Enzymatic upgrade of old paperboard containers

The use of enzymes in secondary fiber (old paperboard containers) upgrading was investigated. The following aspects were analyzed: (i) the effect of s everal enzymes and (non-hydrolytic) cellulose-binding domains on the pulp a nd paper properties; (ii) factors influencing enzymatic treatment of second ary fiber: enzyme dosage and reaction time: and (iii) enzyme action on frac tions with different fiber-length. In general, all the tested enzymatic pre parations were able to improve the pulp drainability. In most cases this im provement was obtained at the expense of paper strength. The use of cellulo se-binding domains allowed for the simultaneous increase in drainability an d strength properties. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.