Print, Paper and Paper Packaging have a
Great Environmental Story to Tell.

Myth: “Paper Is Bad For The Environment”

Fact: Paper is Highly Recycled and Uses Renewable Wood Fibre

Paper is based on wood, a natural and renewable material. Paper is one of the most recycled products in the world and epitomises the circular economy model of make, use, recycle and reuse.

Paper is highly recycled and, in Europe, paper fibres were re-used an average of 4 times in 2024.

Myth: “European Forests Are Shrinking”

Fact: European Forests Have Been Growing By Over 1,250 Football Pitches Every Day

In Europe, where almost all primary forests are protected, paper comes from sustainably managed forests where the cycle of planting, growing and logging is carefully controlled.

Between 2015 and 2025, European forests grew by 32,400 square kilometres. That’s an area bigger than Belgium!

Myth: “Paper Production Is A Major Cause Of Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions”

Fact: Most Of The Energy Used By Europe’s Pulp And Paper Industry Comes From Renewable Sources

The European pulp and paper industry produces original biobased products using wood, a renewable material. It is also the largest single industrial user and producer of renewable energy in the EU.

The paper, pulp and print sector is one of the lowest industrial emitters of greenhouse gases, accounting for 0.7% of European emissions in 2024.

Myth: “Only Recycled Paper Should Be Used”

Fact: Virgin Fibres From Sustainably Managed Forests Are Needed To Maintain The Paper Cycle And Support A Circular Economy

During the collection and processing of recycled paper products, where inks, glues and coatings are separated from the fibre, an amount of this fibre is lost. Therefore the paper industry always needs a supply of fresh fibre from sustainably managed forests to keep the renewable cycle going.

Myth: “Planted Forests Are Bad For The Environment”

Fact: Sustainable Forest Management Supports Forest Biodiversity And Long-Term Forest Health

Forests are an extremely important part of the environment. Well-managed sustainable forests give multiple benefits to society, such as livelihoods, ecosystem services and biodiversity, while helping to tackle climate change. To ensure the long-term health of European forests, sustainable forest management underpins how the paper industry operates and sources its main raw material.

Myth: “Paper Production Consumes An Excessive Amount Of Water”

Fact: Paper Production Uses Water, But Most Of It Is Treated And Returned To The Environment

It is important to recognise that intake does not equal consumption because most of the water used in the paper making process will be returned to the environment.

Around 90% of the water used in the European paper industry is returned to its source (having been reused within the mill before being suitably treated), with the remainder either evaporated, staying within the product, or bound up in solid waste.