CELEX: 51977PC0388
Language: en
Date: 1977-07-28
Title: PROPOSAL FOR A MULTIANNUAL PROGRAMME OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ON PAPER AND BOARD RECYCLING (1978-1980) Indirect action (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

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COM (77) 388
Vol. 1977/0127
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 ---pagebreak--- COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                      COM(77)388 final.
                                                      Brussels . 28 July 1977
             PROPOSAL FOR A MULTIANNUAL PROGRAMME OP RESEARCH
         AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ON PAPER AND
                        BOARD RECYCLING ( 1978-1980 )
                              Indirect action
              ( submitted to the Council "by the Commission)
                         A:
                        /*.■
                        ^  -
COM(77 ) 388 final.
 ---pagebreak---                                          - 1 -                 XII / 324 / 77 - E
                                   Table of Contents
      Summary                                                                     3
1 . Introduction                                                                  5
2 . Justification for a Community R&D programme
    on paper and board recycling                                                  7
    2.1 . General
          2.1.1 . Raw materials                                                   7
          2.1.2 . Environment                                                     8
    2.2 . Technical                                                               9
    2.3 . Economie                                                              10
3 . Community R 8 D     programme                                               11
4 . Procédures for implementation                                               12
5 . Programme management                                                        13 "
6 . Dissémination of information                                                14
Annex 1 . Detailed description of research topics                               15
      Research Topic n°     1 - Characterization and upgrading of
                                reclaimed fibres .
    1 . Title                                                                   15
    2 . State of the art                                                        15
    3 . Status of research in the Member States                                 16
    4 . Expected results                                                        17
    5 . Detailed description                                                    17
    6 . Duration                                                                18
    7 . Estimated total costs                                                    !8
 ---pagebreak---                                   -   2            XII / 324/ 77 - E
 Research Tonic n° 2 - Elimination of contaminants
 1 . Title                                                       19
 2 . State of the art                                             19
3 . Status of research in the Member States                       19
4 . Expected results                                              20
5 . Detailed description                                          20
6 . Durât ion                                                     21
7. Estimated total costs                                         2Î
Research    Topic n^ 3 - De-inking
1 . Title                                                        22-
2 . State of the art                                              22
3 . Status of research in the Member States                      24
4 . Expected results                                             25.
5 . Detailed description                                         25
6. Durât ion                                                     27
7 . Estimated total costs                                        27
Research Topic n° 4     - Urban fibres
1 . Title                                                       '28
2 . State of the art                                             28
3 . Status of research in the Member States                      28
4 . Expected -esults                                             29
5 . Detailed      " iption                                       29
6 . Duraticn                                                     31
7 . Estimated tôt     rursts                                     31
 ---pagebreak---                                                              XII / 324/ 77 E
                                    SUMMARY
 The present proposal concerns a Community Research and Development pro­
gramme in the field of paper and board recycling .
 This programme is motivated essentially by the need , on the one hand , to
 solve the problems of raw materials supply of the paper and board industry
of the Community , these problems being one of the main causes of the
 current difficulties facing that industry , and , on the other hand , to
 improve the management of wastes , as foreseen in the action programme of the
European Communities on the environment of 17 May 1977.
Raw materials supply would be facilitated by increasing the recycling of
paper and board since a valorization of the main types of old papers would
allow a better utilization of several kinds of old paper resulting , conse­
quently , in a more efficient adaptation of raw materials to the final pro­
ducts . An indirect economic advantage would also be gained through an
increase of the Gross Internal Product .
In addition , the environment would obviously benefit from the intensification
of recycling which , among other advantages , results in a proportional
decrease of the waste which has to be disposed .
               \
Technically , it appears that , in order to reutilize additional amounts cf
old paper and board , it is necessary to upgrade all types of old papers
through new and more appropriate technologies and processes .
Four major research topics were selected to this effect and cover most
R&D needs in this area :
1st topic : characterization of reclaimed fibres , their upgrading by various
             processes , and the effects of multiple recycling on paper making
             fibres ;
2nd topic : elimination of the detrimental effect of contaminants in waste
             paper including the dispersion of thermo-sof tening contaminants ;
3rd topic : de-inking , including the relationship between different types
             of . ink and de-inking , and the treatment of effluent from waste­
             paper recycling plants ;
4th topic : use of urban fibres , including technological characterization
             of solid urban waste and health problems caused by the use of
             recycled fibres.
The programme will be implemented as an indirect action by means of cost-
sharing contracts with private and public research organizations in the
member-states , financed partly by the Community .
 ---pagebreak---                                                                XII / 324/ 77 E
The maximum amount contributed by the Community for the whole 3-year
programme < 1978-190 ? is estimated at 2.900.000 EUA .
The programme will be rsnagsd by the Commission departments in liaison
with an Advisory Cor.n: ; Lt-^e on Programme Management for paper and
board recycling R&D , established for this purpose by the Council .
Close cooperation will also be ensured with the        Committee      on
Waste Manaaement established by the Commission in the framework of the
action programme of the European Communities on the environment .
 ---pagebreak---                                                                 XII / 324 / 77 E
                    PROPOSAL FOR A MULTIANNUAL PROGRAMME OF RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ON PAPER AND BOARD RECYCLING
                            ( Indirect action : 1978-1980 )
  1.  .   INTRODUCTION
  1.1 . The problem of raw materials supply , for which the Community depends
         to a large extent on the rest of the world , has given rise during the
         recent years to serious preoccupations with regard both to trade
   .     balances and security of procurements .
         The Scientific and Technical Research Committee ( CREST ) has deemed
         necessary to establish in 1974 a Sub-Committee on raw materials R&D
         entrusted with the task of assessing to what extent Community R&D
         actions could contribute to alleviate supply problems and to deter­
         mining the possible contents of such actions .
         In a first report dated November 1975 , the Sub-Committee recommended
         to set up a working party on paper recycling in order to analyse the
         situation in the member states and to define research actions which
         could help raise the rate of recycling of paper and board and to
         improve the quality of recycled papers .
         The working party , on the basis of the contributions and the experience
         of the experts from the member states , has suggested a number of
         research topics and projects which were used in preparing the present
        programme proposal .
         It must also be mentioned that the action programme of the European
         Communities on the environment for 1977-1981 , approved by the Council
        on 17 May 1977 , foresees an overall policy for recovery , recycling
         and re-use in a campaign against wastage and in waste management .
        One of the priority actions is concerned with the recovery and re-use
        of old papers . To this end , a working party on old papers was set up
         in July 1976 , which operates under the terms of reference of the
        Advisory Committee on Waste Management .
        Besides , the CREST Sub-Commiittfee , having been informed that the Commis­
        sion is undertaking parallel research activities 1n the pulp and paper
        sector , especially under the Energy and Environment programmes , also
        expressed the wish that all specific initiatives taken by the Commission
        be coordinated , for the following reasons :
        - coherence of priority criteria
        - horizontal character of R & D initiatives
        - optimal impact ensured for Community activity
        - speedy circulation of data
        Such coordination of Community R&D activities in the pulp and paper
        sector should be obtained by organizing meetings of national experts
        and programme officers , under the auspices of CREST or of the CREST
        Sub-Committee for Raw Materials .
