Sustainability and Circularity

The European paper industry is building on decades of work done to make its industrial model sustainable and circular, making it one of the most sustainable industries in Europe. It relies on raw materials, pulp derived from processing wood, which is intrinsically sustainable as it comes from sustainably managed forests; it has achieved a 31% decarbonisation from 2005 to date and it has become and anchor industry for industrial symbiosis, sharing materials, energy heat and water. One of our initiatives under sustainability is 4evergreen, the alliance to boost the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy that minimises climate and environmental impact.

Paper is recycled at a rate of 71.4% (2021 data) in Europe, which is the highest recycling rate for paper in the world. Paper based packaging is even recycled at 82%. More paper based packaging is recycled than all other packaging materials combined. The paper industry thrives to further increase recycling and material use of recycling residues through the sharing of best practises and the development of cross-sectorial alliances.

For information on paper recycling, visit www.paperforrecycling.eu.

Activities

Winners of the European Paper Recycling Awards demonstrate why paper remains a recycling leader

Winners of the European Paper Recycling Awards demonstrate why paper remains a recycling leader

Methodology for the development of a systematic approach to derive suitable BAT-AELs ranges

Circular Economy: three leading industries renew call for a single measure of ‘real’ recycling rates

Recycling the ‘R’ in ERPC, the European Recovered Paper Council becomes the European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC)

Recycling the ‘R’ in ERPC, the European Recovered Paper Council becomes the European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC)

Recycling the European Paper Recycling Awards, entries now being accepted for the 6th edition!

Recycling the European Paper Recycling Awards, entries now being accepted for the 6th edition!

Joint letter on alignment of Renewable Energy Directive with the Circular Economy Policies

Joint letter on alignment of Renewable Energy Directive with the Circular Economy Policies

Made to measure ‘real’ recycling rates will target investment where it matters most

A year into the project, IMPACTPapeRec consolidates efforts to increase separate paper collection in Europe

ENVI committee vote: one step closer towards a truly circular economy in and for Europe