Waste Paper Trading: A Key Player in Sustainable Paper Manufacturing
Waste paper trading is a thriving global industry that involves the collection, sorting, processing, and sale of discarded paper for recycling. It plays a vital role in the paper supply chain, helping to reduce deforestation, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable manufacturing practices.
Key Steps in the Waste Paper Trading Process
1. Collection & Sorting
Waste paper is sourced from households, offices, commercial centers, and industrial facilities. It is then categorized into grades such as:
- OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) – cardboard boxes
- ONP (Old Newspapers) – newspapers and magazines
- Mixed Paper – office paper, junk mail, and paperboard
2. Baling & Transportation
After sorting, paper is compressed into bales for easy storage and shipment. This step improves logistics efficiency and reduces transport costs.
3. Trading & Export
Waste paper is bought and sold in bulk quantities, often through international markets. Key export destinations include countries with high demand for recycled pulp, such as China, India, and Southeast Asia.
4. Recycling & Repulping
Paper mills process and repulp the collected waste paper into new paper products, including:
- Packaging materials
- Tissue paper
- Cardboard and paperboard
Benefits of Waste Paper Recycling:
- Energy Efficiency: Recycling paper consumes significantly less energy than producing virgin paper.
- Environmental Protection: Reduces reliance on deforestation and minimizes landfill waste.
- Economic Value: Paper scrap retains consistent market demand and resale value.

Common Uses | Description | Grade |
---|---|---|
New cardboard, packaging | Cardboard boxes | OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) | Newsprint, egg cartons | Newspapers, magazines | ONP (Old Newspapers) | Tissue, paperboard | Junk mail, office paper | Mixed Paper |
Premium paper products | High-quality packaging | DLK (Double-Lined Kraft) |