by Holly Denson-Camp
Welcome to a new series of People, Planet, and Print, where I tackle common myths that I have witnessed being circulated in the paper and printing industries around recycling and recycled stock. My goal is always to encourage learning in our industry and ensure everyone is equipped with the necessary knowledge to make the most sustainable decisions. Keep reading and stay tuned for future myth-busting!
MYTH: “Recycled paper is a more resource intensive product to create than virgin fiber paper”
FALSE
There is a prevalent myth that I have heard circulated that the choice between recycled paper versus virgin fiber paper can be boiled down to “save a tree, kill a fish,” implying that recycled paper may be better for forests, but it requires more water usage which will have an impact on freshwater species. This is a very common myth, potentially circulated by those vested in the productivity of virgin fiber industries, that would see a loss in sales if manufacturers switched to recycled stocks.
The following tables created using the Environmental Paper Network V4.0 Calculator highlights the reality: that recycled paper uses less water, energy, and creates less greenhouse gases and solid waste compared to virgin fiber paper.
Copy Paper
| 1 metric ton Virgin Fiber Paper | 1 metric ton 100% Recycled Paper | Environmental Savings from Recycled Content | |
| Trees | 26.4 trees | 0 trees | 100% |
| Energy | 28.1 million BTUs | 17 million BTUs | 39.5% |
| Greenhouse Gases Released – CO2 equivalent | 19,800 pounds | 8,390 pounds | 57.6% |
| Wastewater | 23,600 gallons | 21,500 gallons | 8.9% |
| Solid Waste | 1,300 pounds | 1,210 pounds | 6.9% |
Coated Catalog
| 1 metric ton Virgin Fiber Paper | 1 metric ton 100% Recycled Paper | Environmental Savings from Recycled Content | |
| Trees | 18.6 trees | 0 trees | 100% |
| Energy | 28 million BTUs | 21 million BTUs | 25% |
| Greenhouse Gases Released – CO2 equivalent | 20,100 pounds | 8,160 pounds | 59.4% |
| Wastewater | 30,100 gallons | 25,900 gallons | 14% |
| Solid Waste | 1,220 pounds | 1,180 pounds | 3.3% |
Of course, these figures vary slightly depending on the paper type and grade, but the fact still stands that virgin fiber paper is considerably more resource-intensive than recycled paper, in all categories. Consider these figures next time you’re deciding on your paper stock to reduce your environmental impact.
At Mitchell, we utilize Domtar’s Husky 10% and 30% post-consumer recycled content paper, and Sustana’s EnviroPrint and EnviroSatin, both 100% post-consumer waste paper to provide our customers with sustainable options for their printing. We believe that the suppliers you partner with reflect your own values, so each of these mills’ sustainability commitments have proved to us that they are like-minded in their environmental responsibility.
