Canadian paper industry demonstrated continuous environmental improvement – Can5

Canada’s Sustainable Forestry and Environmental Progress

In 2023, Canada harvested 114.9 million cubic meters of industrial roundwood, which was well below the estimated sustainable wood supply level of 209.5 million cubic meters (m3). Canada continues to harvest at levels that are below the level deemed to be sustainable. [1]

Canada has reduced its emissions from pulp and paper operations by 55% from 1990, primarily by decreasing  fuel consumption and switching to alternative fuels such as biomass. [2]

Canada’s pulp and paper effluent regulations govern the discharge of harmful substances from pulp and paper mills into water frequented by fish. Since 1985, the quality of pulp and paper effluent (wastewater) released directly to the environment, as set out in the regulations, has improved considerably. Effluent tests met regulatory standards 25% of the time in 1985 and 97.4% of the time in 2020. Tests for biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids. [3]