Mid America Paper Recycling - The Baler Issue

MID AMERICA PAPER RECYCLING ISSUE 3 VOL. 2

All about balers BALING 101. PG.3 SHOULD YOU INSTALL A BALER? PG.4 MID AMERICA’S BALING PERSPECTIVE. PG.10

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to The Baler Issue Happy 2021! We hope you’re getting through the “new normal,” and on your way to days filled with positive opportunities, hope and a brighter outcome. As Mid America continues to redefine its “business as unusual,” we see that recycling continues to play an even larger part in engaging that new reality.

The tough times we experienced in 2020 seem to be making us stronger, acting as a catalyst for positive change. We appreciate the continued partnership we have with our customers and suppliers, as well as their understanding of the measures we have taken to serve them safely and responsibly.

It’s amazing how much we have learned and grown in the last several months — how much we’ve adapted, coped and created new pathways for fiber recycling.

On the communications front, we’re all making the most of video conferencing to connect with business associates and strengthening our social media channels.

Communication is more important than ever, which is why we’re excited to launch this third edition of our “Waste Into Wealth” newsletter. We call this one our Baler Issue, because it is filled with information about how to choose the right baling equipment to fit your company’s specific needs. This issue focuses on the importance of choosing the right baling equipment, exploring the various types available (vertical versus horizontal, single-ram, two-ram, closed-door, etc.), and their advantages, features and options.

Waste Into Wealth is published three times per year by Mid America Paper Recycling

The increasing demand for more (new and used) corrugated shipping containers is prompting many businesses to automate or consider further automation.

Companies must ensure that loose recovered materials are captured properly, and that their waste-capturing processes are managed effectively.

This issue’s Team Profile will also feature our Office Manager, Lindsey Villanueva, who offers her insights and experiences vital to coordinating our many projects and meetings, hiring, and more.

Lindsey tells us what she does to grow relationships with suppliers and drive customer service to its fullest.

As a partner with our customers, we have a responsibility to support them with their goals. Working diligently to provide them with the right recovered materials and services, we often recommend materials handling equipment like balers to facilitate their recycling procedures.

Here, we talk with some of the baler equipment experts who discuss what to consider when purchasing baling equipment, adding another system and solutions for a wide range of industries.

Also, thanks to TAPPI and the AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, I had the honor of participating in their “Tech Talks: What’s New,” virtual presentation series. The online capabilities sessions from association members gave virtual visitors a chance to learn about new technologies and innovations in the industry. I summarize my presentation, and what advancements and developments the industry can expect from Mid America Paper Recycling.

We also give you our point of view on acquiring new baling equipment, emphasizing that the proper wastehandling equipment and its positioning in the plant will streamline many operations. Such materials-handling machinery can allow a production facility to increase the worth of its waste by forming tighter bales that are gradespecific. If these steps are taken, your revenues can grow, and indirect costs will shrink.

We’re always on the lookout for such ways to properly assist our customers in managing their paper waste. So, take a look through these pages and enjoy this issue!

Paul Pirkle President of Mid America Paper Recycling

Cover photo courtesy of Balemaster.

info@midamericapaper.com Phone: 773-890-5454 Don Gaines, CEO: dgaines@midamericapaper.com Paul Pirkle, President: ppirkle@midamericapaper.com Tom Surdyk, Executive VP: tsurdyk@midamericapaper.com Lindsey Villanueva, Office Manager: lvillanueva@midamericapaper.com 2

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Follow us on LinkedIN for updated material and conversations. linkedin.com/company/mid-america-paper-recycling Waste Into Wealth Magazine

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The main types of industrial baling machines: horizontal and vertical.

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The main types of industrial baling machines: horizontal and vertical. However, there are variations available, including round, square, rectangular, cylindrical, tworam, single-ram, closed-door, American, extra density, low-profile, specialty (made for specific uses) and many others. Whether it’s corrugated or paperboard recycling, paper recycling, plastics recycling, metals recycling, or other types of waste recycling, there is a baler or other equipment for almost any application.

The number of tons per hour that an average (medium-sized) paper baler with hydraulic power capacity, motor power of 7.5 kw., and 300-350 kg. bale weight can deliver.

Baling 101 15-20 Stats on baled paper, paperboard and other materials

The baler was originally made by Allis-Chalmers Corp., Milwaukee, and commercialized in 1947 as a tool for farmers to compact hay and straw into rounded bales. The baler was modified to create square or rectangular bales to hold more mass and facilitate stacking and storage. Later, balers were adapted for paper waste to perform the same duties in recycling applications.

