Why recycle paper?
The advantage of paper is that it has many uses, is biodegradable and recyclable. The use of recovered paper for new paper products gives extended life to the wood fibre by using it several times instead of just once.
However, the manufacture of new paper is only possible if virgin fibres are continuously introduced into the recycling process as the every time a fibre is recycled, it looses some of its strength. After being re-used about 6 times, it is no longer strong enough for papermaking.
For further information visit the Newsprint and Newspaper Environmental Action Group website.
Ten facts from Friends of the Earth:
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Over a million tonnes of newspapers are thrown away every year in the UK
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Around three quarters of the newspapers we use are wasted
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If every UK newspaper was printed on recycled paper, about 8 million trees a year could be saved
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The newspaper we buy is made from approximately 40% waste paper.
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If newspapers were made from 80% recycled paper, this could generate nearly 10,000 new jobs in the UK
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If newspapers were made from 80% recycled paper, £175 million a year could be saved on import costs
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Paper used for UK newspapers in a year would wrap around the Earth 270 times
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In 1995, the UK was the fifth highest consumer of paper in the world
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A person in the UK uses around 30 times as much wood and paper as someone in India
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The last 5% of ancient Scandinavian forest are being cut down to provide paper and timber for the UK, endangering species such as the flying squirrel and the white-backed woodpecker.
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The Paper Recycling Process
Source: Confederation of Paper Industries (Process)|
Recovered paper is sorted, graded and delivered to a paper mill. At the paper mill, it is "slushed" into pulp and large contaminants such as staples, plastic, glass, etc. are removed. Fibres are progressively cleaned. The pulp is then filtered and screened through a number of cycles to make it more suitable for papermaking.
For certain uses (e.g. for the production of graphic and hygienic papers) the fibres also have to be de-inked.
The pulp is then ready to be made into paper.
Depending on the grade of paper being produced, quantities of virgin pulp from sustainable sources may be added. Some papers, such as newsprint and corrugated materials, can be made from 100% recycled paper. Once the paper is used, it can be recycled and the process starts again.
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Raw Material Usage
From the diagram below you can see that the use of recovered paper in the paper making process has increased by 14%.
Source: Confederation of Paper Industries (Statistics)|
The energy used in the paper making process has also decreased.
Source: Confederation of Paper Industries (Energy)|
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The Newspaper Industries Commitment
For information visit the Commitment Section of the Newsprint and Newspaper Environmental Action Group |website.
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Producer Responsibility
For information visit the Producer Responsibility Section of the Newsprint and Newspaper Environmental Action Group| website.
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Wood Pulp
Nearly all paper and board is made of either new or recycled wood pulp. This pulp is usually from parts of the tree that are left after the wood has been used for other commercial uses.
For further information please visit the Newsprint and Newspaper Environmental Action Group| website.
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