan dalam penyelidikan ini yang merupakan kanon saintifik, untuk memastikan
bahawa hasil kajian adalah berkualiti dan menghasilkan penyelidikan yang layak.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Alhamdulillah, I would like to express my greatest thankfulness to the most

precious persons in my life who is my father, CHE ZAKARIA BIN CHE WAIL and
my mother, FADILAH BINTI MAT AMIN for all the effort they put to raise me with
full of love, caring and happy to see me a successful person in my life. Without them,
I am nothing and I would like to extend my thanks for their moral and financial
support. Thank you to Allah S.W.T. for giving me wisdom, strength, support and
knowledge in exploring things, and also make this Final Year Project possible.

First and foremost, I would like to reveal my sincere gratitude and appreciation
to my respectable Supervisor ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR CHEW BOON
CHEONG. The supervision and the support he gave truly help the progression and
smoothness of my research. Besides that, the special thanks to my supervisor for
continuing support for my research, motivation, patience, enthusiasm, and immense
knowledge. By his guidance, I am managed to finish my final year project in time.
Also, I would like to thank to my respectable panel MADAM AZRINA BINTI
OTHMAN for being supportive to my research.

Lastly, I would like to thank to all my teachers from primary to secondary

school who shape me become an undergraduate student and also never forget to all
my lecturers who teach me along my journey of studies at this university.
 TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER CONTENTS PAGES

DECLARATION

APPROVAL

DEDICATION

ABSTRACT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF PICTURE
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.0 INTRODUCTION/ BACKGROUND OF STUDY 1

1.2 CONCEPTUAL & OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF STUDY. 3

1.2.1 Conceptual Definition 3

1.2.2 Operational Definition 3

1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT/ RESEARCH QUESTIONS. 4

1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE 5

1.5 SCOPE, LIMITATION AND KEY CONSUMPTION OF THE STUDY. 5

1.5.1 Scope 5

1.5.2. Limitation 6

1.5.3 Key assumption 6

1.6 IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY (SIGNIFICANCE/ CONTRIBUTION) 7

1.7 SUMMARY 7
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION 8

2.2 CHALLENGE FACE IN PAPER RECYCLING BUSINESS. 9

2.2.1 Lack Awareness of Paper Recycling. 9

2.2.1.1 Waste of paper. 10
2.2.1.2 Spend high costs to buy paper. 10

2.2.2 Recycling Paper Waste Management Problems. 10

2.2.2.1 Failed to fetch the paper 11
2.2.2.2 Throw the paper somewhere. 11

2.2.3 Recycling Paper Isolation Problems. 11

2.3 STRATEGY TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGE 12

2.3.1 Paper Recycling Campaign 12

2.3.2 Effective Waste Recycling Paper Management. 12

2.3.3 Segregation Technology and Recycling Paper Processing. 13

2.3.3.1 Paper and fibre sorting technologies. 14
2.3.3.2 De-inking and contaminant removal 14
2.3.3.3 Pulp bleaching technologies 14
2.3.3.4 Restoration of papermaking properties of recycled fibres. 15
2.3.3.5 Performance characteristics of recycled paper. 15

2.4 SUMMARY 16

2.5 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 17

CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION 19

3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN 20

3.2.1 Descriptive Research Design 20

3.3 METHODOLOGICAL CHOICES 21

3.4 PRIMARY DATA SOURCES AND SECONDARY DATA SOURCES. 21

3.5 LOCATION OF RESEARCH 22

3.6 RESEARCH STRATEGY 23

3.7 TIME HORIZON 24

3.8 SCIENTIFIC CANON. 24

3.8.1 INTERNAL VALIDITY 25

3.8.2 GENERALIZABILITY / EXTERNAL VALIDITY. 26

3.8.3 CONSTRUCT VALIDITY 27

3.8.4 RELIABILITY 27

3.9 SUMMARY 30

3.10 RESEARCH METHOD 31

CHAPTER 4 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 INTRODUCTION 32

4.2 RESPONDENT PROFILE 33

4.3 THE CHALLENGE FACED BY ASIA HONOUR PAPER INDUSTRIES IN ITS

PAPER RECYCLING BUSINESS. 35

4.3.1 Lack of Awareness of Paper Recycling. 35

4.3.1.1 Waste of paper 36
4.3.1.2 Spend high costs to buy paper. 36

4.3.2 Recycling Paper Waste Management Problems. 37

4.3.2.1 Failed to fetch the paper. 38
4.3.2.2 Throw the paper somewhere 39

4.3.3 Recycling paper isolation problem 40

4.3.3.1 Paper mixed with dirty material 40
4.3.3.2 Paper grades are declining. 41
4.3.3.3 Takes a long time for paper isolation 41

4.4 THE SUGGEST STRATEGIES TO HELP ASIA HONOUR PAPER

INDUSTRIES (M) IN REDUCING THE CHALLENGES FACED IN ITS PAPER
RECYCLING BUSINESS. 43

4.4.1 Paper recycling campaign. 43

4.4.1.1 Scholl level campaign 44
4.4.1.2 Law enforcement 45
4.4.1.3 Administrative level 46

4.4.2 Effective waste recycling paper management 48

4.4.2.1 Collection schedule 49
4.4.2.2 Increase transport machinery 49
4.4.2.3 Employee time according to need 50

4.4.3 Segregation paper technology 51

4.4.4 Recycling paper processing. 52

4.4.4.1 (Pulping with water + chemical) 52
4.4.4.2 Washing Process. 53
4.4.4.3 Screening Process. 55
4.4.4.4 De-Inking Process. 56
4.4.4.5 Bleaching Process. 58
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 INTRODUCTION 60

5.2 DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH OBJECTIVE 61

5.3 THE CHALLENGES FACED BY ASIA HONOUR PAPER INDUSTRIES (M) IN

ITS PAPER RECYCLING BUSINESS. 61

5.3.1 Main Findings on Research Objective 1. 62

5.4 THE SUGGESTED STRATEGIES TO HELP ASIA HONOUR PAPER

INDUSTRIES (M) IN REDUCING THE CHALLENGES FACED IN ITS PAPER
RECYCLING BUSINESS. 65

5.4.1 Main Findings on Research Objective 2. 65

5.5 CONTRIBUTION OF STUDY. 68

5.6 FUTURE RECOMMENDATION 69

 LIST OF TABLES

TABLES TITLE PAGE

1 Threat to Internal Validity 26

2 Threats to reliability 28
3 Profiles of respondent 33
4 an example of a recycled paper de-inking process 57
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURES TITLE PAGE

1 Labels that will be on display at several

premises every Saturday. 46

2 The campaigns that AHP has run. 47

3 An example of a paper recycling process

carried out by AHP. 59
 LIST OF PICTURE

PICTURE TITLE PAGE

1 School campaign at SMK Temerloh 45

2 Washing process using recycled

water to save water 53

3 ‘Boiler’ to produce ‘steam’ for the

paper recycling process 54

4 Pressure washing process. 55

 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.0 INTRODUCTION/ BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Paper has a lot of uses outside of the immediate world, which is why it's so
important to recycle it. In fact, without recycling paper, we would have a huge problem
on our hands. In order to prevent environmental pollution and control the use of natural
resources, you need to do your part in reducing paper waste. Luckily, this task is easy at
all — all that's needed is some effort on your part.
Paper is used daily in many forms, newspaper, for office use, for educational
purposes, for commercial, and various forms of cardboard are mainly used for
packaging. Paper is created from trees, 24 trees can produce one ton of office paper, 12
trees can produce one tone of newsprint; inversely, one ton of recycled paper can save
up to seventeen trees (Herbert, 2001).
Ravi et al. (2012) claimed that recycled paper can be manufactured relatively
easily, with end products competitive in quality to those made from virgin materials.
Some difficulties arise from the economics of collection and transportation of waste
paper products to centres for reprocessing.

1
 Paper recycling activities have been around for a long time. Paper is an example
of a valuable recyclable material. The raw material for making paper is pulp wood
where the wood comprises vegetable, mineral and man-made fibres. The bulk of the
waste paper to be recycled must be sorted, evaluated and balanced before moving on to
the next stage. The next step is to send the waste paper to the factory and identify over
50 categories of waste paper. (Misman, et al, 2013). Waste quality determines the final
quality of recycled paper which will mix many quality recycled paper to reduce the
purity of high quality fibre. Besides doing this family activity that focuses on
cleanliness and filling out free time (Mokhtar, 2016). Recycling activities can also be
used as a source of income. This led to establish some companies doing business
recycling.
Products produced from recycled paper only have a shelf life of only a few days,
for example newspapers and the longest is only a few weeks, for example wrapping
paper. Therefore, it is no longer surprising that paper recycling thinking has been the
strongest component in paper production for a long time. There is many recycled paper
to be recycled into paper and cardboard products. There are also a few paper exceptions
where the recovered paper will be recycled into a grade similar to or of lower quality
than the original product grade. For example, an old groove box will make a new
recycled groove box. Recovered printing and writing paper will make new recycled
copy paper. Therefore, the recovered paper contains some tiny fibres which are to be
recycled into paper (Wan Alwi, 2013).
Successfully restored paper may contain recycled fibre once, twice or perhaps
more times. The wood fibre found in wood can only be recycled five to seven times
before it becomes too short and brittle to be made into new paper. Recycled fibre can
only be used alone or mixed with new wood fibre called virgin fibre to give it extra
strength or smoothness.
The first step will be done in recycling waste paper which involves re-pulp to
reduce the fibre slurry material. This is achieved by mixing existing residues with water
and chemical substances to use pulp fibres. Fibre can be broken during this process.
Fibre breakage often occurs if the pulp is at a higher level due to the action of the fibre
in the pulp. Ink detachment will occur simultaneously with natural pulp. The last task to
be performed is to separate the ink from the paper.

2
1.2 CONCEPTUAL & OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF STUDY.

1.2.1 Conceptual Definition

According to Ortiz (2005), “Recycling” has become a common term used more
and more every day. It is a term used both in households and communities, by
professionals and non-professionals, for education and as well as for the economy. Still,
it has been justly used, given its significance. What is the significance of recycling?
What does the act to recycle imply? What does the word “recycle” mean?
There are three different categories of recycling. “Primary recycling” refers to the
remaking of a material into the same material, for example remaking a glass container
into a new glass container; it is a process that can be repeated. “Secondary recycling”
refers to remaking a material into a new, different but related material, for example, a
newspaper can be recycled into cardboard, which can again be recycled into another
material of lesser quality. “Tertiary recycling” employs the act of recycling only once,
where for example paper can be recycled into tissue paper.
Ali et al. (2008) explained five main categories and 67 subcategories in paper
recycling. Details on the level of processing will vary according to what level of pulp
substitute, newsprint, or level of packaging is treated. It is estimated that paper can be
processed four times into virgin fibre will always be needed.
In brief, the researcher will examine the challenges in paper recycling business to
approach the paper recycling business in Malaysia.

1.2.2 Operational Definition

The paper recycling rate continues to improve despite the paper recycling
industry being negatively affected by declining global prices and pollution-related
challenges during the paper recycling process. There is also a positive development
where the generation of OCC (old corrugated cardboard) is caused by e-commerce and
home delivery (Leblanc, 2019). As a result, more and more paper is used specifically
for packaging and less for communication.

3
 1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT/ RESEARCH QUESTIONS.