The approximate number of gaylords (measuring 48 x 40 x 36 in.) filled with loose corrugated to equal one bale, or approximately 1,000 lbs. This material can be automatically baled by a low-volume baler at 800 – 1,200 lbs./cycle, on average.

1,000-2,000

The number of pounds in a bale, which can vary, depending on the type of baler and materials being baled. Dual-ram balers, for instance, can generate bales weighing as much as 3,000 lbs., depending on the system.

68m+

The number of tons of paper and paperboard products recovered annually in the U.S. (2018 figures)

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The approximate number of times paper can be recycled into new products.

Even after paperboard is recycled seven times, the resulting sludge is a valuable resource for many industries, both as an alternative fuel and as an alternative raw material. Lignite boilers can co-combust paper sludge, benefiting from both the heating value and the calcium contained in the paper sludge. (Source: The Balance Small Business, N+ P Group BV)

GOT PAPER, PAPERBOARD AND CORRUGATED?

Don’t Bale Out Bale It There are several advantages to purchasing a baler. But how to choose? We get the ‘infeed’ from top equipment manufacturers on how to select the right system.

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hile there are numerous ways to handle large amounts of scrap corrugated and paper, baling is an efficient and practical process suited for most recycling operations. Compacting loose material into dense, easily stacked bales allows recyclers to move and transport material cost-effectively. An industrialquality paperboard baler can reduce scrap material volume by as much as 90 percent. This translates directly into cost savings in material storage, labor, handling, and transport.

“Now is the time to bale,” says Lee McLaughlin, Sales Operations Manager, at Philadelphia-based PTR Baler and Compactor, a fourth-generation wastehandling equipment manufacturer for the retail market. “The demand for OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) has increased dramatically in recent months. The prices that mills pay for OCC have increased, so many operations can increase their recycling revenue by deciding to bale.”

Michael Blais, Central Regional Manager at Maren Engineering, a leading provider of baling systems located in South Holland, Ill., agrees: “Simply put, automatic baling is cost-effective and less labor-intensive than processing materials manually.”

Indeed, accumulating paper trim, corrugated, aluminum and textile scrap, plastic waste and non-ferrous metals can create an unsafe work environment.

It’s not environmentally sustainable to add these valuable items to the already overpopulated waste stream and shrinking landfills.

“The economics apply when the cost to recycle is less than the cost to bale, plus the revenue from the recycled commodity,” notes Mike Schwinn, sales manager at American Baler Co., Bellevue, Ohio.

“Another factor is control. Manufacturing plants don’t want to experience downtime due to scrap issues.”

In terms of freight costs, a trailer load of corrugated or paperboard shipped to a mill for recycling has transportation costs attached. The costs can vary widely, and are usually determined by the distance from the recycler to the load’s final destination. By loading a trailer or export container with the maximum amount of legal weight, the “per-ton” freight costs are kept to a minimum.

A small cost-cutting baler can reduce the number of hauls required, saving time flattening and cutting boxes and throwing them into dumpsters.

Sounds good, but how do you know when you need a baler? “When corrugated and paperboard waste becomes more than 150 – 250 lbs. a week, it makes sense to invest in a small baler,” says Kristian Buur, Vice President of Sales for Bramidan Engineering US, an Addison, Ill.-based manufacturer of vertical and horizontal baling equipment. “When a company generates 1,000 pounds of post-recycled paperboard waste per week, a 60-inch vertical baler will create a 1,000-pound bale, or what’s considered a ‘mill-sized’ bale, which has value to recyclers.” midamericapaper.com

Most recyclers accept many bale sizes and weights, but may charge to break up smaller bales to create a “mill-ready” sized bale, one weighing up to 1,000 lb. and about 60 in. wide, for maximized shipping.

Recyclers such as Mid America Paper Recycling indicate that the preferred bale weights range from 750 to 1,250 lbs., and in some cases, recyclers manage bales exceeding 2,000 lbs.

How to choose?

While a baler offers several advantages, choosing the right equipment can be tricky, the manufacturers agree. There are hundreds of baling equipment types, sizes and options, designed to suit different needs, waste materials, throughputs and volumes.

Baling equipment can incorporate various main cylinder sizes and a range of mechanisms, from automatic feeders and material hoppers to controls and accessories.

