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
ERPC declares 2013 paper recycling awards winners
End-of-Waste = end of recycling?
Europe recycles 71.7% of paper and board used in 2012
ERPC Monitoring report 2012
2013 ICFPA Sustainability Progress Report
When being stingy became a competitive advantage
Spanish Municipalities pledge support for recycling ‘made in Europe’
Simple paper recycling rules from the ERPC
Less than a month left to apply for the European Paper Recycling Award!
Simple paper recycling rules from the European Recovered Paper Council (ERPC)
Fibre+ – a new generation of Innovative Packaging Products using recovered fibre