Paper recycling has occurred due to the paper itself. Companies that conduct
paper recycling are always aware of the environmental and economic benefits of
recycling. It can be said that the paper industry is one of the largest water pollutants in
the world. Recycled paper has contributed to 35% water pollution, 74% air pollution
and the removal of many toxic pollutants. In previous years, paper recycling became
popular for everyone as a method to help protect the environment by reusing our
resources and saving waste (Misman, et al, 2013).
Lack of awareness on paper recycling is on the rise among Malaysians today.
This is because, for them, the useless paper is easier to dispose of than to recycle paper.
Waste of paper occurs when the paper is not fully used. Some Malaysians think that
selling unused paper to all recycling centres will not be profitable. This is because the
price of paper is cheap and it takes a long time to collect the paper. (Sharif, 2013).
Paper can only be disposed of and decomposed in very special conditions where
it needs to be mixed with special materials. When the paper is left at the disposal site,
the waste paper will not be decomposed. The dumping paper will open the landfill
faster because it requires a large space to place the paper. (Giri, 2020).
Over 57,000 tonnes of paper that can occupy 456,000 cubic meters of the landfill
is dumped at landfills in Malaysia every month. The paper recovery rate in Malaysia is
considered being around 40% low. 250,000 tons of newspapers a year, only 100,000
tons can be recycled and the rest are still not recycled. Paper will form the main part of
the paper flow which will end in drains and waterways. Conditions cause problems
such as flash floods and mosquito breeding grounds. This is also if continued will cause
other problems that will arise such as diseases, landslides, and others. (Thanam, 2019).
There are 3 categories of paper that can be used as raw materials to make
recycled paper. Among them are mill broke, pre-consumer waste and post-consumer
waste (Monica Cheang, retrieved 2019). Mill broke is a paper decoration and scrap of
paper other than paper making and recycled in a paper recycling plant. Pre-consumer
waste is a material produced by paper mills but it is developed before the material is
ready for use by consumers. Post-consumer waste is material that is discarded when
used by consumers such as old corrugated containers (OCC), old magazines and
newspapers. Paper that is only suitable for recycling is called ‘scrap paper’ which is
often used to produce pulp- shaped packaging. Deiniking is an industrial process to
remove printing ink from
4
 recycled paper to make deinked pulp which is a process invented by German legal
expert Justus Claproth (Lothar, 2014).

After the researcher identified the title of the study and refined it, the researcher
has issued 2 research questions as follows:
1. What are the challenges faced by Asia Honour Paper Mill in its paper
recycling business?
2. What are the suggested strategies could be made to help Asia Honour Paper
Mill in reducing the challenges faced in its paper recycling business?

1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study presented by researcher is to study the Asian Honour
Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd., where this company conducts paper recycling activities
to produce recycled products for consumer use. Through this company, the researcher
comes up with the objective to study the challenges faced and strategies to overcome
these challenges. The objectives are as follows:
1. To examine the challenges faced by Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) in its
paper recycling business.
2. To suggest some strategies to help Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) in
reducing the challenges faced in its paper recycling business.

1.5 SCOPE, LIMITATION AND KEY CONSUMPTION OF THE STUDY.

1.5.1 Scope
The study conducted by the researcher is to find out the challenges and
recommend strategies to the company to overcome the challenges faced. Therefore,
researcher has identified a place to conduct research in more depth. Researcher chose
Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. Because this company conducts paper
recycling business activities making new products. In addition, the researcher chose to
conduct interviews

5
with company managers and some employees working in other departments. The
purpose of conducting the interview is to obtain data related to the objectives that have
been built.

In this research, the researcher has done more in-depth research on the company
Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn.Bhd. This is because the company conducts
paper recycling business activities that use fibre from trees to produce various goods.
Researcher have found that the company also does not escape the obstacles in doing
business.

1.5.2. Limitation
The limitations of the study conducted by the researcher only focus on the
company that conducts paper recycling activities and then the company produces new
products from paper recycling products. The researches only focus in the company Asia
Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd that is involved in paper recycling. Through the
limitations of this study, through the results of literature concept, data analysis and
conclusions use in the companies that running on paper recycling business.

1.5.3 Key assumption

As for the key assumptions for this study, the researcher assumed to obtain
accurate information from the results of the interviews conducted. The researcher also
assumed that all the selected respondents could answer some questions asked accurately
to make it easier for the researcher to do data screening in research writing later.
Researcher also assume that will get accurate answers in terms of work experience and
knowledge that each respondent from different departments. The researcher assumes
that all respondents have answered the questions honestly, within the capability of their
best understanding, as well as the adequate knowledge and experience that they have to
provide the best possible answer

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1.6 IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY (SIGNIFICANCE/ CONTRIBUTION)
The importance of this research is to understand the challenges faced by the
companies that conduct paper recycling business. This research also important because
to understand the strategies which can overcome the challenge faced by the company
that conduct paper recycling business.

1.7 SUMMARY

In brief, this research is aimed to generate knowledge and details on challenges

and strategies to overcome the challenge in paper recycling business. Moreover, this
research focus on Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd., where this company
run the paper recycling business.
In this topic, researcher discuss the research background which brings out the
problem of research and recycling activities. Researcher also issued two research
questions that matched the research objectives. Researchers have also selected Asia
Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. As a scope for conducting research. This is
because, Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. conducts paper recycling
business activities under the limitations of the study which selects only recycling.
Finally, the researcher chose to conduct interviews with managers and several
employees in different departments to obtain information related to the objectives and
research questions that have been issued to
produce research writing.

7
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, we will discuss past research studies and debates. All studies
related to the challenges of running a recycling business and how to overcome the
challenges faced will be clearly outlined and refined in this chapter. Besides, this
chapter will also outline the relationship between the dependent variables and the
independent variables. The research framework will also be given attention in the
writing of this chapter 2.

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2.2 CHALLENGE FACE IN PAPER RECYCLING BUSINESS.
2.2.1 Lack Awareness of Paper Recycling.

Previous studies on human behaviour toward recycling and awareness determine

the characteristics of individuals who perform paper recycling activities and those who
do not, enabling specific features of recycling. Initially, paper recycling behaviour was
related to three variables. These variables are environmental values, situational factors,
and psychological factors. It can be seen that people who value the environment will be
more likely to be environmentally friendly. Situational factors include socio-
demographic, educational, and experience-based influences. Psychological factors
include humanitarian motives for recycling, and environmental awareness is the belief
that individuals have a responsibility to protect the environment (Hasan and Mohit,
2010)

In Malaysia, almost all Malaysians know the importance of paper recycling, but
the percentage who practice this culture is still low. It includes the public awareness to
isolate the paper for recycling is very low. Paper recycling should not be contaminated
with dirt waste and will make paper recycling challenging to implement (Zakaria,
2019). If the practice of paper recycling continues to be ignored among the people of
the country, we will experience a shortage of supplies to get paper. We will share a
depletion of forest resources where paper recycling practices can reduce the use of new
raw materials where most raw materials are sourced from forest resources.

The consequences of lack of awareness about paper recycling will affect the
environment. It is undeniable that the recycling process is the determinant of a better
future to avoid pollution that can change the world landscape and affect the lives of
future generations. Lack of awareness about paper recycling will affect the environment
as well as it will also cause disease to future generations (Shafiq, 2019).

9
 2.2.1.1 Waste of paper.
Paper and cardboard are the most significant contributors to some of the waste,
estimated at 10% of the total solid waste municipality. Paper is made of cellulose fiber
mixed with several chemicals that serve as determinants of the paper. Chemicals are
added for cellulose whitening ( Zihare and Blumberga, 2017). Nowadays, cellulose is
needed to make paper. The cellulose needed is from wood waste or extracted from
paper waste. Apart from cellulose and chemicals, paper also requires a large portion of
water. There are various additives needed in the paper production process and improve
the quality of the paper where cellulose needs to be bleached to produce quality
printing paper (Ozola et al. 2019).

2.2.1.2 Spend high costs to buy paper.

Various strategies and tactics to find methods to reduce operating costs and
increase the company's finances have been implemented. The best practice is the use of
IT which can reduce operating costs by replacing paper and save money that has been
used (Shah et al. 2018). There is strong evidence that the use of IT in the workplace,
such as computers, the internet, web printers, and emails, has been a source of
increasing paper usage. This situation also increases the cost of running the company's
business. These costs involve purchasing, storage, loss of documents, postal money,
and garbage (Sellen and Harper, 2002). There are more and more personal computers in
a company that will increase the use of paper. This causes the paperless dream in a
company has not yet come true.

2.2.2 Recycling Paper Waste Management Problems.

Paper waste management will be worse because there are shortcomings in the
management system and a lack of energy in performing the tasks entrusted. Failure to
comply with the planned collection schedule will also result in waste will increase. This
not only has a detrimental effect on the aesthetic value of an area, but this problem will
also create other side effects. Among the dumping of useless paper will lead to the
narrowing of space which will also lead to epidemics of disease to human health
(Hasnal et al. 2012)

10
2.2.2.1 Failed to fetch the paper
Solid waste management, especially in collecting paper waste for recycling, is
becoming a worrying problem. This is because there are shortcomings in the
management system, and there are problems in the workforce in performing the tasks
that have been given. This is because failing to comply with the planned collection
schedule also causes the waste of paper will always increase from time to time. Paper
waste is also growing in residential areas because there is no management of paper
waste collection for recycling. (Ibrahim et al., 2016).

2.2.2.2 Throw the paper somewhere.

The paper waste found at the landfill has not been correctly processed. This is
because processing the paper for recycling requires foreign materials in helping the
paper to decompose. Paper waste cannot be processed because no human resources can
carry out the activity. Garbage paper is a severe problem because it causes pollution
because of paper-making actions everywhere. This paper waste is also the result of
human activity itself. (Sanchez et al., 2014).

2.2.3 Recycling Paper Isolation Problems.

Not much used paper is recyclable. To obtain the suitable materials to be
collected and separated into different grades (Moore, 2014). The condition of the paper
that has been contaminated with other materials makes it challenging to carry out the
recycling process. This causes the isolation of the paper to take a long time to
implement. This process also requires a large workforce, as there are various types of
paper grades that need to be segregated. This is because, in Malaysia, there is no
machine to sort paper by grade.

11
2.3 STRATEGY TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGE
2.3.1 Paper Recycling Campaign
Campaign means all planned and implemented efforts using the information to
influence public opinion or public support for something. The movements emphasized
in this study include awareness campaigns on the importance of paper recycling. There
are companies in Malaysia that have organized campaigns. Among them are managing
‘mini tour’ campaigns in schools, universities, and offices. The campaign organized is
to give awareness to book industry activists, publishers, parents, and students to use
recycled paper so that Malaysians appreciate the environment more where the impact of
producing new paper is very worrying. Through this campaign gives exposure to the
community about the benefits of using one hundred percent recycled paper. Besides to
the paper produced is from recyclable fibre. Among them is high ecological value to
help protect forests, conserve water resources and reduce carbon because the
production process uses less energy besides being environmentally friendly
(Jeevandran, 2019).

Besides, implementing the ‘green team: paper recycling campaign.’ The

campaign focuses on educational institutions such as primary and secondary schools.
Paper recycling in schools is essential to implement where paper recycling saves
resources. Each ton of paper recycled can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic
yards of landfill, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, and 60 pounds of
air pollution. Storing trees also saves air. The tree serves to absorb carbon dioxide,
where carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.
Each of the 17 trees absorbs about 250 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air per air.
Through school recycling campaigns can help protect habitats, conserve natural
resources, reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and increase paper recycling rate
throughout the schools involved. (County, 2013).

2.3.2 Effective Waste Recycling Paper Management.

A recycled paper waste management system needs to ensure that human health
and safety are good and protected. The management system should be safe, especially
for employees, and can provide the public's health by preventing the spread of disease.
Besides this system, an effective waste paper waste management technique should be
both environmentally and economically sustainable (Ibrahim et al., 2016). A
sustainable environment refers to a management system that can reduce as much as
12
possible the

13
 environmental effects in the management of recycled paper waste, including energy
consumption, soil, air, and water pollution, as well as lack of resources. A sustainable
economy refers to the management system used that should operate at a cost value that
can be accepted by the community, which involves the private sector and the
government. The operating costs of this effective management system should depend
on the existing local infrastructure but should be less or only the current waste
management costs.

Recycled paper waste management can be defined as the administration and

systematic management of activities that provide resources for segregation, storage,
collection, transportation, transfer, processing, treatment, and disposal of recycled
paper waste. The objective of this management is the efficient use of resources in
managing waste materials. In developing countries, especially Malaysia, waste paper
waste management has been identified as a priority area that needs to be addressed as a
sustainable development plan. This management system is being developed with the
goal of pollution can be controlled and reduced and can maximize waste as a resource
(Clairvair, 2006).

2.3.3 Segregation Technology and Recycling Paper Processing.

The solid waste collected should be separated into recycled waste and residual
waste. Residual waste is solid household waste that cannot be recycled, such as food
waste and dirty waste. The rest of the residue should be bound and placed in the bin to
prevent odour pollution. Recyclable solid waste should be separated according to the
type of solid waste, as an example of paper. All recyclable paper is newspapers,
handbooks, comics, a4 paper, coloured paper, receipts, bills, paper boxes, cardboard,
calendars, envelopes, postcards, brochures, catalogues, computer papers, and postal
packages. This paper will be taken from the user's house once a week (Lin, 2016).

