An expert is underlining the material gain and environmental positive aspects of paper recycling An expert is calling for increasing the local production of paper to half a million tons every year to cater to the needs of the Egyptian market for different kinds of paper. Essam Saber Abdel Sayed, expert at the Chemical and Organic Department of the Scientific Research Center in Cairo, pointed out that although Egypt was the first to invent writing paper out of papyrus and the first to launch the modern paper industry between 1800 and 1900, it still imports large quantities of paper. Paper shortage, he says, is primarily caused by the lack of raw materials but recycling is the ideal technique to make up for that. "Recycling would not only be good for the environment and prevent the waste of natural resources, it will also reduce the pollution levels resulting from the consumption of these remains, noted Abdel Sayed. Abdel Sayed says that Egypt consumes 120,000 tons of paper pulp to produce newspapers, 150,000 tons to make writing paper and other types essential for press purposes, 60,000 tons to produce cartons, and 40,000 to manufacture tissues and other hygienic products. The amount of solid waste in Egypt has been estimated at 60 million kg per day. Some 10,000 tons of waste is dumped by Cairo residents alone. "Paper makes up 2,000 tons of that amount which accumulates in the capital's trash bins, said Abdel Sayed, explaining that only 50 percent of this bulk of paper remains is recycled. Recycle such remains countrywide would generate revenues of up to LE 600 million every year. "It's enough to know that recycling will help save 7,500 gallons of water consumed in the traditional techniques. Likewise, when recycling, the energy used is cut down by 4,200 kilo watts per hour. It also reduces air pollution levels by 75 percent and water pollution by 35 percent. It will also conserve the wood. The results of the recycling processes will rely on the quality of paper remains, such as those dumped by the printing-presses, as well as other types used in producing newspapers and magazines. Cuttings trashed by factories, offices and companies are also used. "Egypt consumes 25,000 tons of paper remains every month, half of which comes from newspaper, said Abdel Sayed. He explained that tissue and toilette paper, paper bags, egg carton and gift boxes as well as other items are produced using recycled paper. "The only reason why recycling in Egypt is lagging behind is that we do not know how to market recycled items, he said. "There is a need to spread awareness about the importance of purchasing recycled environment-friendly paper products and encourage investors to set up factories that would benefit from the new technology in that field. He believes paper factories should now be equipped with the machines necessary for treating paper remains. There are three main paper factories in Egypt which still operate using traditional methods, including The National Paper Company and Recta in Alexandria, which mainly produce cartons and other packing facilities that are made from rice husks. Egypt-Edfo is another company in Upper Egypt that produces writing paper made by processing the remains of sugar cane. About 60 other factories that belong to the private sector are specialized in manufacturing other types of paper products.