You may need a machine equipped with smart controls, fingerprint verification locks, low-noise operating features or other handy options. Or you may need a small, vertical machine that can be manually loaded with recyclables. A prospective buyer should opt for a flexible machine that handles their particular materials, volumes, floor space and power supply.

“Examining the machine specifications is a good start,” McLaughlin advises.

“The best options will be determined by the individual business, so consider the cycle times and the total hydraulic force on the press heads and feed hopper sizes (if applicable). These factors can help determine which baler will allow your operations to load material at the rate required to produce the total tons per month desired.”

High-volume facilities producing as much as 100 tons of OCC, double-lined

kraft (DLK) de-inking and other grades of paper and pulp per month require largercapacity, horizontal, automatic bale tying or two-ram balers, notes Josh Rykard, Sales Manager at Balemaster, Crown Point, Ind., which offers over 150 single-ram, horizontal automatic-tie baling systems.

Don’t forget; any new equipment, especially a larger-capacity horizontal baler, needs floor space, so both the buyer and the equipment installer should conduct a thorough site survey to determine available power requirements, room dimensions, ceiling height and other measurements before the machine enters the facility. Prospective buyers should also prepare adequate storage space for finished bales. And it’s wise to calculate the volumes of scrap material generated monthly by consistently weighing and tracking the material onsite; “The volume generated per month, week, or hour is usually a main indicator of what size baler the customer needs,” Buur points out.

“The dealer or manufacturer should work with each customer individually to ensure the correct model is selected,” Blais emphasizes. Many manufacturers offer classroom training in which purchasers learn operating procedures, machine construction, maintenance requirements, features, controls, interfaces and other pertinent details about their specific equipment, so operators will know exactly how to activate, monitor, maintain and run their system(s).

“Go with a manufacturer that has a good history of customer service,” Rykard adds.

“And consult with a reliable distributor network that ensures superior aftersale care.” Mid America Paper Recycling, which is often asked for advice on choosing balers, can point you to an assortment of reliable manufacturers and distributors (see MAPR’s perspective article in this newsletter). — Story Continues 5

Horizontal balers Horizontal balers process waste differently than vertical balers and generally operate at higher cycle speeds.

Single-ram horizontal balers often incorporate open-end, automatic tying as well as closed-door, manual-tie styles that allow for an easy switch between commodities because one bale is tied and ejected before the next bale is started.

Bales from horizontal machines usually weigh more than bales from vertical balers.

Horizontal Baler

Baler types Most balers fall into one of four main groups: vertical (or downstroke balers), horizontal, single-ram, and two-ram.

In a vertical baler, the ram motion is perpendicular to the floor. In a horizontal baler, the ram motion is parallel to the floor.

Vertical balers Vertical downstroke balers are usually manually fed and front-loaded. Most suitable for lower-volume operations, they’re available in several sizes (according to bale size), and compress loose waste materials with a vertical downward force into compact, tightly packed bales. The bales are easy to transport and take up less storage space than loose material or stacks.

Vertical balers occupy less floor space than horizontals and usually require assistance to manually feed the material into the machine. If your facility processes small bales of OCC that weigh roughly 700 to 800 lbs., or you generate approximately 10 to 25 tons of material or more per month, the experts suggest investing in a closed-door downstroke baler that accepts most recycling grades.

In operation, once the baler’s material chamber is filled, a gate or door is closed and the baler’s ram, or hydraulic cylinder that drives force and compression, moves toward the floor, crushing the recyclable waste. When the chamber is full, a bale will be formed and can be tied with baling

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wire. Some systems do this automatically before ejecting the bale from the machine.

“Cylinder size determines the amount of pressure put on the ram, which then determines the density and weight of the bales,” Rykard explains. “The system’s motor and pump size determine how fast the machine’s hydraulic oil pumps, which therefore, determines the machine speed and how fast it compacts the material.”

Closed-door, manual-tie vertical balers have a limited capacity but are more reasonably priced. “Manual-tie machines are cost-effective while the auto-tie versions offer ease of operation,” Rykard says.

Advantages Small footprint. Vertical balers often reduce the operational footprint, and can be easily used in places where horizontal balers may be impractical. They’re suitable for commercial operations such as retail stores, supermarkets, distribution centers, and many other outlets. Most of the larger vertical balers such as the 60and 72-in.-wide sizes require extra ceiling height (about 14 ft. or more on average), however some specialty balers can operate with just an 8-foot ceiling.

Cost. Vertical balers typically cost less than horizontal balers, sometimes onefifth or even one-tenth the price of a horizontal system.