Newspapers are low-grade paper because they have been recycled many times.
The printer paper is high-grade paper. Paper grade is determined by the length of the
fibre, where the life span of the fibre will be shortened as it has gone through various
stages of the recycling process. Isolation of recyclable waste can be used by using two

14
streams. The streams are single, and the streams are arranged. A single stream
where various

15
 collections of paper types allow users to place all recycled items such as glass, plastic,
and paper in one container. This flow facilitates the user, as all recycled materials are
mixed in one container. The flow is compiled, instructing the user to separate the paper
from the rest of the waste. It aims to facilitate the isolation of paper and ensure the
paper's condition so that the paper is not contaminated with other materials (Sukalich,
2016). In carrying out the recycling process, several steps need to be taken to produce
high-quality recycling paper

2.3.3.1 Paper and fibre sorting technologies.

About half of the waste paper is produced by the office, while the household has
the other half. Almost 60% of office waste paper can be easily arranged, and office
paper is the standard paper grade. The rest of the office paper and household paper
were mixed and contaminated. Successful recycling requires clean recycled paper. The
paper must be protected from harmful materials such as food, plastic, metals, and other
waste, making the paper difficult to recycle. Recycling centres will usually sort the
paper by grade or type of paper. The level of mixing and contamination requires
manual methods in compiling the paper. The technology needed to recover paper from
highly diverse and polluted sources has not yet been developed in Malaysia.

2.3.3.2 De-inking and contaminant removal

Garbage paper contains stickers, fillers, inks, dyes, metal baskets, plastic, and
dirt. The current separator method in which particles are separated based on size and
density is insufficient for recycled fibres. Many waste papers have the same size and
thickness as fibre, such as non-damp (sticky) synthetic adhesives. Biological processes
can also separate ink from contaminants. This process facilitates the removal of
pollutants, but it also influences the drainage of fibres, properties, strength, yield, and
mucus accumulation.

2.3.3.3 Pulp bleaching technologies

The technology meets the rules of the new environment, for the whitening of
virgin fibre is likely to be used in recycling. The unique nature of all cycle fibers will
require the modification of this technology and new developments. Selected bleaching
agents can determine the extent to which the spread and transfer of time slow down or

16
impedes

17
 its whitening process. Accessibility may be improved by using chemical or biochemical
treatments, some of which overlap with treatments used to restore paper-making
properties.

2.3.3.4 Restoration of papermaking properties of recycled fibres.

Paper processing also has its final stages. The final stage of papermaking is to dry
the paper at a relatively high temperature, where this temperature will harden the fibre
surface and harden the paper's structure. This effect must be reversed if the fibre can be
reused for paper making. Hardening the paper surface will limit the bonding between
the fibres, and the internal reinforcement reduces the suitability of the fibre. Both
effects will limit the merging of the paper web. The fundamental problem encountered
when making paper from recycled fibres is the loss of relative bond area. There are also
traditional methods in treating recycled fibre where it is necessary to hit alkaline or
mechanical. Still, only some of these methods successfully restore the potential of
making natural paper. Reinforcement is essential to restore the flexibility and suitability
of the fibre.

2.3.3.5 Performance characteristics of recycled paper.

Papermakers can produce an incredible range of products with very different
properties by handling furniture, additives, and processes. One of the paper variable
controls will disappear when a post-user fibre is introduced into a fine paper grade.
Among preparing recycled fibre is a mixture of various species launched in various
ways. To get a consistent product, papermakers must characterize all the essential
performance aspects of a particular product or paper grade. Changes in the surface
energy of secondary fibres and contaminants can significantly affect the friction
properties of paper products (Misman et al., 2008).

18
2.4 SUMMARY
Overall, this chapter discusses the past studies related to the research objectives
that have been presented. Paper recycling is a severe problem for industries that run
paper recycling businesses. Therefore, researchers have also submitted past studies
related to proposed strategies to help companies engaged in paper recycling activities in
addressing the problems faced. The focus is on the recycling industry in Malaysia.

19
2.5 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
In this framework, researchers have used the conceptual framework in research
writing; the conceptual framework offers a logical structure in which concepts will be
linked that help provide an overview or visual display of how ideas in a study are
interrelated. It is not just a bunch of concepts but also a way to identify and construct
for the reader’s worldview of epistemology and ontology and research topics,
approaches written by researchers. A conceptual framework provides an opportunity for
researchers to determine and investigate concepts in a problem (Osanloo and Cynthia,
2016).
In the writing of this study, the researcher chose to use a conceptual framework.
The researcher used this research framework with Asia Honour Paper Industries (M)
Sdn. Bhd. As a dependent variable. Challenges and proposed challenges in conducting
basic paper recycling business activities as independent variables.

20
 Recycling Paper Business at Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd.

CHALLENGES STRATEGIES
Lack awareness of paper recycling Paper recycling campaign 12,13
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Effective waste recycling paper management
14,15
Recycling paper waste management problem 8,9,10
Recycling paper isolation problem 11 Segregration paper technology and recycling paper processing 16,1

References:

1. Hasan & mohit (2020)

2. Zakaria (2019)
3. Shafiq (2019)
4. Zihare & Blumberga, 2017
5. Ozola et al., 2019
6. Shah et al., 2018
7. Sellen & Harper, 2002
8. Hasnal et al. (2012)
9. Ibrahim et al., 2016
10. Sanchez et al., 2014
11. Moore (2014)
12. Jeevendran (2019)
13. County (2013)
14. Ibrahim et al. (2016)
15. Clairvair
(2016) 16. Lin
(2016)
17. Sukalich (2016)

21
 CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION
Saunders et al. (2019) state that research methodology can be defined as a process
that should systematically undertake an obvious purpose in a study and determine
things in describing, explaining, understanding, criticising and analysing. In this
chapter, the researcher will focus and discuss the research method of the study
predominantly. First, the researcher explained the research design to answer research
questions and achieve research objectives. A descriptive research design was used in
this study. Moreover, a qualitative method was selected in this study. Primary and
secondary data resources were discussed in the next section.

Similarly, the reasons for the research being carried out in a specific location
were also explained. A case study was adopted as a research strategy in this research.
Likewise, time horizon and scientific canons were clarified, respectively. The summary
of chapter 3 was encompassed. Meanwhile, the research framework of this study will
be presented in the last section.

22
3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN
There are three types of research design. The design of the research is
exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory. Recommendations made to determine the
level of uncertainty about a study problem should be determined through research
methods (Zikmund et al., 2013). The concept of research is a research strategy and
framework designed to provide answers to research questions (Copper and Schindler,
2003).

Research design is a systematic plan to guide researchers in writing scientific

research. It is used to study problems. Among the main problems are what, where,
when, who, who, how, and why. Research design includes procedures for researching
when and under what circumstances data can be obtained. This will determine the plan
to produce evidence that will be used to answer the research questions to be asked
(Abdul Hassan, 2014).

3.2.1 Descriptive Research Design

The researcher has chosen to conduct a descriptive research design. This is
because researchers know that Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. This carries
out paper recycling activities. Besides, this company uses fibre from plants to produce
products produced by this company. Researchers believe that using fibre materials from
paper and wood to produce products is not something new in this world. It may be
something new in Malaysia.

Through descriptive research, the design emphasizes things that have already
happened. This research design fits the chosen research title because recycling practices
have been around for a long time. It is an artificial word and combines the syllable ‘re’,
which means to return to its original place again and ‘cycle’.(Harper 2001–2014).

Descriptive research design is in line with the selection of researchers' objectives

related to the company's strategy. It is also to determine how the strategy is carried out
by Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. in overcoming problems encountered
in recycling business activities.

23
3.3 METHODOLOGICAL CHOICES
The research approach is a framework that describes how research is conducted.
It covers methods and procedures for conducting specific studies or research. An
analytical approach is a group of methods implemented in various forms of research
(Walliman, 2015). Therefore, it is necessary to choose an approach that is appropriate
to the purpose of the study. The qualitative research approach was used in this study
because it allowed the researcher to better understand the respondents' opinions and
perspectives by conducting an interview session. It is a thorough research strategy since
it enables researchers to find information and knowledge by becoming involved in
current events (Creswell, 2003; Williams, 2007).

After the research problems and focus area are refined and determined, the
researcher will conduct research studies at Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd.
The researcher has chosen a qualitative method in which the researcher will provide
some questions related to the challenges faced by Asia Honour Paper Industries (M)
Sdn. Bhd. and strategies for overcoming those challenges in the paper recycling
business. The researcher has obtained a release from one of the managers of the
company to conduct interview activities. Virtual interviews were conducted using
WhatsApp video calls and Webex to avoid face-to-face interviews due to the spread of
this pandemic.

The qualitative method will be applied to several focus groups in Asia Honour
Paper Industries (M) Sdn, Bhd. by providing some questions related to the challenges
faced by the company and strategies to overcome those challenges in the recycling
business conducted. Respondents consisted of workers in various departments such as
the sorting department, human resource department, operation department, production
department, and recycle paper waste department. This qualitative method is used to
ensure that the researcher successfully obtains accurate information related to research
objectives and extracts that information in research writing.

3.4 PRIMARY DATA SOURCES AND SECONDARY DATA SOURCES.

In research studies, data collection is essential to implement. Researchers need to
ensure the reliability and validity of such data. There are two types of method
categories used to collect data. The categories of such methods are primary data and
secondary data (Douglas, 2015). Salkind (2010) explains that primary data must be
24
collected directly for

25
 specific research purposes. Examples of the most common approaches are surveys,
field observation interviews and self-conducted experiments. The importance of this
source is that its collection and analysis can provide additional or different knowledge,
interpretations or conclusions.

The secondary data is being collected to support the research objectives of this
dissertation. The researcher relied on scholarly publications such as Emerald Insight,
Elsevier, and Scopus to review articles and books. In addition, social media platforms
are being used to gather additional information. As a result, the knowledge gathered
through research assisted in achieving accuracy in understanding the research question.
Finally, the validity and trustworthiness of this investigation are ensured by the
examined data obtained from secondary and primary sources throughout the
investigation.

In research studies, data collection is essential to implement. Researchers need to

ensure the reliability and validity of such data. There are two types of method
categories used to collect data. The categories of such methods are primary data and
secondary data (Douglas, 2015). Salkind (2010) explains that primary data must be
collected directly for specific research purposes. Examples of the most common
approaches are surveys, field observation interviews and self-conducted experiments.
The importance of this source is that its collection and analysis can provide additional
or different knowledge, interpretations or conclusions.

Data collection is essential to contribute to success in producing research writing.

Two types of resources can be used to collect, namely the primary source and the
secondary source. The main source is uninterpreted material, original or new. The
second source can be obtained by conducting observations, group interviews and
questionnaires. In this study, the researcher uses primary and secondary sources as
guidance in completing this study.

3.5 LOCATION OF RESEARCH

Researchers research Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd where this
company are paper recycling industry. The headquarter Asia Honour Paper KL Office
at Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. The reason the researcher choose this company because this
company are doing a paper recycling business. This is suitable for the researcher's

26
research scope, only focusing on the company that runs the paper recycling business.

27
 Because Asia Honour Paper advocates for a more environmentally friendly
environment, the company has played an essential role in helping to conserve and
protect the environment by using 100 per cent recycled fibre or sourcing from
renewable plantations to supply its manufacturing operations.

Asia Honour Paper is devoted to positively contributing to the communities' long-

term social and economic development. It operates and assists in attaining the
Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations (UN SDGs). As a
fundamental driver of our sustainable company growth, the company committed to
procuring from renewable plantations or recycled fibre and reducing energy and water
consumption to the greatest extent possible. Today, renewable energy sources provide
more than 80% of energy needs and constantly introducing innovative technologies to
improve resource efficiency even further.

The researcher held an online interview session with seven respondents. 4

managers and three official staff from 5 different departments. The department includes
the recycled paper waste department, sorting centre, production department, operation
department and human resources department.

3.6 RESEARCH STRATEGY

There are eight (8) types of research strategies that have been stated. Among them
are the experiment, survey, archival and documentary research, case study,
ethnography, action research, grounded theory, and narrative inquiry. Archival and
documentary research is mainly used by researchers from finance, accounting, and
economics. For those in management, it is recommended to use research strategies,
namely surveys, experimental, and case studies.