 1.2 . Reasons for the promotion of paper and board recycling
        The need to .increase sources of raw materials for paper-making , in
        particular by the recycling of paper and board in the Community , has
        been investigated as a result of the Community paper industry 's
        growing awareness of powerful competition from the Scandinavian and
        North American paper industry . The communication from the Commission
        on the problems posed by the paper industry in the Community ( document
        SEC ( 74 ) 1215 f inal ) has been forwarded to the Council .   It sets out the
 ---pagebreak---                             -   6 -                  XI 1 / 3 24 / 77 - E
various possibilities for Community action to safeguard the develop­
ment of the paper industry in the Community .
After examination of this communi cation , the Permanent Representati­
ves     Committee invited the Commission to continue its work in this
sector and , if appropriate , to draft whatever practical proposals
it felt should be submitted on action in support of the paper industry .
Investigation of the problems posed by the paper industry in the EC
clearly revealed :
( a ) that the Community market is dangerously dependent on the outside
       world : net imports of paper materials from outside the Community
       have represented more than 50 X of Community paper and board con­
       sumption in the last 10 years ;
( b ) that the enlarged Community 's balance of trade in paper raw mate­
       rials and products with the non-member countries is heavily in
       deficit , and this deficit has increased substantially in recent
       years despite the world recession . In 1972 it stood at almost
       2.000 million u.a . while in 1975 it exceeded 3.000 million u.a .
( c ) that forestry and other vegetable sources in the Community cover
       only about one-sixth of requirements and an increase dn these
       resources can only be envisaged to a limited extent ( doubling of
       current production ) after a fairly long period ( at least 20 years )
       following the implementation of an adequate and vigorous forestry
       policy ;
( d ) that wastepaper has covered about 40 X of the Community paper and
       board industry 's requirement of fibrous materials in recent years
       but in some member countries this proportion represents only
       about 30 X of Community paper and board consumption .
The desirability of proposing more intensive recycling of paper and
board is apparent in all the Member States :
       for a very long time , the paper industry has found recycling an
       effective way of offsetting the problems experienced in obtaining
       supplies of pulp wood and fresh pulp , and of withstanding competi­
       tion from Scandinavian and North American producers ;
        more recently , the public authorities have regarded increased
       recycling as a way of economically eliminating waste paper from
       urban refuse and of substantially reducing imports by the paper
       industry and the dependence of this industry on the outside world .
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 7  -                  XII / 324 / 77 - E
2.      JUSTIFICATION FOR A COMMUNITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
        ON PAPER AND BOARD RECYCLING
2.1 .   General
        The benefit to be gained from this research programme can be assessed
        from two points of view : the supply situation and environmental pro­
        tection .           \
2.1.1 . Raw materials
        An improvement in recycling techniques would make it possible to use
        waste paper in areas where it is little used at present ( paper for
        printing , paper for domestic and sanitary uses ), whilst at the same
        time providing access to new sources of raw materials . The result
        would be a drop in consumption of mechanical and chemical pulp
        ( frequently imported from non-member countries ).
        For purposes of comparison , the rate of use of waste paper in prin­
        ting papers is currently very much lower than its rate of use in
        other types, ( paperboard , corrugated paper and other types of wrapping
        paper ). The rate of use ( quantity of waste paper used / quantity of paper
        produced ) recorded in 1972 was 6,5 % ( EC average ) for printing papers
        as opposed to a rate of 40 % for all paper and board .
        Nowadays the recovered pulp used in printing papers has to be a sub­
        stitute from the following resources :
              direct incorporation of wood-free noble qualities of the white
              trimmings or punch card type , substituted for chemical pulp ;
              incorporation of old de-inked newspapers in the manufacture of
              newprint to replace mechanical pulp ( Federal Republic of Germany
              and United Kingdom ).
        In both cases the resource is limited and any increase in demand
        upsets the prices for these types of- waste paper and is thus likely
        to discourage their use .
           . • More detailed research on recycling will make it possible to
        make use of further types of waste paper :
              waste containing wood paper ( particularly magazines with a high
              percentage of wood ) in order to obtain a pulp similar to mechanical
              pulp ;
              waste wood-free paper ( particularly leaflets ) in order to obtain
              pulp of a type somewhere between mechanical pulp and chemical pulp
              from hardwood fibres .
        Characterization of reclaimed fibres combined with better elimination
        of contraries , an improvement in de-inking techniques and more intensive
        jnd profitable recovery of urban fibres will make it possible to make oc
        better use of certain types of waste paper . This will allow a more sen­
        sible allocation of paper-making raw materials in accordance            tivs
        products manufactured .
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 8  -                     XII / 324 / 77 - E
          For one thing , certain qualities of waste paper currently used as
          filler can then be reserved for better purposes . For example , old
          newspapers and leaflets now used in paperboard could , after effi­
          cient de-inking , be used for the production of printing paper .
          However , this is only conceivable if board manufacturers can be of­
          fered a substitute raw material such as urban fibres .
          Secondly , it might be possible' to substitute de-inked pulp made from
          waste containing wood paper in those processes where mechanical pulp
          is traditionally used . This is important at a time when improved
          mechanical pulps ( thermomechani cal pulps ) are finding uses in the
          production of higher quality paper than formerly .
          Research on de-inking is required because present techniques are not
          capable of adequately de-inking a good many papers printed by the
          offset and photogravure processes . The appearance of new types of
          inks ( particularly UV inks , and inks for offset news-papers ) makes
          further research on de-inking all the more necessary .
          Research is also necessary to reduce pollution from de-inking .
         This research should be done jointly with ink manufacturers and
          printers .
. 1.2 . Environment
          The recycling of waste paper obviously offers environmental advantages ;
          ( a ) the quantity of paper recycled reduces waste from economic acti­
                vities ( business , administration , household , etc ,...) by an equi­
                valent volume ;
          ( b ) each tonne of recycled waste paper saves the equivalent of two to
                three cubic metres of wood ( or about 15 medium-sized trees );
          ( c ) papermaking from waste paper causes less water pollution than the
                equivalent production of paper from wood .
          It is well known , however , that some recycling operations especially
          de-inking , cause a degree of pollution . This calls for the following
          comments   :
    ( i ) The pollution resulting from the de-inking of waste paper bears no
          comparison with pollution resulting from the manufacture of chemical
          pulp .
          Since the use of de-inked pulp ( particularly de-inked pulp produced
          from waste paper containing no wood ) in some instances makes it possible
          to reduce the volume of chemical pulp used , on balance de-inking is an
          advantage for the environment . A new de-inking unit will cause less
          pollution than a new chemical pulp factory .
 ---pagebreak---                                         9                   XII / 324 / 77 - E
( ii )  De-inking still causes more pollution than the manufacture of mechanical
        pulp or any conventional method of treating waste paper . But many impro­
        vements could be made .
        It should not be forgotten that , to begin with , de-inking , particularly
        de-inking by washing , was regarded as a highly polluting process . Today ,
        the residual pollution from flotation de-inking is acceptable and the
        process has already undergone many improvements . For instance , a great
        step forward was taken with loop circuits - water consumption is now
        approximately 15 - 20 m3/ t of pulp compared with 100 m3/ t of a few years
        ago .
        With further research it would be possible to reduce pollution even fur­
        ther . For one thing a compromise must be found between the effectiveness
        of the de-inking process ( yield) and pollution . For another , it would
        be possible to combine various processes .
