The continuous input of wood fiber from sustainably managed forests is essential to the paper production cycle – U.S.5

Why Papermaking Needs New Fiber

Every time paper is recycled, the fibers get shorter and weaker. Several factors determine how many times paper fiber can be recycled, including quality requirements, fiber age, utilization rates and intended uses. Recyclability studies show that paper fiber reuse can range from 5 to 25 times depending on various factors with most only used between 5 – 7 times. There is always a limit to the number of times fiber can be recycled, and a constant need for new fiber to be introduced into the process. [1]

Fresh fiber from sustainably managed forests is constantly needed to compensate for the retirement of degraded fiber, archival storage of paper (books, records, etc.), and loss of fiber through regular use and disposal of certain non-recyclable paper products, such as personal hygiene and tissue products. [2]

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