Old Corrugated Containers (known as OCC Grade 11) constitute the bedrock of commercial paper recycling. However, failing to comply with density and moisture standards can lead to container rejection and heavy fines at international ports.
The Core Requirements of OCC 11
OCC Grade 11 refers strictly to clean corrugated cardboard boxes having liners of testliner, jute, or kraft. Contamination from wax-coated boxes, food waste, plastics, or excessive moisture is the primary reason for load rejection.
"Moisture levels exceeding 12% inside a cardboard bale can cause internal mold, degrading fiber length and ruining the material for pulping mills."
Optimizing Bale Density
To maximize freight efficiency, scrap yards must compress OCC using high-density horizontal auto-tie balers. A standard 40-foot shipping container should contain at least 22 to 24 metric tons of cardboard. If bales are loosely packed, you pay the same shipping freight for half the weight, eroding your profit margins.
Quality Control Guidelines
Instruct yard sorting staff to slice open incoming mixed paper bundles to discard plastic liners and polystyrene inserts. Store finished bales in dry, covered warehouses rather than outdoor yards to prevent rain damage.