Ciii )  It appears that considerable improvement is possible in the treatment
        of the effluent and the elimination of wastes from the de-inking process :
              where effluents are concerned , more detailed knowledge of the effec >
              of the ingredients of the inks , the behaviour of the additives used
              in the various processes and the phenomena of toxicity would make it
              possible to perfect effective treatment techniques ;
              where wastes are concerned , elimination techniques suited to the pa ,
              ticular nature of the de-inking sludge still have to be perfected , i ni
              is a big problem since , if a process has a yield of 80 % , there is a
              20 %   loss of material .
        Assuming a drying factor of 30 % for the sludge , every 800 Kg of de-inkei
        pulp produced would mean 660 Kg of sludge . Also , the composition of the
        sludge varies as the undertaking doing the de-inking can rarely dictate
        the nature of its raw material , namely waste paper .
2.2 .   Techmcal
2.2.1 . So far , measures by the public authorities have mainly been aimed at
        improving conditions on the waste paper market ( where virtually chaotic
        fluctuations in prices and volume of trade jeopardize any efforts to
        promote recycling ) and stepping up the collection of waste paper .
        However , it seems that the increased quantities of waste paper collect':
        cannot be entirely absorbed by the paper industry without applying ar.J
        developing processes and machinery for the production of paper from
        recycled fibres . The additional quantities of waste paper collected are
        in fact of poorer quality than the quantities of waste paper collected
        and absorbed so far by the industry ; in order to absorb the additional
        quantities of waste paper it is necessary to upgrade all waste paper
        qualities by means of new and more suitable technologies and processes
        so that    :
               superior grades of waste paper can be used to produce superior
               qualities of new paper ( writing and printing qualities )
               the inferior qualities of waste paper can be used to produce lower
 ---pagebreak---                                 -  10  -                 XII / 324 / 77 - E
           qualities 'A paper and board , which are at present absorbing the
           superior grades of waste paper .
      Current research and development in the Member States is mainly spon­
      sored by paper and board producers , equipment suppliers and the chemical
      industry .
      Most of the work is concerned with the development of machinery , pro­
      ducts and processes rather than with research aimed at an overall
      conservation of raw materials . Furthermore , details of these activities
      remain confidential . The main research topics are therefore dealt
      with piecemeal by a number of laboratories , without consultation or
      coordination .
      Consequently , a programme of research and development covering , at
      Community level , matters of common interest and essential relevance
      to more intensive recycling is necessary .
2.3 . Economie
      Quite apart from the current crisis situation , a regular increase in
      paper and board consumption in the Community and in the industrialized
      world is to be expected in the years ahead . This will be accompanied
      by a growing shortage of fibrous raw materials from which the paper
      industry will be the first £o suffer . It will also result in a paral­
      lel increase in the volume of waste from industry , commerce , public
      departments and local authorities . These two harmful effects can be
      offset only by increased use of waste paper in different types of
      paper and board .
      The situation in the Community was as follows in 1975 ;
      paper and board consumption                   24.7 million tonnes
      paper and board production                    18.8 million tonnes
      quantity of waste paper used                   7.9 million tonnes
      giving   :
           recovery rate ( ratio between the quantities of waste paper re­
           claimed and apparent paper and board consumption ) 32 %
           rate of use ( ratio between quantities of waste paper used and
           paper and board production )                          42 %
       Increased use of waste paper is possible but depends mainly on the
      technical possibilities of recycling . A comprehensive and detailed
       study of paper and board recycling in the European Community carried
      out in 1974 has shown how useful the results of a research programme
      to upgrade reclaimed fibres would be . The programme proposed below
       is in line with this aim . The practical results expected would lead
      to an increase in the rate of use thar could be as high as 58 %
      between 1980 and 1985 ,
 ---pagebreak---                                       11  -                 XII / 324 / 77 - E
       On> the basis of the quantities of paper materials produced and used
     : in' 1975 / an increase of this nature in the rate of use of waste paper
       would be equivalent to a saving in pulp consumption of about 3 mi l-
       lion tonnes per annum or an equivalent increase in Community paper
       and board production .
       One consequence could be a corresponding drop in pulp and/ or paper
       and board imports , which would reduce the Community deficit in the
       balance of payments for paper materials as such ( based on 1975 prices
       and quantities ) of about 750 million UA per annum , taking the
       average price of the pulp saved as 250 UA per tonne .
       A further consequence would be a reduction in the cost of waste
       disposal proportionate to the extra quantities of waste paper recycled ,
       Estimates in the United Kingdom indicate that waste paper represents
       in that country 60 % of the total volume of household refuse .
       A further benefit is the saving resulting from the fact that less
       energy is required to produce recycled paper than paper from fresh
       fibres : the energy used to produce wood pulp ( not including drying )
       is about 1.000 kWh / t while it is only 250 kWh / t for pulp from re­
       cycled fibres .                <
3.     COMMUNITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR PAPER AND BOARD
       RECYCLING
3.1 .  On the basis of a survey of R & D in hand or planned on paper re­
       cycling and an assessment of current research needs in this sector ,
       carried out with the working party of CREST , the Commission has
       deemed necessary to propose a series of R & D actions to be carried
       out at Community level , aimed at filling the most important gaps
       while avoiding useless duplication .
       Four major research topics were selected to this effect and cover
       most R&D. needs in this area .;
       1st topic : characterization of reclaimed fibres , their upgrading
       grading        by various processes , and the effects of multiple re    re-­
                      cycling on paper making fibres ;
       2nd topic : elimination of the detrimental effect of contaminants
                      in waste paper , including the dispersion of thermo-
                      sof tuning contaminants .
       3rd topic :    de-inking , including the relationship between different
                      types of ink and de-inking , and the treatment of effluent
                      from waste-paper recycling plants ;
       4th topic : use of urban fibres , including technological charac­
                      terization of fibres in solid waste and health problems
                    caused by the use of recycled fibres .
 ---pagebreak---                                 -  12   -                  XII / 324 / 77 - E
3.2 . Each of these four topics has been studied in detail and the fol­
       lowing have been defined :
           framework of research to be undertaken on the topic concerned ;
      -    general , technical and economic reasons for the research , to­
           gether with the benefits expected from application of the re­
           sults ;
           time required for the research in question , having regard to
           existing resources ( facilities , manpower ) and short-term avai­
           lability of competent research centres ;
           estimate of the total cost of implementing the research programme
      This information is given for each of the four topics on pages 15
       to 31 of this document .
4.    PROCEDURES   FOR IMPLEMENTING THE RESEARCH PROGRAMME
4.1 . The programme will be implemented as an indirect action by means of
      contracts , partly financed from the Community budget , concluded with
      public or private research organizations in the Member States .
4.2 . Duration
      The R 8 D programme is proposed for a period of three years ( 1978-
      80 ). Gradual adjustment to possible new research requieements will
      be made during the course of the programme .
