While papermaking requires large amounts of water, very little water is actually consumed in the production process – U.S.3

While paper-making requires large amounts of water, very little water is actually consumed in the production process.

Responsible Water Use in Paper Mills

In a typical U.S. paper mill, process water is recycled 10 or more times, then cooled and cleaned to meet strict U.S. water quality standards, and approximately 88% is returned to its source. About 1% remains in the manufactured products, and the rest evaporates back into the environment. [1]

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American Forestry & Paper Association (AF&PA), 2025 | How the Paper Industry Achieves Sustainability

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Myth: "The production and use of paper is destroying U.S. forests."

Myth: "Paper manufacturing is major cause of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change."

Myth: "Paper manufacturing uses excessive amounts of water."

Myth: "Using paper products is wasteful."

Myth: "Only recycled paper should be used to make new paper products."

Myth: "Paper is a dying industry."

Myth: "The environmental footprint of digital technology is relatively small."

Myth: "Electronic communication generates very little waste."

Myth: "Go green, go paperless" marketing helps consumers make wise environmental choices.

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While papermaking requires large amounts of water, very little water is actually consumed in the production process – U.S.3

Responsible Water Use in Paper Mills

View Our Other Myths & Facts

Myth: "The production and use of paper is destroying U.S. forests."

Myth: "Paper manufacturing is major cause of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change."

Myth: "Paper manufacturing uses excessive amounts of water."

Myth: "Using paper products is wasteful."

Myth: "Only recycled paper should be used to make new paper products."

Myth: "Paper is a dying industry."

Myth: "The environmental footprint of digital technology is relatively small."

Myth: "Electronic communication generates very little waste."

Myth: "Go green, go paperless" marketing helps consumers make wise environmental choices.

Keep up to date with the latest articles from Two Sides
by subscribing to our blog!

While papermaking requires large amounts of water, very little water is actually consumed in the production process – U.S.3

Responsible Water Use in Paper Mills

View Our Other Myths & Facts

Myth: "The production and use of paper is destroying U.S. forests."

Myth: "Paper manufacturing is major cause of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change."

Myth: "Paper manufacturing uses excessive amounts of water."

Myth: "Using paper products is wasteful."

Myth: "Only recycled paper should be used to make new paper products."

Myth: "Paper is a dying industry."

Myth: "The environmental footprint of digital technology is relatively small."

Myth: "Electronic communication generates very little waste."

Myth: "Go green, go paperless" marketing helps consumers make wise environmental choices.

Keep up to date with the latest articles from Two Sidesby subscribing to our blog!

Keep up to date with the latest articles from Two Sides
by subscribing to our blog!