Turning sublimation waste into fuel for a circular apparel printing industry

ADP Corporation reveals a unique solution to the longstanding issue of recycling used sublimation transfer paper. Traditionally difficult to process through material recovery systems, this paper is now being successfully repurposed into RPF (Refuse Derived Paper and Plastics Densified Fuel) thanks to a collaboration with Ishizaka Sangyo Co., Ltd. and the Saitama Industrial Promotion Public Corporation.

RPF, or Refuse Derived Paper and Plastics Densified Fuel, is a solid fuel created from industrial waste such as used paper and plastics that are challenging to recycle. Ishizaka Sangyo produces RPF with consistent quality and minimal impurities, helping to prevent issues like boiler corrosion from chlorine gas and the release of harmful dioxins. With high thermal efficiency and adjustable heat output, RPF is already being used by major paper manufacturers as a cleaner alternative to coal.

Sublimation transfer printing is widely used for producing vibrant graphics on sportswear and other garments. The process involves inkjet printing on special transfer paper, followed by heat and pressure to vaporise the ink and infuse it into polyester fibres.

After printing, the transfer paper is left with ink residue, making it unfit for paper recycling. If such contaminated paper is mistakenly mixed into general wastepaper streams, it can disrupt recycling operations. Even a single A4 sheet can spoil up to 100 tonnes of recycled paper. Historically, this has led to large quantities of whiteboard paper being discarded at mills. The problem is hard to detect and must be addressed at the source. Moreover, used sublimation paper is sometimes found in packaging for imported goods and often enters the recycling system from households without notice.

To solve this issue, ADP teamed up with Ishizaka Sangyo, under the guidance of the Saitama Industrial Promotion Public Corporation. Rather than resorting to incineration, they convert the waste paper into RPF, which can even be used by sublimation paper manufacturers as a coal substitute. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes resource circulation within the apparel printing industry.