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

Joint Statement: An EU Taxonomy Delivering for the Economy and the Environment

Joint Statement: An EU Taxonomy Delivering for the Economy and the Environment

Cepi feedback for the inception impact assessment on the EU strategy for sustainable textiles

Cepi feedback for the inception impact assessment on the EU strategy for sustainable textiles

Tony Smurfit: “Sustainability and e-commerce drive the growth of our group and our industry”

Tony Smurfit: “Sustainability and e-commerce drive the growth of our group and our industry”

Press release: New study shows that paper-based single-use packaging can have a better environmental impact than reusable packaging

Press release: New study shows that paper-based single-use packaging can have a better environmental impact than reusable packaging

Article: The EU forest-based value chain, a strategic resource for a sustainable future

Article: The EU forest-based value chain, a strategic resource for a sustainable future

PRESS RELEASE: EuRIC joins the European Paper Recycling Council to achieve European Green Deal targets

Call for modification of SUPD definitions to achieve Circular Economy objectives

TEG report’s draft technical screening criteria for forestry creates legal uncertainty and ignores the long-term characteristics of forests

TEG report’s draft technical screening criteria for forestry creates legal uncertainty and ignores the long-term characteristics of forests