4.3 . Ways and means
      Funding the programme implies a maximum financial contribution of
      2,9 M.U.A. from the EC budget for a three-year period . These funds
      are to be used for partial financing ( 50 % as a rule ) of research
      projects pertaining to the four research topics , as well as to cover
      the costs of management and' coordination of the programme , as follows
 ---pagebreak---                                            13   -                  XI 1 / 324 / 77 - E
                                                                 Maximum
Topi c                                Total cost             EC contribution
                                     MUA / 3  years            MUA / 3 years
1 . Characterization of
     recycled fibres                       1.20                      0.66
2 . Elimination of
     contaminants                          1.20                      0.66
3 . De-inking                              1.60                      0.87
4 . Urban fibres                           1.30                      0.71
                                           Total                     2.90
                                                of which 0,325 for management and
                                                         coordination
                                                                 Jtr  ■
5.    PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT
      The research programme will be managed by the Commission departments
      assisted by an Advisory Committee on Programme Management for Paper
      Recycling Research to be established with the terms of reference sta­
      ted on pages 36 and 37 . Its.. main task will be to advise the Commission
    , departments in :
          examining and selecting the projects to be included in the programm
          from the proposals submitted by research organizations in the member
          states ;
          keeping track of progress and reporting to the various bodies concerned ;
          including the Committee on Waste Management .
          contributing to coordinate national and Community research activities
          on paper recycling by organizing contact meetings between the experts
          concerned .
               The Committee on Waste Management established by the Commission
      on 26 April 1977 will be consulted particularly with regard to :
      -   relative priorities of research needs and changes thereof in relation
          with the implementation of the action programme in waste management
          and resulting adaptation of the research programme ;
          the application of research results obtained from the programme .
 ---pagebreak---                                  14  -                 XI 1 / 324 / 77 - E
6. DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION
   The information resulting from the implementation of this programme
   shall be disseminated in accordance with Regulation ( EEC ) N° 2380/ 74
   decided by the Council on 17 September 1974 .
 ---pagebreak---                                   -  15  -                  XII / 324/ 77 - E
                   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH TOPICS
                             RESEARCH TOPIC N° 1
1.     Title
       The characterization of recycled fibres , their upgrading by various
       processes and the effects of multiple recycling on papermaking fibres .
2. '   State of the art .
       Several laboratories have conducted multiple recycling experiments
       but the reported results are mainly technological and relate princir
       pally to properties of the sheets or products made from or contai­
       ning a proportion of the recycled fibres .
       Until recently , processes such as de-inking and the removal of con­
       taminants have been commonly described as " upgrading" in so far as
       they facilitate the use of recycled fibres processed in these ways
       which are , in many instances , inferior to>the virgin fibres , sheets
       made from recycled fibres show poorer mechanical properties such as
       tensile strength , burst and compressive strength .
       Research established methods for evaluating the repulpabi lity of
       waste paper and quality of the resultant papermaking stock in terms
       of its fibre' dispersion , cleanliness , colour etc ...
       This research and some comparative studies of mill stock preparation
       and cleaning system performances have shown that whilst they can
       achieve similar results in these terms ( i.e. fibre dispersion , clean­
       liness and colour ), their effects on the fibre properties and hence
       the sheet mechanical properties are substantially different .
       It is therefore concluded that , in future research and development
       both these aspects should be considered to ensure that as far as
       possible existing and new processes for preparing waste paper stocks
       should also " upgrade " ( or at least not worsen ) the properties of thr
       recycled fibres and the properties of the sheets from which they are
       made .
       Other work now in progress is indicating the character of the fibre
       degradation caused by recycling . It is also identifying the mecha­
       nisms and processes by which this fibre degradation may be reduced
       or repaired so that the properties of sheets and products containing
     - recycled fibres can be substantially improved .
 ---pagebreak---                              16                       XI 1 / 324 / 77/- E
Status of re^earch m trie Member States
( based on information supplied to the Commission )
Belqium
The " Faculte des Sciences Agronomiques de I'Etat ( Gembloux , Belgium )
commenced a study in October 1976 , to terminate in 1978, to charac­
terize recycled fibres , examine possible chemical upgrading tech­
niques and apply them in the laboratory .
A Belgian company has also submitted a proposal to IRSIA ( Institut
pour l' Encouragement de la Recherche Scientifique dans l' Industrie
et I'Agri culture ) to study upgrading techniques of cellulose fibres^
particularly recycled fibres .
Fédéral Republic of Germany
The IfP ( Institut fur Papierfabrikation ) in Darmstadt has undertaken
numerous research projects on the use and recycling of waste paper ,
including :
     R S D on the preparation of waste paper as a raw material ( disin­
     tegration , filtering , fractionation , beating );
     basic research on the physical properties of waste paper in sus­
     pension and paper made from waste paper . IfP is continuing its
     work in this field , in particular on :
        characterization of the influence of multiple recycling on the
        properties of fibres in suspension and papers made from waste
        paper ; determination of correlations between the properties
        of the suspension and of the paper ;
        improvement of the properties of the product obtained by re­
        cycling for the production of test liner and corrugated card­
        board by mechanical ( refining ) and chemical ( additive ) methods ;
        technological classification of waste paper grades in relation
        to the classification of the virgin pulps they are to replace :
        classification based on tension , optical properties , other
        physical and chemical properties , toxic impurities such as Pb ,
        Hg and Cd ..
Industry is engaged on product research and development to improve the
qualities of papers made from waste paper or increase the quantity of
waste paper that can be substituted for fresh pulp *
Umted Kînqdom
For some years past PIRA ( Paper Industry Research Association ) has
 conducted research into the use and development of pulp and paper­
 making stock characterization methods .
 ---pagebreak---                                17  -                   XII / 324 / 77 - E
and , also , into the measurement of sheet and product properties .
This work has recently resulted in the development of some novel
apparatus and techniques for measuring fibre properties and re­
 lating these properties to the sheet forming process and the sheet
properties .
In 1974 research was commenced at PIRA to identify the mechanisms
and prevent or reserve the effects of fibre degradation caused by
recycling . Currently , laboratory experiments and some pilot machine
trials have been made on processes to prevent and repair this fibre
degradation .
Part of these PIRA research programmes is being conducted in col­
laboration with the Department of Paper Science at the University
of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology ( U.M.I.S.T. ) .
Expected results .
If this programme is undertaken it is intended and expected that
the results and reports will :
( a ) Define in physical and chemical terms the essential and indus­
      trially relevant differences between virgin and recycled fibres
( b ) Thereby ( from a)above ) indicate both the need for and practical
      means whereby the adverse effects of recycling can be prevented
      or repaired .
( c ) Provide practical guidance to paper and board makers on the use
      and development of equipment and processes for increasing and
      extending the range of utilization of fibres derived from
      wastepaper .
Detailed description
Continue and extend the inter-related measurements on fibre and
sheet properties to identify and quantify the fibre degradation
caused by recycling , with due regard to :
( a ) The different regimes of recycling ( i.e. collection , segregation ,
      storage , stock preparation , sheet making / drying/ finishing ).
( b ) The different types of virgin pulps in use and types of Tibres
      derived from waste papers which are available and whose supplies
      could be increased ( e.g. " lower grades " and " urban fibres ").
( c ) Concurrent Research and Development - especially other projects
      adopted as part of this Paper Recycling Research & Development
      Programme - on the separation of contaminants and de-inking of
      waste paper .
 ---pagebreak---                                 -  18   -                  XII / 324 / 77 - E
5.2.  Concurrently end on the basis of 5.1 above , select and test in the ^
      laboratory various upgrading techniques which will prevent or repair
      the fibre degradation ( and concomitant effects on sheet properties )
      caused by recycling .
