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: European Commission proposal on packaging and packaging waste could build a world class circularity model where reuse and recycling are complementary
Press release: European forest-based materials research recognised among the world’s best, holds potential to clean up global waters from plastics
Press release: Cepi welcomes BASF as its newest partner
Press release: Cepi joins forces with actors across the paper value chain and testing labs to update its European test method for paper recyclability
Cepi Recyclability Test Method Version 2
Press release: Renewable, biogenic carbon should be favoured by the future EU certification scheme for carbon removals
Summary: Cepi position paper on the revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive
Press release: European Parliament votes shows a new long-term EU approach on energy takes shape, but will it pass the test of time?
Press release: European Parliament vote enshrines a monolithic view of forests
Press release: The Paper value chain reached a 71.4% recycling rate in 2021
Press release: EU Commission proposals on mandatory reductions risk causing greater uncertainty for industry in case of gas supply disruptions