In April, known as the Month of Sustainability, environmental enthusiasts come together to raise awareness and actively contribute to various environmental movements and events. This month holds great significance as it has been the focal point of campaigns such as Earth Day and Arbor Day for many years. In our commitment to sustainability, we have compiled the following information regarding the myths and facts surrounding paper and its production processes. This discussion aims to shed light on the truth and dispel misconceptions related to paper and its processing.
Myths: Paper is Bad for the Environment
Facts: Paper is One of The Few Truly Sustainable Products
While many people may believe that paper is harmful to the environment, it is important to understand that paper is made from wood, which is a natural and renewable material. Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, and as a wood product, paper continues to store carbon throughout its lifespan.
To address concerns about the sustainability of paper production, the paper industry has taken steps to ensure that papers are sourced from sustainable forest sources. This is accomplished through the implementation of respected certification schemes that cater to consumer demands. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) are two widely recognized certification schemes in this regard.
Both the FSC and PEFC share common objectives. They provide credible and independently verified requirements and standards for responsible forest management. Additionally, they prioritize the conservation of natural habitats for flora and fauna, as well as the protection of the rights of forestry workers and local communities.
The FSC and PEFC have established robust supply chain systems through custody schemes, which enable the tracking of wood and wood fibre from forests to end users. The logos of FSC and PEFC carry similar meanings, symbolizing their commitment to sustainable practices.
When the FSC logo is used on forestry products like paper and printed items such as packaging, it assures consumers that the products either originate from FSC certified forests or contain wood sourced from such forests or are made from post-consumer waste. Similarly, the PEFC logo provides consumers with the assurance that the wood fibre used in paper products comes from PEFC certified sustainably managed forests.
Myths: Only Recycled Paper Should be Used
Facts: Alternatives such as Virgin Fibres from Sustainably Managed Forests are Needed to Maintain the Paper Cycle
Many people believe that using recycled paper is the sole approach to supporting sustainability initiatives. However, it is crucial to recognize the importance of incorporating alternative fibre sources as well. Both recycled fibre and alternative sources, such as virgin fibre, play a fundamental role in the paper-making process. While recycled paper is often preferred for certain grades like newspapers and some packaging, high-grade graphic papers have a lower utilization rate. When these papers are recycled, virgin fibres are introduced into the paper processing cycle.
This integration of virgin fibres helps establish a sustainable cycle for the paper-making process. While recycled fibres are utilized as effectively as possible, it is necessary to continuously introduce alternative and new fibres into the process. This ensures that the fibre supply is replenished and maintained since recycled fibres tend to degrade after multiple uses, particularly depending on the paper grade. Therefore, paper recycling requires a continuous infusion of new fibres at regular intervals to fulfil three key purposes: enhancing strength, improving quality, and ensuring availability.
Myths: Paper is a Wasteful Product
Facts: Paper is One of the Most Recycled Products in the World
Many people consider paper to be a wasteful product, but according to the EPA, the overall recycling rate of paper and cardboard was 73.3% as of 2017. While certain paper products like books or archived records may not be recovered for recycling due to long-term storage, and others like tissue or hygienic paper get contaminated or destroyed when used, most paper products can still be recycled.
However, it’s important to note that paper cannot be recycled indefinitely because its fibres become too short and worn out to be useful in creating new sheets of paper. Additionally, the production and recycling of paper cannot solely rely on recycled fibre, as it is not possible to collect 100% of paper consumption. Therefore, despite being one of the most recycled products globally, paper has limitations and constraints when it comes to recycling its fibres and achieving 100% recycled content.
The three factors mentioned above highlight some common misconceptions about the paper recycling process. As we near the end of the sustainability month, we hope that individuals will gradually adopt or continue their journey towards more conscientious behaviour in sustainability efforts and contributions. Which myth vs fact did you find interesting and informative?