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
![Global Forest and Paper Industry Releases Policy Statement on Paper Recycling](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/icfpa_logo_new.jpg)
Global Forest and Paper Industry Releases Policy Statement on Paper Recycling
![2015 ICFPA Sustainability Progress Report](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/icfpa_logo_new.jpg)
2015 ICFPA Sustainability Progress Report
5th European Paper Recycling Awards call for candidates is open!
Open letter to Jean-Claude Juncker on the withdrawal and renewed discussion of the circular economy package
![Adding ambition to the Circular Economy package – an infographic](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Circular Economy.jpg)
Adding ambition to the Circular Economy package – an infographic
![Henri Vermeulen takes on ERPC chairmanship](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ERPC-logo-nieuw-blauw_1.jpg)
Henri Vermeulen takes on ERPC chairmanship
Sustainability summary (infographic)
![World Economic Forum Project on the Circular Economy to Include EcoDesign Pilot from CEPI](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/circulareconomy_1.jpg)
World Economic Forum Project on the Circular Economy to Include EcoDesign Pilot from CEPI
![CEPI welcomes Commission intentions for meaningful recycling in Europe and identifies enabling measures for meeting ambitious targets](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/recycling_5.jpg)
CEPI welcomes Commission intentions for meaningful recycling in Europe and identifies enabling measures for meeting ambitious targets
Best practice specifications for tendering the collection of Paper for Recycling
![Joint press release: Adoption of the EU Circular Economy Package highlights the need to shift focus from waste to resource management](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/circulareconomy.jpg)
Joint press release: Adoption of the EU Circular Economy Package highlights the need to shift focus from waste to resource management
![Landfill ban for recyclables is a step forward…](https://www.cepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/recycle_symbol1.jpg)