      ( a ) Chemical treatments      )
      ( b ) Thermal treatments       )  and advantageous combinations
      ( c ) Mechanical treatments    )
5.3 . Concurrently and from 5.2 above , select and test on pilot or machine
      scale , techniques of potential industrial utility which will faci­
      litate the economic manufacture of satisfactory paper and board pro­
      ducts containing recycled fibres with due regard to :
      ( a ) Actual and potential availabilities of waste papers .
      ( b ) Any changes of an environmental nature which might attend adop­
            tion of the technique ( e.g. sludge disposal , water pollution ).
      ( c ) The utilization of existing paper and board mill capital equip­
            ment and any additional investment which adoption of the technique
            might require .
5.4 . Prepare and issue periodic reports on this work to promote " indus­
      trial feedback" to the Research & Development programme and maximize
      the rate of industrial implementation of the knowledge discovered .
6.     Duration
       It is envisaged in the initial stage tbat this project would run for
      a period of 3 years , subject to periodic ( preferably annual ) reviews .
7.     Estimated total cost
       The total cost of the project is estimated at 1.2GO o 0OO"U.A.
 ---pagebreak---                             -  19                      XII / 324 / 77 - E
                       RESEARCH TOPIC . N° 2
Titte
Elimination of the detrimental effect of contaminants in waste paper ,
 including the dispersion of thermosoftening contaminants .
State of the art .
Various studies have been published on either the contaminants them­
selves or waste paper stock preparation lines , including the proces­
sing cost aspect .
Manufacturers and several research establishments in the Member
States have conducted research to improve waste paper stock prepa­
ration equipment and reduce waste paper processing costs .
At present , for both mixed and clean waste paper , nearly all stock
preparation lines are similar : one pulper , two deflaking stages ,
four cleaning stages and sometimes a contaminant dispersing stage .
However , for both categories the technological and technical research
of the various installations differ widely .
There are various types of equipment for the dispersion of thermo­
softening contaminants but they all have disadvantages : high pur­
chase and operating costs and deterioration of the. mechanical pro­
perties of the fibres .
Status of research in the Member States
( based on information supplied to the Commission )
In France , research on decontamination of recycled paper is in pro­
gress at the Centre Technique du Papier ( CTP ) in Grenoble , suppor­
ted by private industry ( machinery manufacturers and paper mills )
and by the State .
This research relates mainly to :
( a ) A study of the " contaminants     resulting from the presence of
      hot melts and adhesives
( b ) study of modern waste paper processing equipment and evaluation
      its efficiency
( c ) development of new decontamination processes for general or specif
      application ( paper/ plastics complex etc .)
( d ) collaboration with raw materials manufacturers ( repulpable
      adhesives , etc .).
 ---pagebreak---                                 -  20 ■*                  XII / 324 / 77 - E
      In the Netherlands collective research based mainly on industrial
      research is being undertaken by the Vezelinstituut TNO ; it relates
      to technological and economic evaluation of stock preparation sys­
      tems including dispersion of contaminants .
      In the United Kingdom several research projects have been undertaken
      at PIRA on waste paper contaminants and tests on the conversion of
      waste paper into pulp . This research is described in a confidential
      report circulated only to the members of PIRA and British governments
      departments .
4.    Expected results
      This research programme is expected to lead to the design and imple­
      mentation of planl to convert modern waste paper preparation lines
      into specialized lines better suited to the processing of the various
      types of waste paper .
      The use of specialized stock preparation lines suited to the different
      types of waste paper will greatly improve the quality of the pulp
      produced from these types ( ranging from urban fibres to white trim­
      mings and offcuts ).
      It may also be estimated that these applications will bring about
      a substancial reduction in waste paper processing and recycling costs
      by cutting back capital costs and machine maintenance costs costs and
                                                                         and
      greatly diminishing energy and water consumptions .
5.    Detailed description
5.1 . The first phase will consist of collecting at Community level basic
      data on contaminants causing productions disturbances and product
      defects , characteristics of waste paper containing these contaminants,
      modern equipment and processes to, handle contamined waste paper,
       advantages and defects of this equipment for evaluation of its
       efficiency .
5.2 .  In the second phase , the technological and economic characteristics
       of modern processes and equipment used in the paper industry will
       be assessed . Tests on the removal and dispersion of contaminants
       ( by chemical and mechanical methods ) will be carried out in spe­
       cialized laboratories and on pilot plant belonging to paper research
       centres , paper machinery manufacturers and papermills in the Community .
5.3 .  In the third phase , a number of stock preparation lines in paper
       mills for both mixed waste paper and clean waste paper will be com­
       pared . The differences in pulping , deflaking , cleaning and disper-
       ging costs will be established in relation to the technological
       results .
 ---pagebreak---                                -  21   -                XII / 324 / 77 - E
5.4 . The aim of the fourth phase will be to establish plans for conver­
      ting existing equipment for waste paper stock preparation in order
      to improve performance . The plans will be studied in close collabo­
      ration with the papermills concerned and with machinery manufacturers .
      On the basis of these plans , the mills concerned could convert some
      of their stock préparation equipment .
5.5 . As soon as the conversions described in 5.4 . have been made , a fresh
      analysis of the performance of the converted equipment will be made
      on the same lines as 2 . and 3 . A final report will present all the
      results and conclusions of the five phases .
6.    Durati on
      Three years .
7.    Estimated total cost .
      The total cost of the project is estimated at 1.200.000 U.A.
 ---pagebreak---                           -  22                         XII / 324 / 77 - E
                    RESEARCH  TOPIC    N° 3
Title
De-inking , including the relationship between different types of
ink and de-inking , and the treatment of effluent from waste-paper
recycling plants .
State of the art .
The countries of the Common Market have a de-inking capacity of ap­
proximately 400.000 to 500.000 t / year compared with a world capacity
of 2.5 to 3 million t ( over 1.5 million/ T thereof in U.S.A. )
These figures should be compared with the 32 million t of waste
paper used throughout the world ( USA : 13 million t ; EEC : 10 mil­
lion t ). A considerable increase in de-inking could therefore be
expected over the next few years in the EEC .
There are two main de-inking methods : washing and flotation . Research
is also in progress into new techniques .
Whereas de-inking by washing is more widespread in the USA , the flo­
tation process is dominant in the EC . But both processes have limits
and drawbacks enoggh to justify continuing research on de-inking .
     De-inking by washing
     Here the ink is removed from the fibres by a method similar to
     that used in washing clothes , the ink being separated by means
     of surface-active agents .
     The waste paper pulp is first mashed , classified and then diluted .
     The washing is then done at a series of levels on wire gauze
     thickeners ( Sidehill type ), on washing drums , ( the drum is covered
     with a sheet of wire gauze which retains the fibres whilst allowing
     ink and extenders to pass through ) or in other systems for break­
     ing material up into small particles .
     Since a lot of the small components are entrained by this method
     the yield from the processes low - a figure of 65 % is often given
     for coated papers containing mechanical pulp . Another major in­
     convenience of this process is the high water consumption ( in
     spite of recent improvements ).
     The largest de-inking plants using the washing process are in the
     USA , particularly in newsprint production ( the American Company ,
     Garden State Cy , has a capacity of 450.000 t ).
