a process is set forth for the recovery of fiber from paper waste and paper broke which paper has been treated with wet - strength resins . the process involves shredding the paper to be recovered and then subjecting the shredded paper to an alkaline solution and an oxygen containing atmosphere to liberate the paper fiber from the resin with retention of the paper fiber brightness . the liberated fiber can then be recycled through the paper web forming process . the process is particularly appropriate to the removal of thermoplastic resins from paper .