The European paper industry is building on decades of work done to make its industrial model sustainable and circular, making it one of the most sustainable industries in Europe. It relies on raw materials, pulp derived from processing wood, which is intrinsically sustainable as it comes from sustainably managed forests; it has achieved a 31% decarbonisation from 2005 to date and it has become and anchor industry for industrial symbiosis, sharing materials, energy heat and water. One of our initiatives under sustainability is 4evergreen, the alliance to boost the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy that minimises climate and environmental impact.
Paper is recycled at a rate of 71.4% (2021 data) in Europe, which is the highest recycling rate for paper in the world. Paper based packaging is even recycled at 82%. More paper based packaging is recycled than all other packaging materials combined. The paper industry thrives to further increase recycling and material use of recycling residues through the sharing of best practises and the development of cross-sectorial alliances.
For information on paper recycling, visit www.paperforrecycling.eu.
Activities
Paper recycling in Europe at 71.7% – A reliable performance secures access to valuable raw material
Think before you shred – a poster
Customer Requests: CEPI recommends use of harmonised disclaimers for voluntary declarations in the European pulp and paper industry
Guidelines for paper mills for the control of the content of unusable materials in recovered paper
Best Practices: Recovered Paper Baling Conditions
Responsible Management of Recovered Paper
Guidelines for paper mills for the control of moisture content in recovered paper
Landfill and incineration restriction for recyclable paper
CEPI Guidance for revised EN643 published
Paper Industry Applauds European Parliament Decision to Defend Recycling Jobs in Europe
CEPI Sustainability report 2013