 ---pagebreak---                        -   23  -                XII / 324 / 77 - E
  De-inking by flotation
  The principle of this method is to produce a foam which con­
  tains the imputities and is easy to eliminate .
  The ink is removed in two stages .
  •    Separating the ink from the fibre by mechanical and che­
      mical action .
      Most of the ink particles are detached from the fibres whilst
      the material is being broken down in the pulper , during which
      process chemicals are added .
  .    Floating off the ink particles released by physical and che­
      mical action .
      In the flotation celts the pulp in a stage of suspension , is
      mixed with air fed in by diffusers . The separated and emul­
      sified ink particles are carried to the surface of the cell
      by air bubbles and there form a layer of foam separate from
      the suspension .
      For newsprint the yield in de-inked pulp is 80-90 % but
      there is a considerable loss in fibres . Water consumption
      is less than for washing .
      At present about 100 Voith plants exist , approximately 50
      of them in Europe . Their installed capacity is about 750.000t
      There is also some 15 Escher Wyss units , representing a
      capacity of 250.000 T.
Other de-inking processes
Apart from these industrial de-inking processes , namely washing
and flotation , experiments with new processes have reached a
semi-pilot stage :
.    de-inking using solvents ( CHP method )
.    de-inking by means of coagulation the ink and then filtering
     by centrifuge ( method used in Poland and Czechoslovakia )
It appears that these processes still require deal of perfecting
Various projects also cover :
     Improvements to the flotation method of de-inking ( Swemac
     system );
    perfecting mixed processes combining the two methods of de­
    inking by flotation and washing .
 ---pagebreak---                                -  24  -                  XI 1 / 324 / 77 - E
  3. Status of research in the Member States
     ( based on information supplied to the Commission )
     France
           C.T.P ( Grenoble )
           .  Analysis of the de-inking process and its potential appli­
              cation to certain types of printed paper .
           .  Analysis of the various stages -detaching of the ink and its
              elimination - bleaching
              Problems relating to substrates and inks
              Research on new processes .
     -     Private undertakings
           .  Research on flotation de-inking by the manufacturer Ets .
              Lamort .
           .  Society des Produits Chimiques Ugine Kuhlmann(whi ch manufac­
              tures the Lorilleux range of inks as well as chemical products )
              is conducting research on de-inking products ( peroxide , surface-
              active agents ) and printing inks .
     Germany
!    -     Darmstadt
           Work on de-pollution of effluent from the paper manufacturing
           industry .
           Private undertakings
           Research on flotation de-inking by the manufacturers Voith and
           Escher-Wyss .
     United Kinqdom
i    -     PIRA
           Work on effluent treatment .
           University of Surrey
           Study of various physical and chemical de-inking processes .
           Research on ink formulae .
 ---pagebreak---                                  -  25  -                 XII / 324/ 77 - E
            Private undertakmgs
            Research on washing de-inking by both Reed and Bowater ( the
            Latter in collaboration with equipment manufacturer Newell-
            Dunford-Watford Ltd ).
      Italy
            ENCC ( ENTE NAZIONALE CARTA e CELLULOSA ) Rome
            .   Study of methods of fixing printer 's ink on paper substrate
                and on the solubilization of the various substances used in
                the manufacture of ink .
            .   Study of pollution due to substances used in the manufacture
                of inks .
      -     Stazione Sperimentale ( ENCC Milan )
            Eff luent , treatment methods .
      Nether lands
            TNO ( Delft )
            Dispersion of certain types of inks ( thermoplastic inks ) in
            the context of work in decontamination .
4.    Expected results .
      Savings in important raw materials can be expected as a result of :
            making greater use of de-inked pulp in the manufacture of news­
            print ;
            extending the use of de-inked pulp to grades other than news­
            print ( magazines , printing and writing paper ).
      In addition , a reduction in the amount of pollution caused by de­
      inking will be obtained .
5.    Detailed description
5.1 . Analysis of the de-inking process
      Stated in its simplest form ; the de-inking process is a combination
      on the following three basic stages ;
            detaching the ink
            eliminating the ink
            bleaching ( if necessary )
 ---pagebreak---                                          26  -              XII / 324 / 77 - E
        A basic study of the surface physics and chemistry as regards
        fibres , inks / and the two in combination , is essential for an under­
        standing of the phenomena . As a result of this study it should be
        possible to specify which products are best adapted to which stages .
        The study willttake account of the wide range of raw materials avai­
        lable on the market , namely :
              the types of substrate ( fibre composition , presence and Jrype
              of coating )
              the printing process
              the composition of inks
5.1.1 . Adapting the de-inking process to existing inks
        - by improvmg présent techniques
        - by undertaking research on new and better techniques
5.1.2 . Adagt i ng_i. nks_to_the_deH nki ngjarocess
        Perfecting new ink formulas .
5.1.3 . Potent i å l uses for de-inkingjsulp
        Depending on the raw material and the process used , the pulp will
        be characterized from the point of view of :
              quality ( optical , mechanical and other properties )
              net cost ( operation , investment , yield ).
              Optimizing the quality of paper in which de-inked pulp is used
              and deciding in what grades of paper de-inked pulp could be used .
5.2 .   Ecoloqical problems
5.2.1 . Liquid_ef f luents
        Apart from the standard problems encountered in the manufacture of
        paper , there is the farther problem that effluents contain chemical
        additives used in the de-inking process ( detergents etc ..) and cer­
        tain components of the solubilized inks , some of which may have a not
        insignificant toxicity .
        Help from ink manufacturers will be essential if these problems are
        to be studied ( point 5.1.2 .).
 ---pagebreak---                         -  27  -                  XII / 324 / 77 - E
SoUçLwaste
     Determination of the properties of the sludge
     Dehydration   of waste with a view to making transport
     cheaper
<    Possibilities of re-using waste ( in paper-making or other
     branches of industry
     Selective recovery of fibrous and mineral substances .
Duration
Three years .
Estimated total cost
The total cost of the project is estimated at 1.600.000 U.A.
 ---pagebreak---                           -  28   -                  XII / 324 / 77 - E
                     RESEARCH TOPIC   N°  4
Tit le
Use of urban fibres , including technological characterization of
fibres in solid urban waste and health problems caused by the use
of recycled fibres .         ,
State of the art .
One of the basic techniques in the handling of urban waste is to
extract various reclaimable products , including urban fibres to be
used in the form of pulp by the paper board industry in particular .
Semi-industrial and even industrial pilot plants are already in ope­
ration , using a variety ot techniques . However , the quality of the
pulp is still mediocre and it can only be used for low-grade board
production .
Research is in progress but is not very advanced . Experience to date
has pinpointed the following problems :
- relatively low quality of urban fibres
- irregular and heterogeneous composition
- presence of contaminants and non-fibrous constituents .
These drawbacks restrict the use of the small volume of urban fibres
currently marketed to corrugated paper and other packaging grades of
paper . The use of urban fibres in mixing with other fibres is to be
expected when the available supply Increases . However , this increase
will depend on the answer to a different question ; the relative ad­
vantages of sorting solid urban waste so as to recover its consti­
tuents ( urban fibres , metals , organic constituents , glass , plastics )
and of other methods of upgrading such waste .