After the research questions and research, objectives were refined and clarified,
and the researcher concluded to choose a research strategy that is a case study—using
case studies following the specified title of recycled paper production at Asian Honour
Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. The selection of research strategy is paired with the
research questions and research objectives which both have to be conducted to research
the purpose of research writing.

28
 This is because the researcher chooses an organization or company to research the
case study. The company selected is Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd.
where this company conducts paper recycling business activities. The company uses
plant fibre and paper fibre to produce its products. 'Case' in case study research can
refer to a person (e.g. a manager), a group (e.g. a working group), an organization (e.g.
a business), an association (e.g. a joint venture), a process of change (e.g. a company
reorganization), an event (e.g. annual meetings) as well as other types of things.
Selecting the case to be studied and determining the limitations of the study is a
significant factor in determining the case study (Flyvberg, 2011)

3.7 TIME HORIZON

Time horizons are required for a research design that does not depend on the
research methodology used. There are two types of time horizons: cross-sectional and
longitudinal studies (Saunders et al., 2007). Researchers chose to use cross-sectional
studies. Cross-sectional studies can only be done where data is collected only once,
possibly for several days or months. It aims to answer research questions as stated in
research questions. In this study, researchers are given only eight months to conduct
academy research and need to collect data from interviews that will be conducted in a
short time only.

3.8 SCIENTIFIC CANON.

This section states related to the scientific canon. Internal validity,
generalizability, or external validity and reliability will be discussed in more depth in
this chapter. The scientific code aims to help researchers obtain reliable findings and
produce appropriate research as stated. Validity is the ability of a sustainable tool to
measure certain concepts that should be measured (Sekaran and Bougie, 2016).
Reliability is the ability to measure tools to measure concepts that will be measured
continuously. To facilitate the reader, validity is the appropriateness of the measures
used, while reliability is replication and consistency (Saunders et al., 2016).

29
3.8.1 INTERNAL VALIDITY
Internal validity reflects the level of confidence in the relationship between cause
and effect (Sekaran and Bougie, 2016). Internal validity helps the researcher determine
the extent to which the study design will justify the extent to which independent
variables affect dependent variables. Internal validity will also determine the extent to
which the experiment is conducted in the research. It also has the potential to prevent
confusion or confusion.

The scope of this research must be within the boundaries of the research topic,
research questions and research objectives to ensure the internal validity of the
researcher. This research focuses on the challenges and strategies to overcome the
challenges in the world of paper recycling business conducted by Asia Honour Paper
Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. Therefore, the study conducted should follow the research
questions and research objectives. Researchers need to observe some possible threats to
internal validity along with the research questions and research objectives, as explained
in table 3.1 below.

Table 1: Threat to Internal Validity

Source: Research Methods for Business Studies (2016)

Threat Definition and Explanation
Testing The impact of testing on participants’ views or actions. In this case,
informing participants about a research project may alter their work
behavior or responses during the research if they believe it might lead to
future consequences for them. Therefore, the researcher declared to these
respondents, this research is merely for academic purposes as a
prerequisite for a bachelor’s degree dissertation. Besides, this research is
meant to find out the best strategies to help a company that runs paper
recycling businesses to overcome the challenges without the intention to
find out weaknesses, problems, or some negative issues the company
faces. With this in mind, the research did not aim to determine that the
respondents might not reveal sensitive information. Next, all
respondents can remain
anonymous where their names would not be spelt out in the dissertation.

30
 This can ensure the privacy of the respondents are protected while the
respondents can share their opinion freely during the interview session.
Maturation The impact of a change in participants' opinions or actions outside of the
study's influence. Management training, for example, may cause
participants to change their opinions during a later study stage.
Respondents were warmly encouraged to contact the interviewer if they
had a change of heart about their sentiments about the questions asked
during the interview
before the research was published.
Mortality The influence of volunteers withdrawing from research. Often participants
leave their job or obtain a promotion during a study. As for mortality,
another interview was appealed to second responders if the initial
respondent leaves the work or is no longer around. The second respondent
acted as a backup.

3.8.2 GENERALIZABILITY / EXTERNAL VALIDITY.

External validity is related to how the generalization of the causal study results on
the environment, individual, or event. External validity is related to the limited level of
trust of causal effects. Facilitating researchers to understand this context helps
researchers to know the extent to which results can be transferred or used by other
organizations (Sekaran and Bougie, 2016). The results and results from the study allow
researchers to generalize the challenges and strategies to overcome the challenges in the
recycling paper business. This concept is not only used for Asia Honour Paper
Industries
(M) Sdn. Bhd. In the paper recycling business, but can be applied to all recycling
companies in Malaysia.

31
3.8.3 CONSTRUCT VALIDITY
The validity of the contract testifies to how the results obtained from the use of
measurements correspond to the theories involved where the test is planned (Sekaran
and Bougie, 2016). The validity of the contract is also determined by the extent to
which a group of questions measures what is to be accessed. In other words, the
contract's validity refers to the level of the item that has been tested where it is in line
with the basic theory (Saunders et al. 2016).

The validity of the contract can be assessed with convergent validity. Convergent
validity can be determined when scores are obtained with two different instruments
measuring the same concept are highly correlated. Discrimination validity can also be
defined when two variables considered irrelevant to the theory and evaluations obtained
by testing them are also empirically found (Sekaran and Bougie, 2016).

The validity of the construct can be improved by using sources or referring to

proven theories to confirm the validity of the measures. It can also be said that it acts as
a guide for researchers to continue to focus on the scope of research. In short, the
validity of a construct is to test generalizations. Still, it is different to measure whether
this research addresses the variables being tested, such as factors from the research
question.

3.8.4 RELIABILITY
Reliability is an indicator of stability and consistency used as a tool to measure
concepts and evaluate the quality of measurements (Sekaran and Bougiee, 2016).
Reliability is also an indicator to measure consistency (Zikmun et al., 2010). The
internal consistency of the measure indicates the homogeneity of the item in the
measure measuring the construct. Reliable results and findings when other researchers
can obtain consistent results from different data collection techniques, similar
observations, or overall similar meanings. There are other options where researchers
can mimic earlier research designs and still obtain similar results, and it is reliable
research. At the same time, there is a threat to reliability that needs to be given
attention, as in table 3.2.

32
 Table 2: Threats to reliability

Source: Research Methods for Business Studies (2016)

Threat Definition and Explanation

Researcher Any circumstance that causes the researcher's interpretation to be altered. For
error example, a weary or underprepared researcher may misunderstand some of
their interviewees' more subtle interpretations. To avoid research errors, the
researcher must be active and well-prepared throughout the interview
sessions. Each phrase stated or answered by the respondents had to be written
down by the researcher. To avoid disrupting the interview sessions, the
researcher should prepare ahead of time, such as by writing down the correct
questions that need to be asked. In addition, after the interview session, the
researcher had to repeat the answer or data recorded to the respondents. This
is to check that the researcher's findings were in line with the respondents'
interpretations
and consensus.
Researcher Any aspect which incorporates bias in the researcher's recording of responses.
bias For example, a researcher may let their own subjective opinion or tendency
come in the way of accurately and adequately documenting and interpreting
participants' responses. Moreover, the researcher had to have an impersonal
perspective and judgement on the examined topic to threaten research bias.
The researcher was not allowed or must not alter the respondents' thinking,
point of view and opinion. The results and outcomes achieved in this fashion
would be
honest, exact and reliable.
Participant Any factor that harms a participant's performance. Asking a participant to
error complete a questionnaire right before the lunch break, for example, may have
an impact on how they respond when compared to a less sensitive time (i.e.
they may not take care and hurry to complete it). To avoid the risk of
participant error, the researcher scheduled the interview sessions with
respondents. The interview sessions in this study took place on weekdays.
This is because the chosen respondents work during office hours. As a
result, management and
office staff can schedule interview sessions with the researcher.

33
Participant Factors that include incorrect reactions. For example, the researcher
bias interviewed the respondent who had just finished meeting with the manager

34
 due to problems that occurred in the workplace. This results in the respondent
experiencing an emotional situation to complete the interview and
encouraging the respondent to answer the emotion.

Researchers are also advised to be careful in making a schedule to interview

respondents to avoid participant errors. In this study, the researchers chose to conduct
an interview session on weekdays from 8 am until 5 pm. This is because most of the
respondents are those who work during office hours. Besides, respondents can manage
their time by finding the right time to follow the interview conducted by the researcher.
Interview sessions or data collection processes should be done closely to avoid the
threat of respondents' discrimination. Respondents are given sufficient time to express
their opinions and voice their views honestly without coercion.

To avoid the threat of researcher error, researchers need to have enthusiasm and
have complete preparation during the interview process. The researcher will take notes
and record each respondent's views and answers. Before conducting the interview
process, the researcher will contact the respondent by providing some questions to
facilitate the respondent to obtain information related to the question. During the
interview day, the respondent will only answer the relevant answer and highlight the
respondent's views. Furthermore, the researcher needs to repeat the answers given by
the respondents after the interview session is over. This ensures that the respondents'
answers are consistent with what is discussed in the study questions.

In addition, researchers should refrain from issuing perspectives contrary to the

topic of research to avoid research bias. Researchers are not allowed or cannot
influence the thoughts, views, and opinions of respondents. The results and findings
produced in this way are honest, accurate, and reliable sources.

35
3.9 SUMMARY
In this chapter, the researcher will clarify the method used for research.
Researchers will use a descriptive research design in this study. This is because paper
recycling may be something new for Malaysia, but the world community is not new
anymore. Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn Bhd uses plant fibre in producing their
products and uses a paper recycling process to obtain plant fibre. This fibre may be
considered something new in Malaysia, but it is not a new thing globally. Researchers
chose to use methodological choice in collecting, obtaining data and information
through qualitative for this study. Through qualitative, researchers can conduct in-depth
analysis and avoid discrimination during the process of collecting data.

In addition, researchers used interview sessions with respondents from different

departments at Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn Bhd to obtain critical data.
Researchers obtained second-hand data from reference articles, journals, websites, and
books to complete this study. Researchers choose to conduct a case study in Asia
Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn Bhd. It is a real-life setting to allow analysis and
research to be conducted in real situations.

36
3.10 RESEARCH METHOD

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

i. To examine the challenges faced by Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn Bhd in its paper
To suggest strategies to help Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn Bhd in
reducing the challenges faced in its paper recycling business.
ii.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Descriptive
Qualitative

METHODOLOGICAL CHOICES

Primary Data Resources:

Secondary ta Resources
Interview respondents
Websites :

- 7 respondents - Official Asia Honour websites

 3 managers
- National solid waste
 4 official staff
management department

Article :

- Small business – debunking the

myths of recycled paper.
- Small business – paper recycling
facts, figures and information
sources.
Case study:
RESEARCH - Berita harian – There is
STRATEGY 31
Asia Honour Paper Industriesrecycling
(M) Sdn knowledge but it is
not practised.
 CHAPTER 4

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS.

4.1 INTRODUCTION

As stated in Chapter 1, this research’s research objective was to examine the

challenges faced by Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn Bhd in its paper recycling
business. Due to safety issue during the pandemic covid-19, the data collection
proceeds through the online platform. The qualitative research was selected and the
data was collected by conducting semi-structured virtual interview with 7 respondents.
In addition, the findings were analysed and processed with secondary data and guided
theories from the conceptual framework.

The generated results will be discussed in the following methodology chapter.

In the study, the researcher had the virtual interview with the respondent at Asia
Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn Bhd by instant-messaging WhatsApp, WhatsApp
video call and Webex to observe about a challenge that Asia Honour Paper Industries
(M) Sdn Bhd and the strategy to overcome the challenge facing in its paper recycling
business. During the virtual interviews, screen recordings and personal messages were
taken as evidence of the virtual interviews conducted with the respondents. Everything
in virtual interview sessions was confidential and will be kept private. The information
will be used only for the aims of the research.

3
4.2 RESPONDENT PROFILE

The respondents involved in these virtual interviews comprised different

departments. Among the respondents are recycled paper waste managers, recycled
paper waste staff, sorting staff, operations staff, production managers, and human
resource managers. Interviewing sessions with the respondent in charge as a manager
were more straightforward deal in obtaining information in a shorter time as compared
to a regular employee.

