Easily-deinkable toner: A solution to the deinking problem for small mills

In spite of recent advances in mechanical deinking, the problem for mixed office waste continues, especially for small mills without complex process flowsheets. The difficulties associated with deinking xerographic or laser prints are described. A new deinking process based on a toner reformulation is described. The toner binder resin is modified to give it weak acidic properties. This allows toner ink specks to disintegrate under caustic repulping conditions and enable easy washing or flotation. Pilot scale results demonstrating these effects are presented and discussed.