ANZ
Austria
Brazil
America Latina
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United KingdomPaper is one of the few products on earth that already has an environmentally sustainable, circular life cycle. It is made from an infinitely renewable natural resource – trees that are purpose-grown, harvested and regrown in sustainably managed forests. It is manufactured using mostly renewable, carbon neutral bioenergy in a process that uses a lot water, but consumes very little of it. And paper products are recycled more than any other material.
Myths & Facts: United States
Myth: “The production and use of paper is destroying U.S. forests.”
The Fact: U.S. forests are a renewable natural resource that is continuously replenished through sustainable forest management and natural regeneration.
Myth: “Paper manufacturing is major cause of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.”
The Fact: The pulp and paper industry contributes less than 1% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
Myth: “Paper manufacturing uses excessive amounts of water.”
The Fact: While papermaking requires large amounts of water, very little water is actually consumed in the production process.
Myth: “Using paper products is wasteful.”
The Fact: Paper is recycled more than any other product in the United States. Paper recycling extends the supply of a valuable natural resource (wood fiber), saves landfill space, and avoids greenhouse gas emissions (methane) that are released when paper decomposes in landfills.
Myth: “Only recycled paper should be used to make new paper products.”
The Fact: The continuous input of wood fiber from sustainably managed forests is essential to the paper production cycle.
Myth: “Paper is a dying industry.”
The Fact: The U.S. paper industry makes products essential for everyday life.
Myth: “The environmental footprint of digital technology is relatively small.”
The Fact: The environmental footprint of digital technology is largely underestimated by its users, given the miniaturization of equipment and the “invisibility” of the infrastructures used.
Myth: “Electronic communication generates very little waste.”
The Fact: E-waste is a vast and growing problem.
Myth: “Go green, go paperless” marketing helps consumers make wise environmental choices.
The Fact: Broad, unsubstantiated environmental claims about electronic communication mislead consumers.