Table 3 shows profiles of respondent.

RESPONDENT CODE JOB SCOPE

Recycle paper RPWM - Assigned to carry paper from outside the factory
waste manager to the factory using the transport provided.
- Transfer paper purchased from outside to the
place provided in the factory.
- Has responsibilities in the management
department as an operations assistant in direct
contact with the operations manager.
- Worked almost 11 years in the same department.
Recycle paper RPWS - Serves as an operations technician by operating
waste staff certain machines.
- Operate the 'steam supply' section where this
section ensures the paper is dry.
- Served assigned to ensure the 'boiler' can run
awake, safe and able to produce steam that is
channelled to the paper machine.
Sorting staff SS 1 - Served as a paper segregation worker.
- Align the grades of paper.
Sorting staff SS 2 - Pick up the paper that arrives from the container
lorry
- Separating paper where the separation process
takes place in the paper container lorry.

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Production PM - Supervisor in the recycle paper waste department.
manager - Given the responsibility to regulate matters
related to paper recycling.
Operation staff OS - Serves as a paper separator according to the grade
and level of cleanliness of the paper.
- Separate paper from paper bundles by separating
dirty paper, cardboard and plastic paper.
Human resource HRM - Responsible for ensuring the welfare of the
manager workers full-time and part-time workers are in
good condition.
- Served almost entirely at the sorting centre.

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4.3 THE CHALLENGE FACED BY ASIA HONOUR PAPER INDUSTRIES IN ITS
PAPER RECYCLING BUSINESS.

As stated in Chapter 1, this research’s research objective was to examine the

challenges faced by Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) in its paper recycling business.
The generated results will be discussed in the following.

4.3.1 Lack of Awareness of Paper Recycling.

An individual who is aware that he or she is a part of the ecosystem within
sustainability, will come to a point where he or she will achieve his or her social and
economic development and show respects to nature. The person also aware about
recycling is something important to make sure the stability of environment (Okur and
Ugyun, 2013). In this context, especially about paper recycling is something that very
important to make maintain the stability of environment. To do paper recycling, the
paper should not be contaminated.

“Each paper has its own fibre where we need to make sure that the fibre is in
good condition to going through the machine. It is to make sure that the final product
got better quality based on using the quality paper fibre”, said RPWM. He also stated
that people around the company, like residents in a nearby housing area are lazy to do
paper recycling because in doing paper recycling, the paper must be separated from dirt
to make sure that useless paper still have the fibre. He also agreed that lack awareness
paper recycling is the challenge that company must face to run the paper recycling
business. This is because not all people are really caring about paper recycling.

“Residents around the factory consider that recycling activities should be carried
out by the company itself. This is because the companies that have been established
have their own objective which is to recycle paper,” said RPWS. SS1, SS2 and OS also
agree that lack awareness of paper recycling is the challenge faced by the company.

According to Yamin (2016) announces paper recycling is very important to been

practice in daily life to reduce waste in using paper. This is because to reduce the
negative impact to the environment. RPWM mention that the local community around
the company just throw the paper anywhere. Throwing the paper somewhere not only
give a
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 negative impact on the environment but also give negative perception towards our
country.

4.3.1.1 Waste of paper

Apart from cellulose and chemicals, paper also needs a large portion of water.
There are various additives needed in the paper production process and improve the
quality of the paper where cellulose needs to be bleached to produce quality printing
paper (Ozola et al. 2019). According to Arya et al. (2016) asserts that 4 billion tress cut
down each year will cause increasing in waste of paper because that there will use trees
in producing new paper. As the amount of paper produced increases, the tree will
become extinct.

Both SS 1 and SS 2 further commented that: “The paper come to the company
sometime are not fully utilised and this will cause a waste of paper”. The company also
received the useless paper form local community which is including useless paper from
residential area.

4.3.1.2 Spend high costs to buy paper.

According to Shah et al. (2018) explains various strategies and tactics to find
methods to reduce operating costs and increase the finances that have been
implemented by a company. The best method is the use of IT which can reduce
operating costs by replacing paper and save money that has been used. These costs
involve the purchase, storage, loss of documents, postal money and garbage (Sellen and
Harper, 2002).

There are still many people around us use paper in big quantity. This happen
because of people are unwillingness and inability to change the ways their use of paper,
as well as lack of clear incentives to entice a reduction in the usage of paper. The reality
the new paper is actually costing. (Loblaw, 2019).

Revealed by RPWM during the interview, “This happen because most of local
people do not involve themselves in doing paper recycling activities. This situation
happen and make the company have to face the difficulty to get the useless paper in

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order doing paper recycling process. This will make the company must invest more to
buy the

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 used paper from other country. AHP commonly will buy a used paper from Europe and
Asia country and this cause a problem where the paper are come in bundle. The bundle
that come to the company will include together with other dirt thing such as bottle,
cans, glass etc. This will reduce the paper grade and the final product will lose the
quality. The paper must not be mixed with other impurities to make sure that final
product in good quality”. RPWS, SS1, OS and SS2 stated that the company will spend
high cost to buy paper if the local community still not aware about paper recycling.

4.3.2 Recycling Paper Waste Management Problems.

The problem of recycling waste paper is familiar to the public today. This even
makes people seem to be used to this problem. Management from the authorities is
difficult to resolve as they are like each other pointing fingers at each other, blaming the
other party. As a result, the problem of recycled paper waste management will always
continue with no rumours that the problem will be resolved. This results in residents in
a housing area having to solve this problem instead of continuing.

The problem of paper waste management for recycling is becoming more serious
due to changes in the management system in Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn
Bhd. "This problem is worsened when the conversion system in which the CEO of a
company changed management," explained RPWM.

Justified by RPWS and SS1 from an interview: “The change of ownership of the
company also affects the management because the company needs to overhaul the
management system that involves all departments. The situation is more difficult
because things that used to be created have now changed due to this situation”.

“Paper waste sent to factories for recycling is decreasing due to management

changes that have taken place. Formerly every Saturday was a day where residents in
the residential area around the factory would send their papers at the guardhouse. Now
everything is no longer practiced because of the changes that have taken place in the
company”, explained SS2.

According to RPWM, the paper sent to the factory can only accommodate around
0.05% of recycled paper waste for recycling. He also explained that this is at least able
to cover some needs of recycled paper waste that will be recycled. This is because the

3
 recycling process needs to be carried out every day to ensure the condition of the
machine runs smoothly.

"Waste paper is needed to allow the 'boiler' to run smoothly to produce 'steam' to
be channelled to the next process. The problem of recycled paper waste management
will affect the recycling process. Although only a few residents send their waste paper
to the factory, it is worthwhile to carry out recycling paper ", explained RPWS

According to Hasnal et al. (2012) claims that failure to comply with the planned
collection schedule will also result in the amount of waste will increase. This not only
has a detrimental effect on the aesthetic value of an area, but this problem will also
create other side effects. Among the dumping of useless paper will lead to narrowing of
space which will also lead to epidemics of disease to human health.

4.3.2.1 Failed to fetch the paper.

Every domestic waste collection schedule will be implemented by the authorities
from a garbage collection company. Failure to comply with or manage the domestic
waste collection schedule will cause domestic waste dumping problems. Domestic
waste will also result in a poor environment for a housing estate. The same goes for
collecting waste paper.

Paper waste collection can be carried out at least once a week in residential areas.
This is if thought logically, paper waste from residential areas is not as much in
schools, offices, buildings and so on. If the situation continues, it will cause paper
dumping in the residential area, which will affect the view of the residential area. Next
will give a negative view from the outside community.

Solid waste management, especially in collecting paper waste for recycling is

becoming a worrying problem. This is due to flaws in the management system and
issues with the workforce's ability to complete the duties they have been assigned. In
fact, paper waste is also increasing in residential areas because there is no management
of paper waste collection for recycling (Ibrahim et al, 2016).

RPWS also clarified that paper could not be picked up from residential areas
close to the factory. This is due to the lack of transportation to pick up recycled paper
waste.

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 Lack of specialized transportation of waste paper resulting difficult to be quoted in a
residential area nearby.

"The collection schedule of recycled paper waste is also difficult to control and
implement due to the problem of lack of proper transportation to be used when
transporting recycled paper waste", explained RPWM.

4.3.2.2 Throw the paper somewhere

“The local community will just throw away recycled paper waste everywhere.
This is because the community thinks that it is useless to set up a recycling factory
close to the housing area if the factory cannot solve the problem of paper dumping.
Surrounding residents expect the paper recycling factory, Asia Honour Paper Industries
(M) Sdn Bhd, to collect recycled paper from the host area. The uncontrollable situation
caused the locals to just throw waste paper everywhere ", explained SS1.

OS and SS1 also explained that locals mix recycled paper waste with other waste
materials. This situation makes it difficult to perform the paper separation process as
the paper cleanliness value decreases. This situation also lowers the grade of the paper.

Dumping recycled paper waste everywhere is causing increased paper dumping.

This situation will also have a negative impact on the environment of nearby residential
areas. This situation will cause an unattractive view of the residential area. The external
condition of the housing area will also clearly look unsatisfactory due to a lot of paper
waste everywhere.

The paper waste found at the landfill has not been properly processed. This is
because to process the paper for recycling requires foreign materials in helping the
paper to decompose. Paper waste cannot be processed because no human resources can
carry out the activity. This paper waste is also the result of human activity itself.
(Sanchez et al, 2014).

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4.3.3 Recycling paper isolation problem
According to Moore (2014), not much used paper are recyclable. To obtain the
right materials to be collected and separated into different grades.

HRM explained that the problem of paper separation is because AHP does not
have the technology capable of performing paper separation. Therefore, the company
needs additional workforce in the sorting centre.

Recycling paper isolation problem also can happen because of the paper mixed
with dirty material. Recycling paper isolation problem will make the paper grades are
declining and will cause the process take a long time to complete.

4.3.3.1 Paper mixed with dirty material

RPWM explained that paper that has been mixed with dirt causes difficulties in
isolating recycled paper. Paper that has been mixed with other waste material which is
caused by transporting the paper itself.

RPWS explained that paper mixed with dirt such as food waste, plastic paper,
paper mixed with oil waste, ink paper and many more. This paper will cause the paper
recycling process to be slow and reduce the smoothness of the machine to bring the
paper to the next stage process. “Paper that has been mixed with dirty materials is a
problem in the paper recycling industry run by Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn.
Bhd”, said RPWS.

SS1 explained that the paper purchased by the company is originated from Asian
countries will be mixed with foreign materials such as cans, plastic bottles and others.
The PM explained that all pulpable paper can carry out the paper recycling process
such as old newsprint, old magazines, office waste and books. Only cardboard paper is
not accepted by us for paper recycling process. AHP will only accept soft paper
because the paper recycling machine at AHP will only process soft paper.

4
4.3.3.2 Paper grades are declining.
RPWS also explained: “The grade of paper can decline due to paper mixed with
other impurities. He also explained that each paper has its own grade value. Papers are
graded according to A1, B1 and C1. Paper grade C1 indicates the paper has only 3
percent to 5 percent dirt. B1 is a paper that has 6 percent to 10 percent dirt while grade
A1 is a paper that has a percentage of dirt exceeding 10 percent”. Usually A1 paper is
paper that is only used to ‘paste’ the paper recycling process at a later stage. Grade A1
type paper that has a lot of dirt which means this paper are non-accepted such as
hardcover books, paperbacks, paper towels, napkins, tissues, wax or parchment paper,
drinks cup, coated, leak-proof paper plates, gift wraps laminated with plastic film or
embellished with metallic, glitter, velvet and photograph paper. Grade B1 paper is clean
pizza boxes, clean food boxes, household boxes and paper rolls.

SS1 clarified that the paper that arrives needs to be graded so that no grade
degradation occurs. Paper grade degradation occurs due to the mixing of paper with
foreign materials. The paper will become wet and might cause damage to the pulp of
the paper.

The OS stated that paper that has been mixed with dirty materials will slow down
the paper recycling process. Paper mixed with dirty materials will also reduce the
quality of the paper which results in the production of low quality paper.

4.3.3.3 Takes a long time for paper isolation

RPWM explained that the paper segregation process also took a long time to
implement. This is because paper segregation needs to be carried out manually using
human labour. Requires a lot of personnel to do the paper separation process.