Variety of materials processed. Some vertical balers process almost every type of recyclable waste, from office paper to non-ferrous metals. Other vertical balers can be specialized, and process things such as aluminum or plastic beverage containers or even storage drums.

There is little maintenance required in most cases.

In operation, recyclable waste is placed in a hopper or feed chute equipped on the horizontal machine, and when full, a ram automatically cycles and compresses the scrap in the bale chamber with a horizontal force until the bale is complete.

An extrusion-style or single-ram baler uses a compression device to push the bale along an extrusion chamber and eventually out of the machine. The bale is then tied off.

A closed-door baler design ensures very dense bales of processed material. When the bale is formed and complete, the door opens to eject the bale.

Companies processing multiple materials should look to a two-ram or closed-door manual-tie machine, Blais suggests. “Most horizontal balers are designed to have a higher ram force than a vertical baler.

The harder they can ‘push,’ the denser the bale,” he says.

Advantages Horizontal balers are suitable for larger volumes and bale weights per day. “A horizontal baler starts to make sense financially when you’re handling about 80 tons per month,” Rykard explains.

An electromechanical automatic tying feature is often a safe bet for this type of equipment, he adds. “Look for a tying feature that’s the least complicated to troubleshoot and maintain.”

Conveyorized machines accommodate large operations with high outputs, and incorporate more technology such as air conveying, specialized feeders and hoppers, a heavy-duty construction, automatic ejection, multi-material handling abilities, sophisticated human/ machine touchscreen and control interfaces and shear blades, to name a few. “They do take up more space and may require conveyors but most feature automatic feeding devices, which saves on labor,” Schwinn mentions.

Waste Into Wealth Magazine

Ram needs When it comes to a ram device, the basic operating principles of a ram compressing material into a bale is the same; a single-ram (or extrusion baler) uses a compression cylinder to push the bale along the extrusion chamber and eventually out. Single-ram machines are suitable for more limited spaces but generally improve workplace safety and clear workspaces of recyclable materials.

Other factors: Consistency. Horizontal balers produce bales that are consistent in density and weight, making them easy to store in end users’ warehouses.

Convenience. Horizontal balers can be used with in-ground or above-ground conveyor belts, shredders, and air systems.

Wider applications. Most horizontal balers can process a wide variety of materials and also produce bales of non-elastic materials such as newsprint or office paper.

Size. Horizontal balers occupy far more floor space than vertical balers. Some models can be 40 ft. long or more, including their platform and stairs.

Price. Horizontal balers generally cost much more than vertical balers, and this cost can be even greater if they’re purchased with conveyance, air or shredding systems.

Many open-end auto-tie balers handle a relatively large volume of material but are typically best suited for single material types, the experts concur. Conveyorized horizontal systems often incorporate photo eyes, color touchscreens, programmable logic and human/machine interface controls, and components that allow for automatic cycling. Requiring little human supervision, they can produce two to twenty 2,000-lb. bales an hour (depending on materials processed, machine model, bale size, etc.).

“A horizontal baler must have the right options for the application: automatic startup, automatic versus manual feeding, warning lights, a tipping hopper, and so on,” Buur explains. “If you generally run multiple materials, find equipment that’s relatively easy to change over from one material to another,” he advises. midamericapaper.com

Typically installed in large recycling centers, two-ram balers use one ram to compress the material, and another one to eject the bale. The two-ram version is best for baling a wider range of materials frequently without sacrificing bale quality or weight. “Two-ram machines work best with larger sized materials, fiber, plastics (rigid containers), nonferrous metals in higher volumes and difficult-to-shear materials like nonferrous metals,” Schwinn adds.

Two-ram systems are also handy when switching from one scrap material to another or running large, bulky materials that require a large feed opening, thanks to their enclosed, heavily reinforced chamber designs.

“If the user will be running multiple materials, we typically recommend either a simple closed-door system that makes a single bale at a time (that can be tied off by hand and ejected), or a two-ram baler where one cylinder presses the material into a dense block, and a second cylinder pushes the bale out the side of the machine. A tying system ties the bales together,” Buur explains. “The latest tworam balers are quite flexible and reliable.

When volumes become sufficiently high, open-end balers are typically required, as they tie off the bales much faster.”

What to ask before you buy No matter the baler, the experts recommend asking if replacement parts are in stock. Also request references of current users, typical maintenance costs, pressure ratings for the cylinder and the pressure at which the baler operates. Be sure to determine the type of post-sale services available. Mid America Paper Recycling can recommend various balers to help you evaluate the choices and answer any questions (see next page and related story).

