Submitted: The Two Sides Team August 16, 2013
Businesses today are putting an increased emphasis on green procurement, buying materials and supplies that have the lowest net impact on our environment. Paper products have been highlybut not always accuratelyexamined in this regard, particularly in terms of the relative impact of using virgin wood fiber vs. recycled fiber.
Finch
Paper, August 13, 2013
Businesses today are putting an increased emphasis on green procurement, buying materials and supplies that have the lowest net impact on our environment. Paper products have been highlybut not always accuratelyexamined in this regard, particularly in terms of the relative impact of using virgin wood fiber vs. recycled fiber. National Geographic, for example, recently evaluated which type of paper to use to print its magazine.
These types of analyses are complex and must be examined on a case-by-case basis to arrive at an accurate answer. . . if there even is one. Theres the origin of the fiber, the amount and type of fuel being consumed, the pulping and de-inking processes, the number of miles the product is being shipped, and many other factors related to each individual mills specific processes. The National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) has developed an interactive online Environmental Footprint Comparison Tool at paperenvironment.org that illustrates how each decision made in the paper manufacturing process impacts other parts of the process and results in net environmental benefits or trade-offs.
For many consumers, the debate revolves around the basicbut very emotionalissue of timber harvesting, but there are five important things that are often overlooked:
1. You cant have recycled fiber without first having virgin.
2. It makes sense to use both.
3. Paper can only be recycled so many times before its too weak to use.
4. Sustainably harvesting trees is good for the forest, people, and wildlife.
5. Forest owners who cant profitably harvest trees often end up selling the land for commercial or residential development.
Finch Paper makes products from both virgin and recycled fibers, and each has its own specific characteristics and qualities. We also encourage people to recycle paper to conserve landfill space for things that cant be re-used.
When it comes to recycled vs. virgin fiber, theres no reason to choose. The worlds a better place when we use both.