Responsible Paper Purchasing

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The Environmental Impact of Paper Production

Globally, the production of pulp and paper is one of the most environmentally damaging industries. The process of pulp and paper production has high energy and water demands and also requires high concentrations of chemicals. The process is also one of largest emitters of greenhouse gases [2]. Increasingly, intensive tree plantations are being used to produce virgin (i.e. not recycled) wood for pulp and paper production. These intensive plantations rely heavily on the application of chemicals and do little to support wildlife or replicate natural forests [1]. All of these environmental impacts of simply printing onto a piece of paper greatly contribute to an unhealthy environmental footprint!

Responsible Paper Purchasing…..

The following is a list of considerations to be taken when purchasing paper:

  • Minimise – almost half of the trees felled globally go to pulp production so minimisation should be the first priority [2][1]. Where possible, reduce the quantity of paper used e.g. emails, double sided printing and use of whiteboards [4].
  • Choose recycled paper – paper can be recycled up to half a dozen times before it is no longer suitable. The process of recycling utilises significantly less energy, water and chemicals than its virgin equivalent [2]. A wide variety of recycled paper grades are available and the quality has improved greatly [5]. The ability to reuse paper relies on people recycling their paper in the first place; so implementing a thorough system for collating and recycling paper is very important.
  • Paper grade – choosing the correct grade of paper for its intended use is a very good way to minimise environmental impact. The higher the grade of paper selected the more pulp and bleaching is required. Therefore a lower grade of paper = a lower environmental impact! [2].
  • Chlorine free – chlorine is utilised in the bleaching process of paper. Chlorine is a highly polluting chemical when released into the environment and alternative, less polluting, bleaching products are utilised so select  ‘Processed Chlorine Free’ PCF paper where possible [5].
  • Implementing a ‘Responsible Paper Purchasing Policy’ within a organisation or office is a great way to raise awareness, decrease unnecessary paper waste and incorporate these considerations into everyday practice [1] [4].

What are the Environmental Benefits of Buying Recycled Paper?

According to Wasteonline.org.uk [6] the following savings can result from every tonne of recycled paper being recycled:

  • At least 30000 litres of water
  • 28-70% less energy required than virgin paper
  • 95% reduction in air pollution

As well as these benefits, reducing the quantity of trees felled globally may also help save some important ecosystems and habitats under immediate threat.

Paper Labelling

There is a variety of recycled paper on the market and establishing the environmental integrity of the source of this paper is a challenge! One label becoming the ‘norm’ of paper recycling and sustainable paper production is the Forestry Stewardship Council logo [2]. The logo, a ‘ticktree,’ indicates that the source of the wood used in the paper production has met the standards set by the FSC. These standards allow a consumer to be reassured of the environmental credibility and sustainability of the wood used in pulp and paper production [7].

As a consumer purchasing recycled paper, whether corporate or personal, demand is being created and increased. This demand will inevitably lead to a cleaner, more sustainable industry and further increase the use and availability of recycled paper [3].

[1] GreenBiz. Beyond Recycling: Responsible Paper Purchasing. http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2008/05/11/beyond-recycling-responsible-paper-purchasing (2008)

[2] WWF. The WWF Guide to Buying paper. http://assets.panda.org/downloads/wwf_paper_guide.pdf (2007)

[3] Environmental Paper. Guidance to Best Practices for Advancing Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Paper. http://www.environmentalpaper.org/documents/CommonVision-guidance.pdf (2002)

[4]A Greener Office. How to Establish a ‘Green’ Paper Policy. http://www.agreeneroffice.co.uk/how-establish-green-paper-policy.html (2009)

[5]Conservatree. Recycled and Environmental Paper Information  http://www.conservatree.com/ (2010)

[6]  Waste Online; Paper Recycling Information Sheet: http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/paper.htm (2006)

[7] Forestry Stewardship Council. http://www.fsc.org/about-fsc.html (2010)

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