RPWS explained that to reduce the problem of paper shortage to implement the
paper recycling process, companies will buy paper from foreign countries. The paper
that arrives as bundles has been mixed with various other dirt waste such as plastic
bottles, cloth, glass, cans and so on. This situation will cause manpower to be fully used
to perform the paper segregation process. This situation will take quite some time as the
paper bundle is mixed with other dirt materials. Therefore, employee safety will be
affected to implement this process.

4
 SS2 explained that the lack of manpower in the sorting centre caused the sorting
process to be slow. Every day the company will receive nearly 10 containers carrying
dirty paper. Each container has a dirty paper that almost fills the space in the container.
The paper separation process should be implemented in less than 5 hours. The current
state of manpower shortages has caused the process to take a long time. Paper isolation
should be carried out inside the container itself. Separation of paper in containers
requires almost 5 to 10 workers at a time. Due to the lack of workers, 1 container can
only be carried by 1 or 2 workers.

HRM explained that the lack of staff caused the paper segregation process to take
a long time to complete. At AHP there is also no technology dedicated to performing
sorting paper according to grade. Everything has to be done manually, using human
energy.

4
4.4 THE SUGGEST STRATEGIES TO HELP ASIA HONOUR PAPER
INDUSTRIES (M) IN REDUCING THE CHALLENGES FACED IN ITS
PAPER RECYCLING BUSINESS.

As stated in Chapter 1, this second research’s research objective was to suggest

strategies to help Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) in reducing the challenges faced in
its paper recycling business. The generated results will be discussed in the following.

4.4.1 Paper recycling campaign.

Jeevandran (2019) explains "Campaign" refers to all the activities planned and
carried out to influence public opinion or gain support for a cause via the use of
information. Several initiatives, such as awareness campaigns on the significance of
paper recycling, are highlighted in this research. There are businesses in Malaysia that
have created campaigns to raise awareness of their products. Among them is
implementing "little tour" initiatives in schools, colleges, and places of business.

The campaign is being organised to raise awareness among book industry

activists, publishers, parents, and students about using recycled paper for Malaysians to
appreciate the environment more in a country where the environmental impact of
producing new paper is hugely concerning. This campaign aims to raise awareness
among the public about the advantages of utilising 100 percent recycled paper in
everyday situations. Aside from the fact that the paper is made from recyclable fibre. Its
substantial ecological value contributes to the preservation of forests and water
resources and carbon reduction as a result of the manufacturing process's low energy
consumption, which is also ecologically beneficial.

To effectively manage waste generated in commercial and institutional buildings,

it is important to understand the waste being recycled. Paper recycling material includes
paperboard example paperboard boxes, cereal bags, brown grocery bags, printed paper
example flyers, and non-printed paper example used office papers.

This research discusses why recycling can be very effective in reducing waste
generation and contaminating landfills. As the population increases and people's
livelihood gets more important, they can recycle waste products to save resources used
in the product's production to have more resources to purchase goods and services.

4
 Recycling also allows us to reduce waste generation and contaminants in our landfills,
which helps to lessen our environmental problems.

As a result, recycling is a useful tool for society concerning managing waste.

Paper recycling campaign should explore a method by which paperboard products can
be used once and then recycled again after being used.

4.4.1.1 Scholl level campaign

Through school recycling campaigns can help protect habitats, conserve natural
resources, reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and increase the rate of paper
recycling throughout the schools involved. (County, 2013). Paper recycling in schools
is important to implement where paper recycling saves resources. The tree serves to
absorb carbon dioxide where carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases responsible
for global warming. Each of the 17 trees absorbs about 250 pounds of carbon dioxide
from the air per air.

RPWM explained that AHP conducts recycling activities that involve several
agencies. Among them are the Temerloh city council, environmental department in
Temerloh, schools such as SK Mentakab Chatin, SMK Mentakab, SK Bandar
Mentakab and many more. Schools involved with recycling campaign programs will
typically invite officials from AHP to come to the school to provide exposure to paper
recycling. “AHP officers will also provide exposure on recycled paper processed at
AHP using fibre from paper. No tree felling is done to process recycled paper at AHP”.

RPWM also explained, “We also received several student visits to AHP.
Especially on environmental days run across the country. The visit aims to expose
students to how AHP conducts the paper recycling process. We also recommend that
schools send high school students who take physics and chemistry subjects. It aims to
expose students to the chemicals involved during the paper recycling process”. AHP
inviting students who primarily take physics and chemistry subjects to the factory aims
to expose them to the chemicals involved during the paper recycling process.

4
 Picture 1 shows school campaign at SMK Temerloh

Source: AHP Facebook Page

4.4.1.2 Law enforcement

AHP has partnered with several supermarkets such as TF Mall, TMG Mall, BS,
99 SpeedMart and 7-Eleven to use paper bags only on Saturdays. The supermarket will
not use plastic on Saturday. The OS also agreed on the use of paper bags to be
implemented every Saturday.

RPWS explained that the recycling campaign in collaboration with local state
assembly members (ADUN) further encourages participation from locals. Last month
an online environmental campaign was conducted. This activity was implemented
online following the spread of covid-19, which resulted in a ban on leaving the house
without important business. “For example, AHP will make a video call with the
agencies involved to see the extent of implementing the recycling campaign. Among
them is to see if an agency uses paper completely”.

4
 Figure 1 Shows labels that will be on display at several premises every Saturday.

Source: Pekan District Council website.

4.4.1.3 Administrative level

RPWM explained that on July 28, 2020, AHP held a ‘World Nature Conservation
Day’ campaign to raise awareness about the natural resources provided by the earth and
the need to ensure long-term protection. He also explained that the campaign was their
special day. AHP has played a key role in helping to conserve and protect the
environment by using 100% recycled fibre or sources from renewable farms to supply
manufacturing operations. “We can all do our job by choosing to buy products and
services that are good for the environment, encouraging to reduce, reuse and recycle”.

4
 Figure 2 shows the campaigns that AHP has run.

Source: AHP Facebook Page.

RPWS also explained that AHP had held a virtual campaign on AHP’s FB page.
Among them, locals can sell used paper through the FB page. Residents can make an
appointment on the FB page to inform the AHP to collect the paper at their home.
“AHP will come and pick up used paper from residents’ homes or educational
institutions. The number of papers to be taken by AHP is a minimum of 5 kg. Residents
need to explain the weight of the paper used when making an appointment on the AHP
FB page”.

OS also clarified that the recycled paper sales program be re-run to ensure
adequate paper supply. "Residents from housing estates, educational institutions,
shopkeepers and others can sell used paper or packaging boxes at the guardhouse". The
PM explained collecting papers from workers in certain areas in Temerloh and selling
them directly to AHP.

The OS also recommends educating used paper suppliers to only supply high
quality used paper. He also hoped that the paper that came in bundles would not contain
any mixture with foreign materials and would ensure the safety of workers during the
paper screening process. “Only high-quality paper can be taken to the next process in
paper recycling. It is in line with the vision of ‘People behind Paper’ which is the
management of production operations and processing technology to meet the ‘Quality,

4
 Productivity and Cost Saving Target’. Through this target has resulted in the production
of high quality recycled paper products for AHP customers”.

SS2 explained that residents need to sell their paper to AHP to avoid dumping
paper in residential areas. The dumping of paper that occurs causes an unattractive sight
and can also lead to disease outbreaks. He also explained that high-quality paper should
be used in the paper recycling process to avoid damaged paper. "Low quality paper will
not only cause damaged paper but also cause" boiler "difficulty in producing" steam
"for the recycling process".

4.4.2 Effective waste recycling paper management

Collecting recycled paper waste ranging from paper waste to recycled materials,
is a simple matter. But how much do we already know where the waste of the paper
should be taken after it is disposed of? Effective recycled paper waste management is
how we collect, transport, and dispose of the paper waste we produce.

Recycled paper waste management system needs to ensure that human health and
safety are in good condition and protected. The management system should be safe
especially to employees and can ensure the health of the public by preventing the
spread of disease. Besides to this system, an effective system for waste paper waste
management should be both environmentally and economically sustainable (Ibrahim et
al. 2016).

Recycled paper waste management can be defined as the administration and

systematic management of activities that provide resources for segregation, storage,
collection, transportation, transfer, processing, treatment and disposal of recycled paper
waste. The objective of this management is the efficient use of resources in managing
waste materials. In developing countries, especially Malaysia, waste paper waste
management has been identified as a priority area that needs to be addressed as a
sustainable development plan.

4
4.4.2.1 Collection schedule
According to Clairvair (2006)) explains that in developing countries, especially
Malaysia, waste paper waste management has been identified as a priority area that
needs to be addressed as a sustainable development plan. This management system is
being developed with the goal of pollution can be controlled and reduced as well as can
maximize waste as a resource.

RPWM explained by proposing that the recycled paper waste collection schedule
be done in stages. “Recycled paper waste is increasing day by day. Therefore, the
management of AHP, especially in the logistics department, is working to re-create the
recycled paper waste collection schedule”. AHP has also collaborated with ALAM
FLORA Sdn Bhd to determine the collection schedule for recycled paper waste. The
collection schedule that will be released will be constantly updated on the AHP FB
Page.

RPWM also clarified that the collection schedule should always be carried out
effectively. “If only updated on the AHP FB Page, residents cannot be alerted with the
transportation schedule. Therefore, AHP needs to ensure that the recycled paper waste
collection schedule is met and carried out properly”.

4.4.2.2 Increase transport machinery

RPWM explained that AHP is establishing a cooperative relationship with
ALAM FLORA Sdn. Bhd., to carry out recycled paper transportation activities. ALAM
FLORA Sdn. Bhd., uses their transportation to transport domestic waste from
residential areas around the factory area. The allocation for garbage trucks is only
available on Saturdays each week. AHP is working so that the ALAM FLORA truck
can be used at least three times a week. This medium is to cover the amount of recycled
paper available in residential areas.

RPWM explains that: “This has not yet interfered with residents asking to take
recycled paper at their homes. Almost every day AHP will receive calls and
appointments on the FB Page related to taking recycled paper”. RPWS also agreed to
enter a cooperative relationship with ALAM FLORA Sdn.Bhd.

5
 SS1 explained by recommending that AHP cooperate with several recycling
companies around the AHP area. “Almost every day, recycle lorry will enter residential
areas to buy scrap metal. My suggestion is that AHP can also cooperate where the
recycled paper can also be picked up using the same transport and send the recycled
paper to AHP. Indirectly, it will make it easier for the residents because there is no need
to make an appointment with AHP and also to ensure that the supply of recycled paper
is always guaranteed. Residents also do not have to leave home to send recycled paper
to AHP”.

4.4.2.3 Employee time according to need

RPWM recommends that AHP create more job opportunities in the department
sorting centre. “Part -time students can apply for a job at a sorting centre to further
launch the paper sorting process. Many employees will speed up the process of paper
segregation and recycled paper will be easier to carry out”.

SS1 recommended AHP hire part-time employees in the sorting centre

department. “The large manpower in the sorting centre will speed up the production of
paper sorting. The large number of employees in paper segregation containers will
facilitate paper segregation activities according to grade”.

PM explained many part-time or full-time employees at sorting centres would

guarantee paper grades. “Manpower and human work products are of better quality and
guarantee the grade of paper to the next level in the recycling process. We value quality
paper grades to ensure good quality for recycled products that will be used by
consumers”. This situation because the paper recycling process is carried out in the
stock preparation department.

HRM explained that AHP had created a work schedule for part-time employees.
“When the paper containers that reach AHP exceed 3 containers at a time, AHP will
contact part -time employees to go to work. We have a WhatsApp group with part -time
employees and all activities related to the sorting centre will be updated in the group.
Their working hours are from 8 pm to 8 am. They may choose their working hours of at
least 6 hours”.

HRM also explained that part-time employees are given the flexibility to choose
their working hours. The management of AHP gives this flexibility because their

5
working

5
 hours are after office hours to replace full-time employees at the sorting centre. “In the
beginning, AHP did not hire part -time employees and only focused on full -time
employees. Due to the successful exchange of CEOs, making deals with various
recycled paper suppliers resulted in job opportunities for part -time employees being
actively carried out. This also launches segregating recycled paper at the sorting
centre”.

