The Environmental Impact of Recycled and Non-Recycled Paper Packaging
Paper packaging plays a crucial role in our daily lives, providing protection, convenience, and brand visibility. However, it is important to understand the environmental impact of both recycled and non-recycled paper packaging. This article aims to delve into the subject, examining factors such as energy consumption, water usage, and carbon dioxide emissions to shed light on their implications.
Energy Consumption:
Recycled paper packaging holds a significant advantage over non-recycled paper in terms of energy consumption. Numerous studies consistently demonstrate that producing recycled paper requires 28% to 70% less energy compared to paper made from virgin fibers. This energy reduction is mainly attributed to the fact that recycled paper utilizes already processed fibers, bypassing the energy-intensive pulping stage required for converting wood into paper. By opting for recycled paper packaging, we actively contribute to energy conservation and reduce our dependence on fossil fuel-based resources.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions:
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is essential in combating climate change. Opting for recycled paper packaging offers significant environmental benefits by generating fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared to paper made from virgin fibers. Studies consistently indicate that producing recycled paper results in 20% to 50% fewer carbon dioxide emissions than non-recycled paper. The reduced emissions can be attributed to factors such as the avoidance of energy-intensive pulping processes, decreased energy consumption throughout the recycling process, and lower transportation requirements for recycling compared to the extraction and transportation of virgin fibers. By choosing recycled paper packaging, we actively contribute to climate change mitigation and foster a more sustainable future.
Water Usage:
Concerns over sustainable resource management have brought the paper industry's water consumption into focus. Fortunately, using recycled paper packaging generally translates to lower water usage compared to non-recycled paper production. Although specific data may vary, incorporating recycled fibers in papermaking typically reduces the need for water resources. By utilizing recycled content, paper mills can eliminate certain production steps such as washing and bleaching virgin fibers, which require substantial water quantities. This water savings leads to more efficient water management and the preservation of freshwater resources.
The choice between recycled and non-recycled paper packaging carries significant environmental implications. Recycled paper packaging demonstrates clear advantages in terms of energy consumption, water usage, and carbon dioxide emissions. By consciously selecting recycled paper packaging, we contribute to resource conservation, carbon emissions reduction, and the development of a more sustainable packaging industry.
References:
Blanco, A., Hermosilla, D., Negro, C. (2015). Water Reuse Within the Paper Industry. In: Fatta-Kassinos, D., Dionysiou, D., Kümmerer, K. (eds) Wastewater Reuse and Current Challenges. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol 44. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2015_360
Han, N., Zhang, J., Hoang, M., Gray, S., & Xie, Z. (2021). A review of process and wastewater reuse in the recycled paper industry. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 24, 101860.
Jain, R., Urban, L., Balbach, H., & Webb, M. D. (2012). Handbook of environmental engineering assessment: strategy, planning, and management. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Laurijssen, J., Marsidi, M., Westenbroek, A., Worrell, E., & Faaij, A. (2010). Paper and biomass for energy?: The impact of paper recycling on energy and CO2 emissions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 54(12), 1208-1218.
Why use recycled papers? (2023). Retrieved June 11th 2023 from https://recycled-papers.co.uk/green-matters/why-use-recycled-papers
