Why Water Usage in Corrugated Matters More Than You Think.

When we talk about sustainable packaging, our minds often jump to recycling, recycled content, and deforestation. But there's a critical, often overlooked, element in the corrugated lifecycle that profoundly impacts its environmental footprint: water usage. From pulp production to board manufacturing and even ink application, water is an indispensable, yet finite, resource. For an industry striving for greater sustainability, understanding and optimizing water consumption isn't just good for the planet—it's smart business. Source: giantcorrugated.com

The journey of water in corrugated manufacturing begins long before a single sheet of paperboard is made:

• Pulp and Paper Production: This is by far the most water-intensive stage. Transforming wood fibers or recycled paper into pulp for linerboard and medium requires significant amounts of water for pulping, washing, bleaching (if applicable), and sheet formation. While much of this water is treated and recirculated, large volumes are still consumed or discharged.
• Starch Preparation: The adhesive used to bond the flutes and liners in corrugated board is typically a starch-based glue. Preparing this adhesive requires water to create the slurry and activate the starch.
• Corrugator Operations: While not as intensive as papermaking, water is used on the corrugator for various processes, including steam generation for heat and moisture control, cleaning, and sometimes for specialized coating applications.
• Flexographic Printing: Inks used in flexo printing, especially water-based inks common in corrugated, require water. Cleaning printing plates and anilox rollers also consumes water, often mixed with cleaning agents.
• Cooling and Ancillary Processes: Water is used in cooling systems for machinery and for general sanitation and maintenance throughout the plant.

As global water resources face increasing strain due to climate change and population growth, the pressure on industries to reduce their water footprint intensifies. For corrugated manufacturers, challenges are encountered through:

• Rising Costs: Water scarcity can lead to higher water utility bills and increased costs for wastewater treatment.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Governments and environmental agencies are implementing stricter regulations on water discharge quality and consumption limits, requiring significant investment in advanced treatment technologies.
• Reputational Risk: Consumers and brand owners are increasingly scrutinizing the environmental practices of their supply chains. A high water footprint can damage a company's reputation and lead to loss of business.

為什麼瓦楞紙箱的用水量比你想像的更重要？當我們談到永續包裝時，我們通常會想到回收、再生材料和森林砍伐。然而，瓦楞紙箱生命週期中有一個關鍵且經常被忽視的因素，它對其環境足跡有著深遠的影響：用水量。從紙漿生產到紙板製造，甚至油墨應用，水都是不可或缺但有限的資源。對於一個致力於實現更高永續發展的產業來說，了解和優化用水量不僅對地球有益，更是明智之舉。

瓦楞紙箱製造中的水資源之旅早在製造出第一張紙板之前就開始了：

• 紙漿和造紙生產：這是迄今為止耗水量最高的階段。將木纖維或再生紙轉化為用於生產牛卡紙和芯紙的紙漿，需要大量的水用於製漿、洗滌、漂白（如適用）和紙張成型。雖然大部分水都經過處理和再循環，但仍有大量水被消耗或排放。
• 澱粉製備：用於黏合瓦楞紙板的瓦楞和襯紙的黏合劑通常是澱粉基膠。製備這種黏合劑需要用水來調配漿料並活化澱粉。
• 瓦楞機操作：雖然不像造紙那樣耗水，但瓦楞機的各種工藝都需要用水，包括產生蒸汽以控制熱量和濕度、清潔，有時還用於特殊的塗佈應用。
• 柔版印刷：柔版印刷中使用的油墨，尤其是瓦楞紙板中常用的水性油墨，需要用水。清潔印版和網紋輥也需要用水，通常會與清潔劑混合使用。
• 冷卻和輔助製程：機器的冷卻系統以及整個工廠的一般衛生和維護都需要用水。

隨著氣候變遷和人口成長導致全球水資源面臨越來越大的壓力，各行各業減少水足跡的壓力也隨之增加。對於瓦楞紙板製造商而言，他們面臨的挑戰包括：

• 成本上升：水資源短缺可能導致水費上漲和廢水處理成本增加。
• 監管審查：各國政府和環保機構正在實施更嚴格的水排放品質和用水量限制法規，需要在先進的處理技術方面投入大量資金。
• 聲譽風險：消費者和品牌擁有者對其供應鏈的環保實踐日益關注。高水足跡會損害公司的聲譽，並導致業務損失。