4.4.3 Segregation paper technology

According to Lin (2016), the collected solid trash should be divided into two
categories: recycled waste and residual waste. Residual waste is solid home garbage
that cannot be recycled, such as food waste and filthy waste, and is generated in large
quantities. The rest of the residue should be knotted firmly and disposed of in the
designated bin to avoid odour pollution. Solid trash that can be recycled should be
segregated based on the type of garbage being recycled. As an illustration, consider the
paper. Newspapers, handbooks, comics, a4 paper, coloured paper, receipts, bills, paper
boxes, cardboard, calendars, envelopes, postcards, brochures, catalogues, computer
papers, and postal packages are examples of recyclable paper, as are computer papers
and postal boxes. Once a week, this type of paper will be collected from the user's
home by the service.

The flow instructs the user to continue separating the paper from the rest of the
garbage. Its goal is to make paper isolation easier and keep paper in good condition not
to become contaminated with other materials (Sukalich, 2016). Various processes must
be done in the recycling process to produce high-grade recycled paper.

Because of their many recycling cycles, newspapers are considered the low-grade
paper. A high-quality paper is used for printing. During the recycling process, the paper
grade is defined by the length of a fibre's life cycle, which is shortened as the thread
passes through several process phases. Two streams can separate recyclable garbage
from non-recyclable waste. The streams are both single and arranged, and the streams
are both single and set, respectively.

According to Sukalich (2016) users can deposit all recycled products, such as
glass, plastic, and paper, in a single container by using a single stream that contains
multiple collections of different paper kinds. Because all recycled materials are
combined in a single container, this flow is more convenient for the user. The flow is
5
created, and the

5
 user is instructed to separate the paper from the rest of the garbage in the flow. Its goal
is to make the isolation of form easier while also maintaining the state of the report so
that it does not become contaminated with other types of materials.

HRM explained, “At AHP only organizes staff and production managers who
have more experiences in the paper recycling process department. This is because they
will serve in the department for a long time. For a long time, a person is considered an
expert in their department”. Other work will only be done in small amounts with the
paper recycling process carried out at AHP.

4.4.4 Recycling paper processing.

4.4.4.1 (Pulping with water + chemical)
Pulping with water and chemicals is the first process of paper recycling. The PM
explained they used some substances. “Often, recycled paper is made of a combination
of virgin and recycled pulp to help strengthen deteriorated fibres. More recovered pulp
means fewer chemicals are used for bleaching, which means lower costs”. The
chemicals that are mixed comprise several materials according to the grade of the
paper. Among them are surfactants, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydrosulphite, chlorine
and process chlorine-free (PFC).

PM clarifies surfactants as chemicals used in this process. There are various

surfactants, some of which are toxic and others based on sugar and protein. Hydrogen
peroxide is a familiar and environmentally friendly whitening agent that can replace
chlorine. Sodium hydrosulphite is used to reduce the colour of recycled paper pulp. It
produces the relatively benign by-product sodium bisulphite. Chlorine most commonly
used to bleach virgin paper pulp in recycled paper. Chlorine produces toxic dioxins,
carcinogenic chemicals that get into the air and water. PFC is a term used to recycle
paper that does not use chlorine in the bleaching process.

PM also explained that the chemicals used are according to the grade of the paper,
namely A1, B1 and C1. Surfactants have many types used in the de-inking process.
Some are toxic, and others are sugar and protein-based. “AHP only uses sugar and
protein- based surfactants in the pulping with water and chemical process. C1 grade
recycled paper will usually use surfactants or hydrogen peroxide, or PFC type
chemicals. PCF is specifically for the recycled paper that contains only 1% impurities.
Grade B1 paper will
5
 use sodium hydrosulphite or chlorine. And the final paper grade, A1, will use chlorine
chemicals mixed with hydrogen peroxide or surfactants.

4.4.4.2 Washing Process.

PM explained that the next stage of the paper recycling process is the washing
process. The washing process is to eliminate other components that are not needed in
the paper pulp, such as mineral fillers and other unwanted solid materials. “For this, the
pulp is put in a floatation vat in which air and chemicals known as surfactants are
added. Ink and other particles attach themselves to air particles, float to the surface
where they are removed as scum”. The washing stage involves rinsing the pulp with
water to remove ink particles.

Picture 2 shows washing process using recycled water to save water

Source: AHP Recycling Paper Process Report.

Improperly washed pulp has waste fluid in the flow space between the fibres.
Where partly in the inner channels of the fibre cell and only a tiny number of interstitial
particles of the fibre wall. “Pulp washing is a process of filtration and diffusion where
filtration and diffusion are united”. The proper pulp washing process is by separating
the chemicals from the pulp. “Lignin breakdown by-products and chemicals are
removed as a prerequisite to pulp drying, bleaching, and papermaking”. This process
can also remove

5
the maximum amount of lignin to be burned in a ‘boiler’ and can flow ‘steam’ in
recycling paper. “This process can also conduct electricity to generate other machines.”

Picture 3 shows ‘boiler’ to produce ‘steam’ for the paper recycling

process Source: AHP Recycling Paper Process Report.

PM explained that “AHP uses a tiered reverse current washing process which can
minimize the use of fresh water to avoid wastage of freshwater resources. This includes
the sequence in which the cleanest wash water is used in the last stage of the process
with the cleanest pulp. The filtrate from this previous stage is then used as the wash
water for the preceding stage”.

There are various ways to wash paper pulp. Among the methods are vacuum
drum washing, pressure washing, diffusion washing and belt washing. Vacuum drum
washing typically comprises three to six counter-flow stages. Wash water discharged
from this washing stage is sent to the previous washing stage. Pressure washing is
spraying water under pressure through the pulp mat as the drum rotates. A pressure
washer is more complex to run than vacuum drum washers.

5
 Picture 4 shows pressure washing process.

Source: AHP Recycling Paper Process Report.

Diffusion washing is a backflow process that uses one or more stages. The pulp
flows upwards and is carried through a perforated plate. Water will flow under the
‘baffles’, which will provide a high level of cleaning with low water consumption. Belt
washing is a method where the pulp enters the washing area through a ‘wire belt’ and a
series of showers to wash the pulp. Clean water will enter from the opposite end of the
pulp and sprayed on the pulp to clean the pulp mat. The used water will then be
collected and will be reused to wash away the dirtier pulp.

PM also submitted that “AHP uses diffusion washing and belt washing methods
to clean the pulp. Using this method can save the use of clean water resources and can
reduce environmental pollution “.

4.4.4.3 Screening Process.

The screening process is the most important because it requires the screening
equipment for the paper recycling process. After the pulp goes through the washing
process, the pulp contains coarser fibres, impurities and impurities. This unwanted
material needs to be removed to produce high-quality pulp. The PM explained that

5
 “screening equipment needs to be properly maintained and inspected to ensure pulp
quality”.

PM explained that the pulp would be forced through perforated screens of various
shapes and sizes to remove small contaminants through this process. Among the
contaminated materials are such as pieces of plastic and lumps of glue. “Pulp can also
be spun in large cone-shaped cylinders. Heavy contaminants such as staples need to be
removed from the cone via centripetal forces, while lighter contaminants will
accumulate in the cone's centre and be removed”. Light contaminants accumulate in the
centre of the cone and are removed as an extension of the screening process, namely the
cleaning process.

4.4.4.4 De-Inking Process.

PM explained the following process, which is the de-inking process. This process
involves removal - removing the ink from the waste fibres of the paper. "We call the
sticky material as 'stickies', like glue residue and adhesives are also removed at this
stage."

De-inking can be performed by a combination of mechanical and chemical

methods. Tiny ink particles are rinsed from the pulp using water, while larger particles
and ‘stickies’ are removed with air bubbles through a flotation process. PM explained,
“With the flotation process, the paper pulp will be put into the flotation cell, where
surfactants are injected into the pulp. Surfactants will cause the ink and ‘stickies’ to
escape from the pulp and will stick to the air bubbles when floating to the surface of the
mixture. Ink air bubbles produce foam which is then removed and leaves the pulp
clean”.

PM explained that “air bubbles float the ink particles that have accumulated on
the surface so that they are easy to remove. AHP uses a large-scale de-inking process.
While for small scale, AHP only uses a mixer or disintegrator which will also
eventually become air bubbles. After de-inking, the separated ink particles can be easily
washed from the pulp”.

5
 According to Bajpai (2014), de-inking involves the release of ink particles from
the fibre surface. Then separate the dispersed ink from the fibre suspension that washes
or floats.

The de-inking agent is a detergent specially designed for the process of recycling
waste paper. De-inking involves separating ink from the surface of the restored
newspaper and magazine and releasing the ink using foam. The de-inking agent has two
main functions. The first function is to reduce the surface tension between the pulp
fibres and the ink during the de-inking process to facilitate ink release. The second
function is foaming a froth that floats the ink off during the ink collection process
separating the ink from the pulp slurry.

Table 4 shows an example of a recycled paper de-inking process.

Before use Ink removal process Removal process After use

When recycling old magazines or using a high foam type float with a high
gas/liquid (G/L) ratio, there is a risk of decreased operating efficiency and thus a lower
yield ratio due to excess foam. In such cases, de-inking agents with low-foaming power
are recommended to control foam volume and thus minimize risk. In contrast, when a
low-foaming type floater with a low G/L ratio is used or when the density of solid
content undergoing the flotation process is high, the targeted quality of DIP (De-Inked
Pulp) might not be achieved because of an insufficient froth volume. In such cases,
using de- inking agents with high-foaming power is recommended.

6
4.4.4.5 Bleaching Process.

During the distillation process, the pulp will be beaten to make the recycled fibres
swell. It also aims to separate individual fibres to facilitate the papermaking process. If
the paper that has been restored is coloured, for example, colour printed paper, colour
stripping chemicals are added. This processing will also produce brown paper. The pulp
would need to be bleached with hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, or oxygen to
make it whiter and brighter if the white recycled paper is created.

PM explained: “Once the paper fibres as a de-inked slurry, the slurry will undergo
refinement. Beating against the fibres until the fibres swell is essential to facilitate a
new paper from the separated fibres. If staining is required, paper colour stripping
chemicals are added to this process to remove the dye from the paper. Because of this
process, brown paper is produced”. The objective is to produce white recycled paper,
and the pulp is usually bleached using oxygen, chlorine dioxide or hydrogen peroxide,
which will usually make the paper brighter or whiter.

The basic principle of the bleaching process is to achieve pulp bleaching by using
chemicals to remove pulp lignin or change the structure of lignin. This process is also
to prevent or eliminate chromophoric and auxochrome groups. Prevents conjugation of
chromophore groups and inhibits the production of new chromophore groups.

PM explained that “the nature of bleaching agents is different. Working principle

for pulp is not the same. There are two types of bleaching methods, namely oxidizing
bleaching and reductive bleaching. AHP uses oxidizing bleaching method by adding
some chemicals such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, peroxide and oxygen”. PM further
explained that oxidizing bleaching could not only remove coloured substances, it will
also remove residual lignin and other debris. It improves the pulp whiteness and purity
and makes the whiteness lasting.

Paper and pulp mills will use chlorinator pulp to whiten paper waste if the
chlorinated bleaching agent is 7%; the time for the bleaching process is around 2 hours.
Hydrogen peroxide or sodium sulphite bleaching applies for newspaper edge made
from mechanical pulp and chemical pulp or the deinked old newspaper. The bleaching
agent is suitable for saponification and will reduce the ink, and permeate into the fibre
is also suitable for removing ink particles.

6
 PM said: “To carry out the bleaching process on mixed office waste paper, first
classify the waste paper according to the quantity of ink marks and the level of oil
pollution. Next, use different pulp processing to remove and whiten. The whiteness of
printing paper pulp is decided by the whiteness of printing paper. Ink from printing is
difficult to remove and bleached with the usual bleaching method, the bleaching
process and deinking process should be combined”.

Pulping with
water and Screening De-inking Bleaching
Washing
chemical

Figure 3 shows an example of a paper recycling process carried out by AHP.

6
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter is the last part of this research. The researcher will make an overall
conclusion of this research in this research. This research answers the research question
that the researcher had set. There are two main objectives of this research: to study the
challenges and suggest some strategies to help reduce the challenges faced by
companies in the paper recycling business. Researchers have selected well-known
companies that run a recycling paper business in Malaysia to conduct a case study.
These companies are Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd. The discussion on
the findings had already been discussed in the former chapter and will conclude in this
chapter. In the last section of this chapter, future recommendations for further study are
also included.

