What’s a Paper Compressor?

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Paper compressors compact wet recyclable paper into bricks that can be used as a short-burning fuel source to supplement firewood and reduce costs. They are environmentally friendly, reduce deforestation, and can be used for barbecues and fireplaces. Manual and industrial versions are available, with the latter producing stacked bales of compressed paper. The technology has a long international history and can encourage home recycling.

Keeping fireplaces warm can sometimes be an expensive proposition. Constantly stoking a supply of wood into any fireplace is an idea some are slow to warm to. This task is made easier by the use of a paper compressor, a piece of equipment that compacts paper into bricks. Whether it’s a small manual machine or a large industrial machine, the equipment usually works by compressing wet recyclable paper which dries into a brick. Paper bricks can be combined with other fuel sources to reduce costs and heat hearths quickly.

Generally, paper bricks are used to supplement other fuels. These might include firewood, dry grass, and wood chips, as well as slow-burning logs. Using paper bricks can reduce the amount of firewood needed to run a working fireplace. Due to the characteristics of paper, it normally functions as a short-burning fuel source. The ease of production and handling, however, makes paper bricks a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to firewood.

A good final destination for old newspapers and private documents destined for shredding, the paper compressor is essentially made up of a brick mold and press. Users can remove and dip old paper to be loaded into the compressor tray. The bricks are compacted loosely or tightly, depending on the desired degree of strength and the duration of burning. For the manual version, users press down on large cross handles which squeeze out excess water to form layers and grains of paper inside a rectangular mold. Once formed, the bricks are usually dried in the sun over a period of days, weeks or months before use.

Paper compressor technology reduces the demand for natural wood and helps reduce deforestation. Environmentally conscious DIYers can also use these machines to reduce the energy required to haul firewood. Relying on bricks made with a paper compressor is usually a more cost-effective practice for homeowners.

In factories, large industrial machines perform the same function on a mass production scale. The output of the factories provides the means to process waste paper on a large scale. These machines can take up large amounts of floor space, producing stacked bales of compressed paper. They are sometimes referred to as automatic waste paper bins.

The technology enjoys a long international history. For example, bamboo and wood paper compressor equipment dates back to the traditional papermaking technology in countries such as Japan. The technique is used with a bamboo frame and screen to create handmade paper. Once powered by a muscle or jack, today’s brick and bale paper compressors are often driven by electric motors.
Whether it’s an outdoor grill or fire pit, the paper compressor is a useful tool for barbecues, fireplaces and other firelight activities. A paper compressor can encourage home recycling. It can also involve the family in getting a little greener by observing environmental practices.




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