Yes, it is important. Knowing the recyclability of different paper grades help paper recycling centers in processing specific types of paper. Below are the 5 main categories of paper grades.
Mixed Paper - It is a broad category that includes various types of paper, such as mail, catalogs, phone books, and magazines.
Old Newspapers - Paper mills use old newspapers to produce more newsprint, tissue, and other paper products.
Old Corrugated Containers - These are commonly known as "corrugated cardboards". They are often used for product packaging and boxes.
High Grade Deinked Paper - It is a quality paper category that consists of paper products such as envelopes, copy paper, and letterhead that have undergone the printing process and had the ink removed.
Pulp Substitutes - They are usually discarded scraps from paper mills.
Paper grade is determined by the length of its fibers, which decrease in length with each recycling cycle. For instance, newspaper is considered a lower grade paper as it has been recycled multiple times, while printer paper is a higher grade. After undergoing five to seven recycling cycles, the fibers become too short for further paper production and must be blended with virgin fibers.