Tool for evaluation of the quality of recycled fiber material

A novel method is introduced for evaluation of the quality of fiber material. The method proposes a new parameter, the Fiber Integrity value. The approach is based on the fact that the strength potential of the material is of primary importance, and only sufficient strength level makes it possible to optimize other quality properties. The Integrity value is defined by a simple equation using parameters that are measurable at mill with current or emerging technology. The applicability of the Integrity value was tested using industrial samples from several mills. Also the effect of deinking and screening on the Integrity value was studied. The results show that together with the bonding factor the Integrity value correlates well with several strength values of paper, and thus the value has considerable potential in evaluating the quality of recycled fiber material