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: 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: The Paper value chain reached a 70,5% recycling rate in 2022
EPRC Monitoring Report 2022
Joint Industry Statement on mandatory re-use and refill targets
Updated Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines for the manufacture of paper & board for food contact
Impact Assessment of reuse targets in the proposed PPWR
Assessing the impact of PPWR’s reuse targets, a short explainer
Press release: New study on impacts of EU packaging regulation shows a blanket approach on re-use may have unintended consequences: higher CO2 emissions & costs
Press release: Paper industry impacted by high energy prices and eroding economic growth in 2022
Cepi position on Commission legislative proposal for a Packaging and Packaging Regulation
