At PDI, we are often told that printed training manuals aren’t eco-friendly and that eliminating printed materials could “save the planet.” However, organizations like ‘Two Sides’ and ‘Love Paper’ aim to change this misconception. With tech giants like Google and Amazon constructing their own power facilities to support the energy demands of AI and the internet, here’s a fresh look at why paper is a strong environmental choice.
Paper Recycling: Keeping Fibres in the Loop
The paper recycling rate in Europe was 70.5% in 2022, keeping fibres in the loop longer and extending the benefits of their renewable origin, moving closer to the practical maximum of around 78%. While some paper products—like books, archived documents, or items contaminated through use—cannot be recycled, most paper in Europe gets recycled an average of 3.5 times annually. Since fibres can’t be recycled indefinitely, fresh fibre from sustainably managed forests is essential to keep this renewable cycle ongoing.
71% of paper and 83% of paper-based packaging in Europe is recycled into new products
Cepi Key Statistics, 2022 + Eurostat, 202
The Value of Recycled and Virgin Fibres
Recycled and virgin fibres are essential for sustainable paper production, each with unique environmental benefits. Recycled pulp production consumes less energy and releases fewer emissions, while virgin fibre production uses more renewable energy and generates less waste. Sustainable forestry is necessary for this balance, as recycled fibre depends on the initial supply of fresh, virgin fibre. Because virgin and recycled fibres are interdependent, it is very difficult to reliably compare their environmental attributes. Thus, the paper industry depends on sustainably managed forests to ensure a continuous, renewable cycle.
Paper's Contribution to a Circular Economy
Paper plays a key role in the circular economy because it’s made from renewable, recyclable wood Fibres. Across Europe,
61% of the energy used to produce paper and paper packaging in Europe comes from renewable sources.
CEPI Key Statistics, 2022
European pulp and paper mills’ energy consumption comes from renewable sources with 95% of on-site electricity produced via efficient combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Between 2010 and 2021, the European paper industry reduced its energy consumption by 8.7%, and it remains one of the lowest greenhouse gas emitters, accounting for just 0.9% of European emissions.
Paper and Climate Change Mitigation
Switching to paper-based products is a proactive way to address climate change. Forests—home to paper’s primary raw material—are critical to carbon sequestration. From 2010 to 2020, European forests captured an annual average of 155 million tonnes of carbon. In the EU and UK, forest carbon sequestration offsets approximately 10% of gross greenhouse gas emissions.
Paper and Sustainable Forestry
The paper industry relies on sustainable forest management to ensure a steady supply of wood Fibre. Over 90% of the wood Fibre used in European paper production is sourced from Europe, where forests grow at a rate equivalent to 1,500 football pitches daily. Between 2005 and 2020, European forests expanded by over 58,390 km²—an area larger than Switzerland—marking a 9% growth in forest area over the past 30 years.
Between 2005 and 2020, European forests grew by an area bigger than Switzerland and amounts to 1,500 football pitches every day!
Two Sides Analysis of FAO data, 2005-2020
Sustainably managed forests offer more than just timber; they support biodiversity, employment, and ecosystem services. Approximately 33 million people globally are employed directly or indirectly in the forest sector, which contributes to natural carbon capture, flood control, erosion reduction, and water purification.
Choosing paper isn’t just about functionality; it’s an environmentally sound decision that aligns with renewable energy, sustainable forestry, and waste reduction practices. When we select paper, we’re supporting a circular economy and actively contributing to environmental preservation.