Accessories/options run the gamut so determine what will be needed to make the equipment the most user-friendly within your budget. Options range from wire tying guides, counters, keypad security systems, safety devices, filters, warning and “full” lights, water misters that eliminate dust in the feed chute, wire coil hoists, remote controls and more.

Balers generally have a quick return on investment—often one year, depending on the equipment. “It’s a good return on the investment, from revenue earned on the sale of bales to reduced disposal costs,” McLaughlin notes. Balers will improve your plant’s overall sanitation while helping you create a more positive company image. You can breathe easier knowing your plant operations are more efficient, because waste materials are contained and under control.

Two Ram Baler 7

Interested in baling?

Determine the equipment budget up front, and decide whether you need a large-volume horizontal system (that processes 20 tons a month) or a handy vertical downstroke machine to reap the best return on the investment after labor costs and hauling.

one cubic yard Determining the weight of one cubic yard of loose materials (or recyclables) and then checking the baled weight (of one cubic yard) of that same material can provide basic information related to the compaction ratio. For instance, if the loose material weighs 25 lbs. per cubic yard and the same material baled weighs 500 lbs., then the compaction capabilities are roughly 20 to 1.

“Also remember to determine horsepower and cylinder size, as they determine the machine’s amount of thrust.”

Lee McLaughlin, Sales Operations Manager, PTR Baler and Compactor

vertical

horizontal

Labor costs associated with operating a vertical downstroke baler should not likely exceed more than 25 tons a month, according to the equipment manufacturers here.

a nd i p m e nt u q e d e Us re gra ms a o r p l a t ren i l ab l e . a v a y l i d a l s o rea

baling

Factors

to consider “Heavier bales mean fewer bales, less wire, less material handling, less wear and tear, and less semi loads to transport the bales.”

Safety should always be a primary concern.

The baler should comply with all U.S. safety standards, including the ANSI Z245.51-2013 standard for baling equipment, and incorporate warning features such as lights, alarms, and electrical safety features.

The equipment vendor should provide risk assessment details on operation and maintenance.

“Review the operations manual of a baler before you buy. A good manual full of pictures and other aids will show how it can work in your operation.”

Mike Schwinn, sales manager at American Baler Co.

Josh Rykard, Sales Manager at Balemaster

Generally speaking, the higher the force, bale weights and bale density, the higher the cost of the baler. This may not always apply to specialty balers made for specific applications and uses.

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Rykard also notes that typically, the bigger the baler cylinder, the more the force and the denser the bales.

Consult with Mid America Paper Recycling, which will transfer your baled material to the most appropriate mill offering the best price for your bales.

Waste Into Wealth Magazine

If scrap is sinking your efficiency, IT MAY BE TIME TO BALE.

Scan the QR code to start growing the worth of your waste.

Collecting, moving, and storing trim and scrap costs you time and money. A baler could help your facility become more efficient, but you have options. It may make sense for you to have Mid America pick up your waste, process it, and maximize your revenues. But if getting a baler is the right option, not just any will do. The size of your facility, the type of paper you work with, and other factors must be considered.

midamericapaper.com • 773.890.5454

Selecting the best way to handle trim and scrap is a benefit of Mid America Paper Recycling’s waste audit and facility walk-through. We’ll help you from start to finish - making process improvements, purchasing or leasing equipment, materials marketing, and logistics.

That’s how we transform waste streams into growing value streams.

Growing The Worth Of Your Waste

The ultimate goal is to increase revenue from waste generation.

We have the expertise to source new and used equipment and provide complete turnkey installations.

It's Time

To Bale Better Issues to consider for making the right decision.

Baling the material in-house captures revenue instead of adding downstream costs.

A

The tools and processes in place must align with the financial goals of the organization.

s new orders for manufactured goods continue to rise, and more consumers shop online, e-commerce shipping volumes and the use of paperboard/corrugated shipping containers are soaring. In 2018, more than 50 percent of Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) recovered were used to make new corrugated containers; and more than 34 percent were exported to meet global demand for U.S. recovered fiber.

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If the wrong baling equipment is selected, it may be under-utilized.

Scrap paper and plastic can accumulate quickly in a production facility. This has fueled the need for more businesses to better understand how to manage their scrap generation, which has resulted in them investing in balers.