6
5.2 DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

Based on the result displayed in Chapter 4, the researcher had concluded that the
outcome of the study was a success in getting the results needed for the research.
Respondents was very collaborative and helpful to the researcher during the interview
session. The respondent provided an answer that coincided with the proposed objective
question.

5.3 THE CHALLENGES FACED BY ASIA HONOUR PAPER INDUSTRIES (M) IN

ITS PAPER RECYCLING BUSINESS.

The researcher referred to the foregoing chapter which is Chapter 4 where there
are three main challenges faced by Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd in its
paper recycling business. The three main challenges were divided into sub-challenges
that represent the main challenges. The first challenge is lack of awareness of paper
recycling where the sub-challenge is waste of paper and spending high costs to buy new
paper. The second challenge is recycling paper waste management problems where the
sub- challenge is failing to fetch the paper and throw the paper somewhere. Paper
mixed with dirty material, paper grades are declining and takes a long time for paper
isolation is the sub-challenge for last challenge is recycling paper isolation.

6
5.3.1 Main Findings on Research Objective 1.

Paper recycling is very important to be practiced in daily life to reduce waste in

using paper. This is to reduce the negative impact to the environment (Yamin, 2016).
The lack of awareness of paper recycling was admitted by RPWS, SS1, SS2 and OS
which is a challenge faced by the company in the paper recycling business. The
respondent also stated that this challenge happened because there was waste of paper
and needed to spend high costs to buy paper. The paper has its own fibre that is very
important for the next process in paper recycling. The paper should not be
contaminated with dirt waste and will make paper recycling difficult to implement
(Zakaria, 2019). Cabalova et al. (2011) clarified that the paper production from
recycled fibres consumes less energy; conserves the natural resources, wood and
decreases the environmental pollution.

Based on the discussion of qualitative in the previous chapter, it can be concluded

that lack awareness of paper recycling happens because the residents around the AHP
consider that recycling activities should be carried out by the company itself. They also
believed that AHP itself had their own company objective which was to carry out paper
recycling business activities. Cabalova et al. (2011) described that the main cause of
paper recycling is a double decrease of the environment loading, known as an
environmental impact reducing. Andres et al. (2014) claimed an increasing amount of
paper consumption has also a significant impact on the environment and human health.

Sarantis (2002) clarified that the use of IT is one of the best ways adopted in most
of the organizations to curtail operating cost by replacing office paper which saves
millions of dollars. Yet, significant evidence exists that IT uses in the workplace such
as computers, internet or printer, World Wide Web, and email has increased paper
consumption. Using paper makes the company need to invest more in buying new
paper (Shah et al. 2019).

Based on the previous interview, respondents from the sorting centre department
summarize that the waste of paper happens when the company received the paper that
was not fully used. The paper that is not fully used is a waste of paper in the paper
recycling process. The respondent from the recycle paper waste department also stated
that the company needs to invest more to buy the used paper from other countries. To
summarize, the respondent at the recycle paper waste department, sorting department,

6
operation department, production department and human resources department agreed

6
that AHP needs to spend high costs to buy paper. Most of the papers are from European
and Asia countries.

The previous discussion about spending high costs to buy paper, all respondents
agreed that local people are not involving themselves in doing paper recycling activities
and let the company bear to buy a paper from outside. Lablow (2019) explained that the
reality of the new paper is actually costing. This was because of people's unwillingness
and inability to change the ways they use paper, as well as lack of clear incentives to
entice a reduction in the usage of paper.

According to Jereme et al. (2014) explained that Malaysia started the

privatization of recycled paper waste management problems in 1994. Gradually waste
collection and public space cleansing service are being taken over by Alam Flora Sdn
Bhd. The consortia were told to take over solid waste management in the meantime to
speed up the process. The government is still deciding on flash privatization pending
legislation under the new National Waste Bill. Most components of solid waste
management will remain in the hands of local governments until privatization is fully
implemented.

Referring to the foregoing chapter that stated about recycling paper waste
management problems, the respondent said that the company ownership changes make
the situation getting worse, because the management also changed completely. RPWS,
SS1 and SS2 stated that the company needs to be carried out every day to ensure the
condition of the machine runs smoothly. Hasal et al. (2012) justified that among the
dumping of useless paper will lead to narrowing of space which will lead to epidemics
of disease to human health. The most significant challenge that faced by AHP was
when the company ownership changed completely.

Moore (2014) proposed that not many paper are recyclable because to obtain the
right materials to be collected and separated into types of grades. Recycling paper
isolation problem is the most significant challenge faced by AHP in its paper recycling
business. According to the previous chapter to summarize the problem, the respondent
explained that paper mixed with dirty material will cause the paper grades to decline.
This problem also will take a long time for paper isolation. This is because AHP
accepts many types of useless paper every day.

6
 In short, the first research objective had been achieved as the challenge that AHP faced
in its paper recycling business are lack of awareness of paper recycling (waste of paper,
spend high costs to buy new paper), recycling paper waste management problem (failed to
fetch the paper, throw the paper somewhere) and recycling paper isolation problem (paper
mixed with dirty material, paper grades are declining, takes a long time for paper isolation).

6
5.4 THE SUGGESTED STRATEGIES TO HELP ASIA HONOUR PAPER
INDUSTRIES (M) IN REDUCING THE CHALLENGES FACED IN ITS PAPER
RECYCLING BUSINESS.

The researcher referred to the previous chapter which is Chapter 4. There are
three main suggested strategies to help Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) in reducing
the challenges faced in its paper recycling business. The suggested strategies are paper
recycling campaign, effective waste recycling paper management and segregation paper
technology and recycling paper processing.

5.4.1 Main Findings on Research Objective 2.

A campaign is an effort that is planned and implemented using important
information to influence the opinion or support of the community of a place towards
something. In this study, the researcher emphasized a campaign that included an
awareness campaign on the importance of paper recycling. There are also companies in
Malaysia that hold campaigns such as 'mini tours' at universities, offices and schools.
This campaign aims to give awareness to Malaysians to appreciate the environment
better. This situation is because, in Malaysia, the production of the new paper is very
worrying.

The high ecological value will help protect forests, protect water resources and
reduce overall carbon as the production process will produce less energy that is not
environmentally friendly. Jeevandran (2019) explained that the benefits of the paper
recycling campaign would give exposure to the community to use recycled paper one
hundred per cent.

The recycling campaign discussed in the previous chapter explained that RPWM
explained that the recycling campaign aims to explore the method that paper products
can be used once and then recycled. Through this method of recycling, the campaign
will have a significant impact in reducing waste generation. The campaigns
recommended being implemented paper recycling campaigns at the school level,
administrative level and law enforcement.

An interview session conducted with RPWM from AHP explained that the school
level campaign was conducted by exposing the students that AHP does not do the tree
felling process to produce new paper instead only uses fibre from the paper itself.

6
Caunty

7
(2013) explained that this medium is in line with that through campaigns implemented
at the school level that can educate students that paper recycling can help protect
habitats, conserve natural resources, and help increase paper recycling rates.
Implementing the administrative level campaign also provided exposure to the public
on awareness of natural resources by organizing ‘World Nature Conservation Day’.
RPWM, RPWM and OS explained that administrative level campaigns are the more
significant strategic proposals in helping AHP overcome challenges in the paper
recycling business. Through law enforcement will give exposure to all communities to
use paper bags for shopping. The choice to use a paper bag is everyone’s responsibility
to implement.

According to Ibrahim et al. (2016), recycled paper waste management is a system

that needs to ensure human health and safety in good condition and protection. In the
previous chapter, RPWM and SS1 explained that the proposed strategy in assisting
AHP is to establish good working relationships with other companies to improve
transportation further to bring useless paper into the factory. Be able to implement an
effective management system to address recycled paper management.

Through an online interview session on the proposed strategy of segregation,

paper technology and recycling paper processing were discussed. The results show that
the OS agrees that two types of flows are used to separate recyclable and non -
recyclable, recyclable paper. It is appropriate, as Sukalich (2013) presented, where solid
trash collected should be divided according to the ability to be recycled.

Concerning recycling paper processing, the researchers conducted online

interviews only focusing on the PM as the manager about the paper recycling process.
Recycled paper at AHP has to go through several processes. Among them are pulping
with water and chemicals, washing, screening, de-inking and bleaching process. AHP
uses chemicals based on paper grade for a pulping process with a chemical, namely C1,
B1 and A1. For the washing process, AHP uses tiered reverse because AHP is
concerned with saving clean water resources. The PM explained that the screening
process is essential. This is because the equipment used for this process needs to be in
good condition to secure the paper pulp. AHP uses surfactants to make ink and
‘stickies’ that stick to the pulp for the de-inking process. The bleaching process is the
last process where AHP uses oxidizing bleaching by adding some other chemicals.
As stated by the PM
7
through an online interview, AHP uses types and rates of chemicals that the
Environmental Department has approved.

In short, the second research objective had been achieved as the suggested
strategies to help Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) in reducing the challenges faced in
its paper recycling business paper recycling campaign (school-level campaign,
administrative level and law enforcement), effective waste recycling paper
management, segregation paper technology and recycling paper processing (pulping
with water and chemical, washing process, screening process, de-inking process and
bleaching process).

7
5.5 Contribution of Study.
This research discussed on the challenges and the suggested strategies to help
Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) facing the challenges in its paper recycling business.
The findings in the previous chapter are useful to know the various challenges faced by
the companies that run a paper recycling business and suggested strategies to overcome
those challenges for paper recycling companies in Malaysia. This research is valuable
towards not only for both researcher and Asia Honour Paper Industries (M) but also to
obtain information on paper recycling problem in Malaysia. This research also
profitable toward on how to run campaign at the school and administrative level. To
add on, a new conceptual framework is set up and generated at below:

RECYCLING PAPER BUSINESS

CHALLENGES SUGGESTED STRATEGIES

Lack awareness of paper recycling School-level paper recycling campaign

Recycling paper waste management problem Administrative paper recycling campaign

Recycling paper isolation problem Effective waste recycling paper management

Recycling paper processing management.

Source: proposed by Siti Nor Fazlin Binti Che Zakaria (2021)

7
5.6 Future Recommendation
Researchers would like to submit some ideas for future research proposals.
Researchers would like to assist future research by presenting more precisely the
challenges faced by paper recycling companies and suggesting to help provide
strategies for recycling companies to overcome the challenges faced.

Researchers also suggest that similar research explorations be related to recycled

paper. Especially by exploring the chemicals used for the paper recycling process must
get approval and meet the standards from the Environmental Department.

Finally, future research can also be conducted by conducting more extensive

research on the production of products based on recycled paper fibres. Researchers also
hope that future researchers will further expand this research and apply it to all paper
recycling industries. Ensure that this industry also cares about the environment.

7
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 APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Gantt chart For Psm 1

PSM 1
Weeks (Target within 18 weeks)
No. Activities October November December January February
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
1 Title Brainstorming
2 Title Selection
Construct Research Questions
3 and Research Objectives
4 Search for revelant journal
Write up Chapter 1:
5 Introduction
Completion of Chapter 1:
6 Introduction
Write up Chapter 3: Research
7 Method
Completion of chapter 3:
8 Research Method
Construct theoretical
9 framework
Write up Chapter 2: Literature
10 Review
Completion of chapter 2:
11 Literature Review
Construct Research
12 Framework
13 Construct Questionnaire
14 Final Draft submission
15 Report amendment
16 Slide preparation
17 Presentation
18 Report Submission

8
 Appendix 2: Gantt chart For Psm 2
PSM 2
Weeks (Target within 18 weeks)
No. Activities March April May June July
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Completion of Questionnaire
1 construction
Data collection through
2 interview
3 Completion of data collection
4 Data analysis
5 Completion of data analysis
Write up Chapter 4: Discussion
6 & Analysis
Completion of Chapter 4:
7 Discussion & Analysis
Write up Chapter 5:
8 Conclusion
Completion of Chapter 5:
9 Conclusion
10 Turnitin and report amendment
11 Final Draft submission
Format adjustment and
12 document compilation
13 Slide preparation
14 Presentation
15 Report Submission