Paper: The Facts

Paper, and its use in print, is not harmful to the environment!

Here are the facts...

Trees

Paper is made from trees, a natural and renewable resource that absorbs atmospheric carbon emissions. This carbon is retained when converted into timber and timber derived products ... including paper!

Paper accounts for less than 14% of the world's commercially harvested forestry. Paper comes from the top ⅓ to ¼ of a tree* in a commercial forest, whereas the main part of a harvested tree is converted to timber for use in construction and furniture manufacture.

(* With the exception of Eucalyptus trees that grow tall and thin, reaching maturity within 10 - 12 years. Grown only in specific parts of the world, the entire Eucalyptus tree will be used for paper manufacture)

Carbon

The carbon emissions associated with paper production are measured and recorded, providing an essential Scope 3 figure for carbon net zero reporting. The aggregated paper production carbon emissions are reducing year on year, achieved through efficiency improvements and the implementation of decarbonisation programmes and environmental legislation.

Meanwhile, it is viable to offset the emissions of paper production through a valid carbon programme such as the World Land Trust's Carbon Balanced Paper scheme. The World Land Trust's scheme is based on REDD+ principles* - regenerating, conserving and protecting standing forestry that is also the habitat for important biodiversity and endangered wildlife.

(* Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation. The '+' stands for additional sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks)

Recycling

Paper fibre can be recycled up to 10 times! 100% recycled paper grades, such as those in the Revive range, are made from post-consumer waste (used paper) for the production of everything from newspapers and magazine grades through to high white printing papers and packaging boards.

The 2023 recycling rate for paper in the EU was 79.3% - Cepi.org

Once paper fibre becomes too short for recycling into paper again, it has a commercial use as a soil improvement agent for use in agriculture and horticulture. So, what once came from the ground, eventually goes back into the ground - how circular is that!