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: Cepi pledges to support a transition towards Sustainable Products
Press Release: Cepi welcomes EU Commission plans to pave the way for the circular use of carbon
Press release: Major event for the Pulp and Paper sector provides a concept for what the future of the EU’s industry could look like
Cepi Position on EU-wide End-of-Waste criteria for paper
High level statement on intentionally added microplastics
EPRC Monitoring Report 2020
Forest Strategy and packaging policy are synergetic
Cepi reaction to the Sustainable Products Initiative
Press Release: 4evergreen welcomes new chair to drive the alliance towards the completion of fibre-based packaging guidelines
Interview – 320 Grad magazine
Key messages on the Targeted Stakeholder Survey (TSS) on the E-PRTR Regulation revision