European consumers underestimate high recycling rates for paper

European consumers underestimate high recycling rates for paper

There is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumption habits, and most UK consumers do not think paper recycling rates are very high. This realization is worrying. In fact, paper is one of the high recovery materials in the world, with a recycling rate of 74%.

Paper recycling rates are underestimated.

In 2020, the amount of recycled waste paper in Europe will reach 56 million tons, and the recycling rate of waste paper is 74%. Among them, the recycling rate of paper packaging is even higher, reaching 85%. However, a study by the non-profit organisation Two Sides and independent research firm Toluna revealed that 46% of UK consumers consider paper and paper packaging to be wasteful and lack awareness of the high recycling rate of paper. Only 17% of UK consumers think the recycling rate will exceed 60%; 15% think the waste paper recycling rate may be less than 20%, 34% think it may be between 20% and 39%, and 34% think Probably between 40% and 59%. 18-24-year-olds are the most misunderstood about recycling, with only 12% believing that paper recycling rates will exceed 60%. In fact, paper has a higher recycling rate when compared to other materials (eg, 74% for glass, 80% for metals, 42% for plastics, and 42% for electronics).

Recycled paper and virgin paper (fiber) are equally important and sustainable

The study found that 66% of UK consumers believe that only recycled paper can be used, which shows that most people understand the necessity of recycled paper and its sustainability. In 2020, the use of recycled fiber accounted for 56% of the total paper fiber. In Europe, the average number of reuses for papermaking fibers is 3.8, and the recycled fibers degrade after multiple uses. Therefore, virgin fibers from sustainably managed forests are always needed to supplement and maintain the paper cycle.

More misunderstandings about paper

There are still many misconceptions about paper and printing, many of which  from the history belief that paper production will have a negative impact on the forest industry. Over the years, electronic media have also reinforced these misconceptions in their efforts to shift consumers to digital communications. How to dispel these misconceptions and raise awareness about paper sustainability is now more important than ever.

The study found that only 9% of UK consumers are aware that European forests are growing, and that between 2005 and 2020, European forests grew by 58,400 sq.km. – an area larger than Switzerland.

Another misconception related to the paper industry is that the papermaking process consumes a lot of energy. In fact, the pulp and paper industry is one of the leading industries when it comes to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. The paper industry is relatively energy-intensive, but also the largest industrial user of renewable energy in Europe, and its greenhouse gas emissions are relatively low, accounting for only 0.8% of the European total.

Only by dispelling these misunderstandings and explaining the facts，people can understand the true sustainability of paper as a raw material in a circular economy.