Sustainability and Circularity

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

Press release: A week dedicated to the bioeconomy in Europe shows it is key to EU’s future climate and industrial policies

Press release: A week dedicated to the bioeconomy in Europe shows it is key to EU’s future climate and industrial policies

The Biogenic carbon loop in the pulp and paper sector: an alternative to fossil carbon in other industries

The Biogenic carbon loop in the pulp and paper sector: an alternative to fossil carbon in other industries

Press release: Winners of the 9th Edition of the European Paper Recycling Awards announced

Press release: Winners of the 9th Edition of the European Paper Recycling Awards announced

Press release: Paper and Board sector impacted by lower level of demand in Europe, destocking and high production costs

Press release: Paper and Board sector impacted by lower level of demand in Europe, destocking and high production costs

Press release: Legislating on packaging and waste, the EU Parliament still needs to take into account what has already been achieved in the paper and board sector

Press release: Legislating on packaging and waste, the EU Parliament still needs to take into account what has already been achieved in the paper and board sector

Story from ground: bio-based materials as a solution to micro-plastics… and more!

Story from ground: bio-based materials as a solution to micro-plastics… and more!

Story from ground: Paper-based packaging gets better a taking different shapes

Story from ground: Paper-based packaging gets better a taking different shapes

Story from ground: How a paper producer’s own testing lab supports recyclability

Story from ground: How a paper producer’s own testing lab supports recyclability

Press release: Pulp and paper manufacturers are innovating their way out of CO2 emissions

Press release: Pulp and paper manufacturers are innovating their way out of CO2 emissions

Press release: Spanish EU Presidency & Circular Choices Coalition propose new approach on how to make competitiveness and the EU Green Deal work

Press release: Spanish EU Presidency & Circular Choices Coalition propose new approach on how to make competitiveness and the EU Green Deal work

Press release: European print and paper industry unite against the ‘digital only’ approach in legislation

Press release: European print and paper industry unite against the ‘digital only’ approach in legislation