The technological characterization of solid urban waste must there­
fore be regarded as an important issue calling for careful investiga­
tion    owing to the lack of knowledge of the subject .
Status of research in the Member States
 ( based on information supplied to the Commission )
Several experiments in progress in the Community could be used as       as a
                                                                           a
starting point for a joint research programme .
In the Netherlands a project using a pi lot installation on the semi-   semi
industrial scale is under way .
 ---pagebreak---                                    -  29  -                  XI 1 / 324 / 77 - E
         In Italy two towns ( Rome and Perugia ) have industrial installations
         ( two in Rome ) processing solid urban waste and producing pulp ( urban
         fibres ), ferrous metals , organic fertilizers ( compost ), dry feeding
         stuffs , glass and energy .
         Other research activities relating more specifically to the paper
         industry are in progress in the United Kingdom ( in particular the
         separation of contaminants in urban waste paper !.
         in France ( in particular improvement of the quality of reclaimed
        urban fibres ),
         in the Netherlands ( in particular the recovery of paper from house-
         h6ld . refuse ), and
         in Ita ly ( in particular the improvement of the quality and extension
        of the use of urban fibres to different grades of paper ).
4.      Expected results
         (a)    Improvement of the quality of urban fibres and increase in the
                number of paper grades which they can be used ;
         ( b)   as an indirect result , speeding-up of the construction of waste
                processing plants , thus increasing the urban fibre supply ;
         (c)    Reduction in waste disposal costs for local authorities ;
         (d)    Reduction of pollution by solid waste.
5.      Detailed Description
5.1 .   The aims of the project are as follows :
        (a)     Determination of the range of composition of urban fibres taking
                account of different population features in different regions
        (b)     Examination of the technical limits to the recovery of urban
                fibres ;
        ( c)    Examination of new techniques of recovering urban fibres .
5.2 .   The following programme , divided into three main parts , is proposed .
5.2.1 . Solid urban waste ( this part of the programme is included pro-
        memoriam since the required data will be obtained , in principle , from
        studies carried out by other bodies )
        ( a ) Characterization and classification
 ---pagebreak---                                       30  -                 XII / 324 / 77 - E
          (b)  Feasibility study taking into account the technical and
               economic aspects of various alternatives for the use of solid
               urban waste .
         (c)   Determination of basic criteria for the construction of new
               machinery and apparatus for the treatment of urban refuse in
               order to separate waste paper .
         (d)   Economics of processing solid urban waste to obtain urban
               fibres ; scale of production and related problems .
5.2.2 . Urban fibres
        (a)   Characterization and classification : determination of quality
              index ;
        Cb )  Contaminant separation , with special reference to the separation
              and removal of adhesives from paper ;
        ( c)  Fractionation processes to improve drainage and papermaking
              quality
        (d)   Other procesess to upgrade the quality of urban fibre .
        (e)   Mixing of urban fibres in paper stock and study of the influence
              of the presence of urban fibres in different grades of paper
              and board .
5.2.3 . Health problems
         Ca )  Determination of harmful products that may be present ( bacteria /,
              toxic heavy metals )
         ( b)  Study of sterilization processes
         (c)  Technology of bacteriological purification of waste paper pulps
         (d)   Evaluation of the health hazard due to the presence of conta­
              minants in finished paper products which may come into contact
              with food-stuffs and liquids for human consumption .
5.3 .    Possible future developments
        After completion of the three-year programme , developments could be
        envisaged in close cooperation with the Advisory Committee on Waste
        Management and its working parties , namely with regard to the prepa­
        ration of a feasability study on the recovery of urban fibres from
        solid urban waste . This study could be followed up by pilot-plant
        tests on different types of waste in various regions of the Community
        in order to classify and characterize them from the view point of
        urban fibres recivery .
 ---pagebreak---                            -  31  -                   XII / 324 / 77 - E
   For the pilot plant experiments it appears best to use several
   pilot plants in different regions . As there are already some plants ,
   construction costs ( which are extremely high ) are not included in
   the project . If in the course of the project a decision were to be
   taken to develop and set up new plants , the costs would haVe to be
   reviewed accordingly .
6. Duration
   Three years .
7. Estimated total costs
   The total cost of the 3 years project is estimated at 1.300.000 UA .
 ---pagebreak---                                          32 -                XI 1/324/77 E
                 PROPOSAL  - OR A COUNCIL DECISION ADOPTING A
               MULTIANNU\L(l 978-1 980)RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
                PROGRAMME FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
                  IN HIE FIELD OF PAPER AND BOARD RECYCLING
                                (INDIRECT ACTION)
 THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community .
 and in particular Article 235 thereof
having regard to the proposal from the Commission
having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament
having regard to the Opinion of the Social and Economic Committee
- whereas Article 2 of the Treaty establishing the European Economio
           Community assigns to the Community the task of promoting
           throughout the Community a harmonious development of econo-
           mio activities , a continuous and balanced expansion and
           an accelerated raising of the standard of living ;
– whereas in its Resolution of 14 January 1974 on a first action
           programme of the European Communities in the field of science
           and technology , the Council stated that the whole range of
           available ways and means should be used as appropriate ,
           including indireot action }
- whereas the Community pap^r industry depends to a great extent on
           third countries for its supply of raw materials             and
           thus it is in the Community 's interest to increase its self-
           supply potential and to improve the technologies for the
           recovery and recycling of waste paper and board ;
– whereas the Council of the European Community and the Representatives
           of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the
                                             *
           Council adopted on 17 May 1977 a resolution concerning the
           continuation and implementation of a European Coasnunity policy
           and action programme on the environment
   *
     0J 0-139 * 13 June 1977-
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 33                           XI 1/324/77 - E
• whereas a Community research programme in "the fisld of paper trad "board
           recycling could contribute effectively to the achievement of
           the above -mentioned objectives , particularly "by in-r- aei; -- the
            ra.t°. 0a* recycling of paper asid "bos-i'l ?jfid improving t~ s ^jv*3.1ity
            of recycled paper;
» -whereas the European Parliament adopted on 19 i^pril 1977 a K'"*' 1
            on the supply of raw materials to the Community !
„ whereas the Treaty establishing the European Economio Community h&a not
            provided ±he necessary powers ;
- having considered the Opinion of the Soientific and Technical Research
    Committee (CREST) concerning the proposal from the Commission}
BAS DECIDEE AS POLLOWS
                                      Article 1
The European Economic Community shall carry out over a period of three
years from 1 Janizary 1978 a programme of research and development in the
 field of paper and board recycling as described in Annex A to this
 Decision.    Annex A forms an integral part of this Decision.
                                       Article 2
 The upper 110111? for expenditure cosamitnaents oxii for b*fcaff neces3&ry for
  the implementat ion of this programme is evaluated at 2„9 million units of
  account and 2 staff , the unit of aoccunt being dsfined in accordance with
  the finanoial regulations in force®
                                      Article 3
  The Commission shall he responsible for the implementation c£ the Research
  and Development Programme . To assist it in this task there is hereby
  established an Advisory Committee for the Management of the Research and
  Development Programme in the Field of Paper and Board Reoycling*
  The terms of reference and the composition of this Committee shell be as
  set out in Annex B to this Decision«       ,
 ---pagebreak---                                          - 34 -               XII / 324/ 77 E
                                       Article 4
  The information resulting from the execution of the programme shall be
  disseminated in accordance with Council Regulation ( EEC ) n° 2350/ 74
  of 17 September 1974 adopting provisions for the dissemination of
  information relating to research programmes for the European Economic
          . (1 )
  Commun ity* •
                                            Done at
                                            For -the Council
                                            The Présidant
( 1 ) OJ Jïo L 255 , 20.9.1974 , p.1 .