Paving the way for the recovery and reuse of recycled fiber, Chicago-based Mid America Paper Recycling seeks ways to add tangible and intangible value by asWaste Into Wealth Magazine

sisting customers on increasing their revenue, lowering their costs and promoting safety while enhancing sustainability. When visiting a prospective or existing customer, Mid America Paper Recycling will assess a company’s situation and workflow management.

“We’re open to all considerations,” says Mid America Paper Recycling’s President Paul Pirkle. “When we go into a package manufacturing facility, for example, and see gaylords or tubs collecting scrap, we often ask to see their baler.

In some cases, the company is not baling, but is placing its material in a compactor.

This may work for some; however, there are times when the waste generation reaches the volume where the operation should bale the material. In addition, the company may want to reduce its indirect costs, so finding a way to do that may be on the agenda.”

There are many things to consider when evaluating baling equipment. Packaging manufacturers and converters may need new baling equipment when the maintenance, uptime, and compression of their bales aren’t providing optimal performance, Pirkle notes. “While visiting, we evaluate a site’s workflow, its processes and scrap management through our Waste Audit Survey. The site would be well served by purchasing a downstroke (vertical) or a horizontal baler if it has increasing costs and excess scrap buildup.”

For many manufacturers, distributors and retailers, baling recyclables provides significant economic benefits.

“Baling can remove some of the indirect costs,” Pirkle points out. “If the operation ships loose material, that material must be processed (baled) before going to a paper mill, which adds costs. Baling the material in-house captures revenue instead of adding downstream costs.”

Don Gaines, Chief Executive Officer of Mid America Paper Recycling, concurs.

“We assess the type of scrap generated (paper type, size of scrap pieces and volumes), as well as floor space requirements and the amount of labor required to collect and move the scrap. We also look at its impact on productivity and plant operation safety.”

Baling equipment facilitates materials-handling processes and reduces shipping costs. Baling also improves the efficiency of each haul by increasing the amount of weight moving from the material generation site to the paper mill. “Ideally, we work toward 40- to midamericapaper.com

44,000-pound loads, to create optimum freight cost efficiencies for our supplier,” Pirkle adds.

Bigger businesses generate more waste A vertical, high-density baling machine can efficiently handle waste paper, corrugated or plastic wrap in low tonnage amounts. “A 60-inch baler is the standard for vertical balers,” Gaines notes.

“Anything smaller could produce bale weights too light for most paper mills.

This would require a small bale to be rebaled into a larger heavier bale.”

Horizontal balers are best for higher volumes and automated production facilities that operate at high speeds: “They allow material to be conveyed into the baler, which reduces manpower costs associated with loading a vertical baler,” Gaines points out. “Instead of spending time hand-placing scrap into a vertical downstroke baler, the operation may be better served with an automatic, closed-door horizontal baler. This change would increase its scrap value and reduce labor costs,” Pirkle says.

In addition, automatic bale-tying features are recommended when high speeds and continuous baling are required: “As a company increases its business, the scrap it generates increases,” Pirkle points out. “The ultimate goal is to increase revenue from waste generation. By combining the right baling equipment with the most effective internal processes possible, these operations will achieve their waste objectives, and key results (which are identified during our Continuous Improvement Review).

The most notable process changes that impact facility efficiency and revenue increases include reducing the labor involved in managing loose material.”

What’s right for the operation Like the baling equipment manufacturing experts featured in this newsletter, Mid America Paper Recycling agrees that finding the right baling equipment for your specific operation is critical. “If the wrong baling equipment is selected, it may be under-utilized, which will steer the operation down the wrong path, and may lead to frustration,” Pirkle cautions.

“Additional labor can create negative outcomes. The tools and processes in place must align with the financial goals of the organization.”

The equipment selection can be confusing and tricky, and that’s where Mid America Paper Recycling’s waste audit and facility walk-through can benefit prospective clients. The wrong baler can actually increase labor costs and result in increased baler repair costs.

“Interested parties must understand their current program and its pain points,” Gaines points out. “They must also educate themselves to sift through the myriad of possibilities. Mid America Paper Recycling will educate our clients and guide them through the process.

We have the expertise to source new and used equipment and provide complete turnkey installations.”

Pirkle agrees: “We’re unique in educating clients and scrap generators on improving their processes. Most businesses continue handling scrap the same way they always have. We look at the economics of a baling equipment purchase and find the right fit. We can walk them through a return-on-investment calculation that factors in the labor they would most likely realize from the investment, and show them how phenomenal an investment in baling can be.”

