Abstract: A method of making a paper-based product includes substantially continuously treating a papermaking furnish including from greater than 0% to 100% recycled fibers with a biocide, and forming the furnish into the paper-based product. The furnish has a microorganism level of greater than 5,000 colony forming units per gram, and substantially continuously treating the furnish with the biocide reduces the microorganism level so that the paper-based product has a microorganism level of less than 5,000 colony forming units per gram.

Abstract: A paperboard comprises from greater than 0% to 100% recycled fibers and has a microorganism count of less than 5,000 colony forming units per gram of paperboard.

Abstract: A paperboard comprises from greater than 0% to 100% recycled fibers and has a microorganism count of less than 5,000 colony forming units per gram of paperboard.

Abstract: Paperboard is densified in selected discrete regions spaced apart along the board such that the effective caliper of the board (defined between the surfaces of the board in the areas outside the densified regions) remains essentially unchanged compared to an equivalent board that is not selectively densified. Thus, the effective density of the board also remains unchanged. The densified regions impart mechanical properties to the paperboard. The shapes, sizes, depths, and arrangement of the densified regions can be selected to impart increased strength in certain directions. For example, the ratio of the machine direction (MD) to cross-machine direction (CD) compressive strength can be manipulated through selective densification in accordance with the invention. The paperboard is useful in laminate structures and other uses.