Back to articles
First of all, what is ‘recycled paper’?
NAPM (National Association of Paper Merchants) define this as paper which comprises of a minimum of 50% genuine waste. There are 3 types of waste that counts towards the percentage required for recycled material:
- Converters waste from paper mills, that has been produced from cutting paper for a commercial order.
- Printers waste, which has been left over from printing operations, such as guillotine waste or ‘rejects’.
- Domestic/household or office waste: plain or printed waste.
These common FAQs from businesses about recycled paper are answered:
Is the quality and performance of recycled paper lower than that of non-recycled paper?
No, the quality and performance of recycled paper is just as high as that of ‘virgin paper’ due to industry improvements. This is particularly true of the premium quality recycled papers made from 100% de-inked waste.
Isn’t Recycled Paper is More Expensive?
No! Currently, the price of recycled paper has leveled out with conventional paper prices due to demand increases, improvements in the papermaking process and a massive the significant drop in the amount of energy required to produce recycled paper.
Should I choose Recycled Papers?
This decision depends on personal or company approaches towards CSR. However, there are many societal and environmental benefits of switching to the use of recycled papers:
1. Reduces landfills – the consumption of recycled paper redirects waste paper from ending up in landfills. Landfills emit methane, which add to global warming.
2. Continuation of the demand for recycled materials, which make recycling viable.
3. Reduces the damage to global forests- paper recycling lowers the quantity of virgin pulp required from forest, and optimises the use of a valuable material.
A few last thoughts…
1. Almost 80% of the world's original old growth forests have been logged or damaged beyond repair. 40% of the world's total industrial logging results in paper making, with a 10% increase predicted for the future.
2. The pulp and paper industry is within the top 5 worldwide for industrial energy consumption. The production of recycled paper uses considerably less water and even uses up to 70% less energy than that for ‘virgin paper’.
*Source Friends of the Earth
Now you know the facts, check out our massive range of recycled papers, and see if you could make the switch today!