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
European Paper Recycling Council moves forward on ecodesign of printed paper products
European paper industry stands ready to defend Circular Economy in the context of Chinese waste import ban
Waste Package adopted by European Parliament Environment committee
EPRC Monitoring report 2016
IMPACTPapeRec project sends strong Circular Economy message on separate collection of paper at final conference
Reaction of European paper industry to reaching preliminary agreement on EU Waste Package proposals
Letter to European Commission Vice President Timmermans on Plastics Strategy
European paper industry takes over environmental footprint method from EU
Letter to European Commission environment department on the postponement of the Intermediate Paper Pilot PEFCR