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The official ‘chairman’ of

Getting Things Done with Lindsey Villanueva

Office Manager Lindsey Villanueva is known as the person in charge of ‘Getting Things Done’ at Mid America Paper Recycling. She has a vital role in customer service and supplier relations, coordinating and scheduling projects, and ensuring that clients and supplier partners stay efficient and productive.

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Waste Into Wealth Magazine

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suburban Chicago native, Lindsey Villanueva joined Mid America more than 15 years ago as a receptionist, never imagining at the time she would build a career in the recycling industry. Soon, she transitioned into a sales position, and became involved in customer service. Then, she accepted the role of Office Manager in 2017.

“Today, I only hope to continue to grow with Mid America,” she says. “I began working at a young age and didn’t attend school in the traditional sense, so I feel like I have grown up here. MAPR is a familyowned company, and I was welcomed into this family with open arms. I’ve learned so much – not just about the industry, but about myself. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in management, with an MBA in my endgame.”

Villanueva grew to love what she calls the stewardship to the Earth. “I didn’t even think about it when I began my career here, but the economic impact of what we do is amazing and something to feel good about.”

Leading the customer service team of seven “awesome” individuals, Villanueva can’t believe how large the group is today compared to when she started with the company. “There was only one other office employee back then,” she remembers.

Today, the team is the face of the company, where strong, front-line communication is critical, she says.

Suppliers and paper mills are constantly looking for logistics information, pricing, release numbers, purchase orders and timely pickups for their loads. “We must represent the company well,” Villanueva notes. “Anticipating the needs of our suppliers and customers, we strive for a quick turnaround on service and a prompt response time in correspondence.”

Setting, meeting, exceeding goals One of her recent projects involved overseeing a new continuous improvement process. “We developed a way to measure a portion of customer service performance, and I share that with the team,” she explains. “We set goals for the week and the team works on them. Each Monday, I send the team a spreadsheet with current statistics from [commodities software solution provider] cieTrade, along with the results from the previous week. I’m pleased to say they are

not only hitting their goals, they are also surpassing them, which is fantastic. The team has done well to hit the goals, and they lift each other up in the process. We have a great team.”

Being prompt ensures that suppliers are paid on time and customers are invoiced on time, Villanueva explains. “There’s always room for improvement when it comes to finalizing deals on loads. But we should be proud of how well we have been doing, from customer service to accounts/receivable to plant operations and everything in between and beyond.

We work hard to provide proactive communication. Our suppliers all have very different operations, and they don’t want to worry about scrap paper – we worry about it for them.”

Building relationships is also key, Villanueva points out. Taking the time to make people feel important goes a long way in building supplier relationships.

“We have a measurable system that will motivate results,” she says. “Yet, our work is not done. We will continue to grow, change, and develop new systems to improve this process.”

In dealing with the challenges, Villanueva has discovered it’s smart not to put all your eggs in one basket: “We must plan for the unexpected. If and when we face a challenge, we know how we’re going to respond. We manage logistics, materials, and communication so that we consistently exceed expectations with both the mills and our suppliers. We also schedule as proactively as possible to ensure we are taking care of our suppliers.”

Overcoming challenges No matter what 2020 has thrown at Mid America, Villanueva says her team has done well to navigate new waters and find ways to keep as close to business as usual as possible. “I’m proud that we have persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone was given the opportunity to work remotely, and it’s wonderful to work for such a strong, essential business. I’m fortunate for that.

We have integrity and try to do the right thing, even if it’s at our own expense. That says a lot.”

Our suppliers all have very different operations, and they don’t want to worry about scrap paper – we worry about it for them.

MAPR Team Profile Lindsey Villanueva Office Manager 15+ years at MAPR Manages team of 7 “I’m also a full-time solutions provider.”

P: 773.890.5454 lvillanueva@midamericapaper.com

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MAPR TALKS WASTE AUDIT An Insider’s Look at the AICC/TAPPI Tech Talks

T

here aren’t many free services in business that help you increase revenue, but the Waste Audit does exactly that. That’s why in November, Mid America Paper Recycling’s president, Paul Pirkle, didn’t hesitate to discuss the company’s Waste Audit benefits in his online virtual presentation during “Tech Talks: What’s New,” a creative look at the corrugated/ paper industry’s latest innovations and solutions.

