Target specification and their impact:

 Fiber Quality: * Ideal: 100% Recycled Fiber Content (20-30% Pre-consumer, 70-80%
Post-consumer) * Minimally Acceptable: 50% Recycled Content (30% Pre-consumer,
20% Post-consumer + FSC pulp) | Minimizes environmental impact by reducing reliance
on virgin wood and promotes responsible forestry practices. Higher pre-consumer content
is ideal, but achieving 100% recycled might be initially challenging.
 Fiber Length Distribution: * Ideal: Targeted range for optimal paper strength *
Minimally Acceptable: Wider range with potentially more fillers and binders | Improves
paper strength without excessive use of fillers and binders that can affect biodegradability
and processing efficiency. Achieving an ideal range might require fiber analysis
equipment.
 Contaminant Levels: * Ideal: Less than 0.5% residual ink/adhesives * Minimally
Acceptable: Lower threshold (1-2%) for some paper grades | Ensures better paper quality
with consistent brightness, printability, and reduces challenges in achieving desired
strength. Lower thresholds might be acceptable for specific uses but can impact
marketability.
 Brightness Targeting: * Ideal: Targets based on paper grade (e.g., 85-90% ISO for office
paper) achieved through de-inking or mild bleaching * Minimally Acceptable: Lower
brightness for some grades | Optimizes brightness for intended use while minimizing
harsh bleaching chemicals. Alternative brightening techniques using recycled pigments or
natural minerals can be explored for lower brightness targets.
 Energy and Water Consumption: * Ideal: Continuous reduction in consumption per ton
of paper * Minimally Acceptable: Baseline consumption with focus on safe disposal
practices | Reduces environmental footprint and operational costs. Achieving ideal targets
might require investments in energy-efficient equipment and water recycling systems.
 Chemical Usage: * Ideal: Minimize reliance on harsh chemicals with alternatives like
enzymatic or mechanical pulping * Minimally Acceptable: Minimal use with safe
disposal and focus on less harmful alternatives | Minimizes environmental and health
risks associated with harsh chemicals. Transitioning to ideal targets might require
collaboration with research institutions and chemical suppliers.
These target specifications are crucial for achieving a balance between:
 Environmental Sustainability: Reducing reliance on virgin wood, minimizing waste,
and conserving resources like energy and water.
 Paper Quality: Maintaining desired strength, brightness, and printability for different
paper grades.
  Economic Viability: Balancing production costs with achieving sustainability goals.
By focusing on these targets and continuous improvement, recycled paper producers can create
high-quality, eco-friendly paper products that meet consumer needs.