 ---pagebreak---                                                                 NNF /. A
 Research topic I ;
          Characterization of reclaimed fibres , their upgrading
          by various processes , and the effects of multiple
           recycling on paper making fibres .
 Research topic II :
          Elimination of the detrimental effect of contaminants
           in waste paper , including the dispersion of thermo­
           softening contaminants .
 Research topic III :
          De-inking , including the relationship between different
          types of ink and de-inking , and the treatment of effluent
          from waste paper recycling plants .
 Research topic IV :
          Use of urban fibres , including technological characteri­
          zation of fibres in solid urban waste and health problems caused
          by the use of recycled fibres .
The researoh will "be carried out under contract .
 ---pagebreak---                                                                   XJT / 3"4,/'77 a
                                                                  AfâEX B
         Terms of reference and composition of the Advisory Committee for the
         Management of the Research and Development Programme in the Field of
                              Paper and Board Recycling
    1 . Without prejudice to the Commission 's responsibility for the
        execution of the Programmes , the Committee has the task of contributing ,
        in its advisory capaoity :
        – to the optimal implementation of the research and development
           programme in the field of paper and "board recycling , and in parti­
           cular to the detailed definition of projeots as well as to the
           assessment of results ;
        – to the gradual co–ordination of all Community and natior              search
           activities within the area of waste paper recycling.
   2 . The Committee formulates opinions , prepared "by the Secretariat and
        submitted to approval by the Committee . Every Committee member can
 i      ask that his view be recorded in these opinions . These opinions are
 ;      transmitted to the Commission and a copy to the Council . CREST and
;       its Sub–Committee will be informed periodically on the work of the
        Committee .
    3 . The Committee includes :
        – representing the Member States , three members appointed by each
           government for the duration of the programme on the grounds of
           their competence in the matter s as far as possible , one of them
           should be responsible for the natio; al research and development
           programmes in the field of paper and .-> oard recycling ; if it
           considers it necessary t each delegation n, y "be accompanied "by
           experts :
 ---pagebreak---                                         37 -                     731/3^' ./ "7 B
       - representing the Commission , three offio ie.«s e-pj/oin+sd 1 , I vh
           institution.
  Exceptionally . with the agreement of all the parties i2pre??er-; •
   special exceptions may "be made to theaa conditions *
  4*   In the oase of those representing the Member States , a itir'Ni 'a
|       term of office comes to an end in the event of his death o             'Ve­
       nation , or if the government which appointed him asks that he
       replaced.    His successor is appointed for the remainder of
        initial term of offioe ,
; 5.   The Committee appoints its own ohairman , on a proposal from the
      Commission delegation and for a period of one year.
. '    '                ' i
  6.  Secretarial services for the Committee will be provided by tha
      Commission *
 ---pagebreak---                                    - IV -                 XII / 324 / 77 E
                                FINANCIAL DATA
-3UDGE7 CHAPTER i   3365
HEADING OF THE BUDGET TITLE : programme of research and development
 in the European Communities on paper and board recycling ( 1978-1980 )
JURIDICAL BASIS : Article 235 of EEC Treaty
                     Council Décision
DESCRIPTION - OBJECTIVES AND JUSTIFICATION OF ACTION
4.1 . Decription :
      Paper and board recycling
      Research programme carried out by means of cost-sharing contracts
      with research organizations in the member states , in the four
      following research areas :
      1st topic :
      characterization of reclaimed fibres , their upgrading by various
      processes , and the effects of multiple recycling on paper making
      fibres ;
      2nd topic :
      elimination of the detrimental effect of contaminants in waste
      paper , including the dispersion of thermosoftening contaminants ;
      3rd topic :
      de-inking , including the relationship between different types of
      ink and de-inking, and the treatment of effluent from waste-paper
      recycling plants
      4th topic :
      use of urban fibres , including technological characterization of
      solid urban waste and health problems posed by the use of recycled
      fibres .
4.2 . Objectives :
      To help solve the problems of raw materials supply for the paper
      industry by increasing the potential for recycling paper and board
      and allow a better utilization of several kinds of old pap *r
      resulting , consequently , in a more efficient adaptation of raw
      materials to the final products .
 ---pagebreak---                                       - V -                    XII / 324 / 7 ? E
    4.3 . Justification :
           There is a need to increase "sources of raw materials for t-.per
           making in view of the great dependency of the Community industry
           on the outside world and the resulting impact on the balance of
           trade . The most promising approach is to increase recycling and
           upgrade the qualities of recycled products .   Environmental advantages
           will also accrue from the resulting reduction of wastes and the
           alleviation of water pollution problems .
5 . TOTAL FINANCIAL INCIDENCE OF ACTION DURING THE TERM ENVISAGED ( in EUA )
5.0 .      Funded :                        '
           - on Commumty budget                                2,900,000 EUA
           - by national administrations )
                                                               2,650,000 EUA
           - by other sectors              j
                                Total                          5,550,000 EUA
5.0.0 .    Multiannual term
            Commitment
                         1978           1979            1980               1981
                       71,100          76,788         82,476
   Manag .             29,000          31,320         33,640
    Contracts       1,399,900         891,892        283,884
   Total            1,500,000      1,000,000         400,000
           Payment
                        1978            1979           1980                1981  .
   Staff               71,100          76,788    ! 82,476
   Manag .             29,000         31,320         33,640
   Contracts          199,900        691,892      1,483,884             200,000
   Total             300,000        800,000       1,600,000             200,000    J
                                                                                   l
 ---pagebreak---                                                - VI -                  X I 1 / 324 / 77 E
     5 . G. i .     ' . ation method
                ( included mu It i onnua L previsions )
                a ) Staff expenditure
                     ihe needs are estimated to be 2 staff for this programme .
                    1978 - 1980 (3 years )
                    1 category A staff
                    1 category C staff
                    In addition to staff number estimates , the evaluation takes
                    account of the data of the Council Decision of 21.12.1976
                    on the adaptation of salary of European Community staff and
                    applicable correction coefficients / adding to it - on a
                    hypothetical basis - possible needs originating from the
                    general evolution of prices in the Community .
                    The rates adopted are those used for the calculation
                    of the three-year forecast 1978/ 1980 . The evaluation of
                    expenditure increases up to 1981 has been made on the basis
                    of the following indices : 1978-108 , 1979-116 , 1980-124 , 1981-132 .
                b ) Contracts expenditures
                    In view of the nature of the subject and the qualification nf
                    the contractors , a uniform method of evaluation cannot be
                    established .
                    In any case , the Advisory Committee > provided by the Draft
                    Decision ( art . 3 ) will be consulted of the allocation of funds .
     5.1 .      Incidence on the funds :
                - Community income tax on staff
                - Functionaries contribution for retirement fund
'6 .            FUNDING . OF ACTION
     6.0 .
     6.1 .
     6.2 .
     6.3 .      Funds to be included in fu-ture(s ) budqet(s )
                                      *