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To watch the Tech Talk video visit: https://bit.ly/3bskL25 Or to take the Waste Audit and see for yourself: midamericapaper.com/waste-audit

Produced jointly by AICC, the Independent Packaging Association, Alexandria, Va., and TAPPI, Peach Tree Corners, Ga., the online series of capabilities sessions was held bi-weekly from Sept. 15 to Nov. 12. The sessions were part of the 2021 SuperCorrExpo® industry event covering the global pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and converting markets.

Waste Into Wealth Magazine

The virtual presentations allowed SuperCorr Expo 2021 exhibitor members to highlight their new products, technology, equipment and services online, from their businesses or home offices. “The AICC/ TAPPI Tech Talks offered members the opportunity to connect and learn about the latest and greatest technology available for paper packaging converters,” explains Virginia Humphrey, Director of Membership & Marketing at AICC, The Independent Packaging Association.

Improving recycling operations Pirkle’s session defined Mid America’s industry-first Waste Audit Report and explained how it can help customers improve their recycling operations, find hidden benefits in recycling and reap maximum returns from their recycling waste.

“It was a great honor to be included in the presentation lineup,” Pirkle says. “The manufacturing operations of paper and container board facilities often create tons of waste annually, ranging from pre-consumer, high-grade recyclable paper to production trim, corrugated and paperboard. Mid America’s best-in-class solutions can help companies realize significant revenues in that material, transforming their waste streams into value streams. Our Waste Audit is a continuous improvement plan that sets goals and objectives that begin with a customer survey, used as a method of discovery.”

In his Tech Talks presentation, Pirkle discussed how Mid America uses the results of the customer’s Waste Audit survey to design a custom execution plan with their specific financial goals in mind.

“We are creating systems and services that allow us to educate, service, and present a clear pathway for fiber recycling each day,” he explains. “We ask strategic questions about what we can do for the customer, and take time to understand their specific goals. Then, we follow through with a continuous improvement solution incorporating process steps for waste generation and collection procedures, in-plant processes, safety, and logistics. We also research how customers can recognize more revenue per ton.”

Corrugators understand that the economics of their waste streams are cyclical, so Pirkle covered how Mid America regularly updates each program to continuously improve revenue contributions.

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SuperCorrExpo 2021 Aug. 8 - 12, 2021 • Orlando, FL www.supercorrexpo.org

Virtual success “We learn much from the waste audit survey about potential customers and what value we can bring to them in short order,” Pirkle adds. “In the virtual presentation, I also defined our benchmark grading system, how we chart a specific path forward, and how to overcome operational challenges. I also discussed how we assess and update a client’s report, along with our onsite visits, among other steps. The Tech Talks session gave us a chance to continue communicating our innovations to the industry. It was a unique way for SuperCorrExpo attendees and other corrugated industry professionals to learn about many products that have debuted since January 2019.”

The Tech Talks virtual event was a success, said Michael D’Angelo, President of AICC, The Independent Packaging Association.

“The Tech Talks served the industry well.

Participation by box makers was strong each week. The desire to learn about innovations never subsides. That’s why AICC and TAPPI are proud we provided this necessary forum.”

Kristi Ledbetter, Corrugated Division Manager at TAPPI, agrees: “We have been very pleased with the response to the Tech Talks: What’s New series,” she points out.

“We had about 100 registrants for each session with over 350 unique attendees.

Feedback from both the presenters and attendees has been very positive. TAPPI and AICC are happy to be able to provide this opportunity for SuperCorrExpo 2021 exhibitors to reach their customers prior to the face-to-face event.”

The conversation will continue at SuperCorrExpo 2021, Aug. 8-12, in Orlando, Fla., where the industry will personally see the products in action. All of the Tech Talk presentations will continue to be available for viewing online at supercorrexpo.org through August 2021.

Mid America’s free Waste Audit Survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete online. Find out more by scanning the QR Code or visiting www.midamericapaper.com/waste-audit

We give you a grade, and more importantly, solutions.

Dynamo 76%-100%

Catalyst 55% - 75%

Explorer 40% -54%

Novice 20% - 39%

Fledgling 0% - 19%

The secret to meeting both sustainability goals and revenue targets

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If we wrote down all we know about balers, WE’D NEED A BALER AFTERWARD.

A baler captures more value from waste. But the wrong choice could reduce effectiveness and add labor and repair costs. Selecting the optimal baler is a benefit of our waste audit and facility walk-through. We’ll help you choose the right baler, install it, and maximize its value. It’s just one of the many ways we help you transform waste streams into value streams.

Scan the QR code to start growing the worth of your waste.

Growing The Worth Of Your Waste