Waste cardboard could help power plants in large-scale electricity generation: Study

A recent study by engineers at the University of Nottingham has demonstrated that waste cardboard can serve as an effective biomass fuel for large-scale electricity generation. The researchers developed a novel thermogravimetric method to accurately measure calcium carbonate content in cardboard, a key factor affecting combustion behavior and ash formation. Printed cardboard contains lower carbon and heating values than traditional biomass fuels and includes calcium carbonate fillers that can influence boiler performance. This new analytical tool enables precise assessment of cardboard’s fuel quality, offering practical guidance for its use in power plants. In the U.K., biomass is the second largest renewable energy source, with wood pellets and chips dominating current supply, much of which is imported. With the U.K. generating approximately 5.4 million tons of paper and cardboard packaging waste annually, utilizing cardboard as a domestic biomass resource could enhance energy security and sustainability. Cardboard typically undergoes recycling several times before disposal, but this study suggests it can be directly used as a fuel, reducing reliance on imports and supporting circular economy