Each year around 15.3 billion trees are chopped down. Approximately 4 billion of these are used in the traditional production of paper. We need to cut 17 large trees to produce a ton of paper. An average family uses 6 trees worth of paper each year.
The process of recycling itself protects the environment. Using recycled paper to make new paper reduces the number of trees cut down, conserving natural resources. Every ton of recycled paper saves an average of 17 trees plus related pulping energy.
But, its production and disposal have large environmental impacts. This blog explores how paper recycling helps the environment. We will look into its benefits, processes, and the role each of us can play in making a difference.
Let us dive into the world of paper recycling!
What Is Recycled Paper?
Recycled paper is a paper that has been broken down and made into paper again. It is made from paper waste that can no longer be used for its original purpose.
The process of making recycled paper involves several steps-
- Firstly, the paper is mixed with water and other ingredients, then churned and broken down.
- Then, things like tape, labels, and staples are screened out.
- From there, this slurry of fibres is screened for further cleaning.
- Lastly, it is dried and formed into rolls of paper - newly recycled paper.
Types of Recycled Paper:
- Post-Consumer Recycled Paper-
Post-consumer recycled paper is the most common type of recycled paper. It is made from other paper products such as newspapers, junk mail, documents, and cardboard containers.
They may have been collected from individuals or businesses. The paper is pulped and bleached to remove any colour. It is then made into recycled paper.
- Pre-Consumer Recycled Paper-
Pre-consumer recycled paper is made from paper products that have not previously been used. These include things like cardboard boxes, magazines, and books.
These products are collected from warehouses or stores. Then they are pulped and possibly bleached. It is then made into recycled paper for use by businesses, schools, charities, etc.
Top 5 Environmental Benefits of Recycled Paper
1. Reducing Deforestation
One of the most significant benefits of recycled paper is the reduction in the demand for virgin wood. By reusing existing paper fibers, fewer trees need to be cut down to produce new paper.
This conservation of forests helps maintain biodiversity. It protects wildlife habitats and preserves ecological balance.
2. Lowering Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Recycled Paper production results in 40% fewer greenhouse gases. Recycled paper production results in 73% less air pollution than standard paper production.
One of the significant benefits of recycled paper is the carbon footprint reduction. Producing recycled paper results in 20% to 50% fewer carbon dioxide emissions than non-recycled paper.
3. Conserving Water And Energy
Water and Energy savings are the most remarkable environmental benefits of recycled paper. The savings are at least 30,000L of water and 3000-4000 kW of electricity for every ton of paper used for recycling.
The reduction in water usage is particularly important in regions facing water scarcity. Decreased water usage directly results in increased levels of underground water—the energy savings lower our energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.
4. Reducing Landfill Waste
Paper waste adds a significant part to municipal solid waste. By recycling paper, we divert it from landfills. Recycled paper reduces the volume of trash that needs to be managed.
Recycled paper benefits include the extension of the lifespan of existing landfills. It also lessens the environmental impact associated with landfill operations.
5. Avoiding Harmful Chemicals
Recycled paper produces fewer polluting emissions into the air and water. Recycled paper is not usually re-bleached. If it is done, oxygen rather than chlorine is used.
Safe chemicals reduce the amount of dioxins that are released into the environment as a by-product of the bleaching process.
A Real-World Example:
UNITED STATES- Recycling has long been practiced in the United States. In 1690, the first paper mill was established by the Rittenhouse family. In 1993, 300 years later, another milestone was reached. For the first time, more paper was recycled than was landfilled.
Why Choose Recycled Paper for Your Office or Home?
- Cost-Effectiveness-
Rather than starting from scratch, recycling centers process recovered paper into new products. It is a process that demands less energy and fewer raw materials. This results in a large reduction in the cost of paper production. This means savings in the long run.
- Brand Image-
Displaying recycled packaging can attract environmentally conscious consumers. It can help build a better brand image. Eco-friendly packaging is a significant selling point in today’s eco-aware market. This informs and reinforces the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
How to Make the Switch To Recycled Paper?
- Step-By-Step Guide-
Here are 5 ways you can save paper and use recycled papers instead-
- Use both sides of the recycled paper to print smarter.
- Use thinner paper. Thinner paper means less material (i.e. trees).
- Choose to buy products made from recycled paper.
- Do not throw waste paper. Instead, collect them and give them to recycling stations.
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Educate others about the importance of paper recycling.
- Products To Consider-
To reduce paper usage, we can consider eco-friendly paper products made from recycled materials. We can always consider Packmate products. Packmate is an eco-friendly paper solution.
They offer products like recycled notebooks, copier paper, and food wrapping paper. They are eco-friendly and made from recycled materials.
Why Choose Packmate For Your Recycled Paper Needs?
- Commitment To Sustainability:
A brand of eco-friendly stationery and sustainable paper products is made by Packmate Green LLP in India. It has a natural brown shade because it is made from 100% recycled paper pulp without any harmful bleaching chemicals. This saves water and reduces pollution compared to traditional white paper.
- Product Range:
The recycled paper usage of Packmate is quite high. It means that Packmate offers a wide variety of recycled paper products such as eco-friendly notebooks, food wrapping paper, letterhead paper, copier sheets , and more.
- Quality And Affordability:
The Packmate Recycled Paper is of top-notch quality. All the products of Packmate combine high quality with cost-effectiveness. Hence, it makes a smart choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Conclusion:
Paper recycling is a powerful tool in the fight against environmental degradation and climate change. By reducing the need for virgin wood and recycling paper, we can save our environment in many ways. By recycling paper, we conserve energy and water, minimise pollution, and decrease landfill waste.
Recycling paper helps protect our planet’s natural resources and promotes a sustainable future.
We have to motivate ourselves and encourage others to make the switch to recycled paper. There is one trustable brand, Packmate, which offers products that are 100% made of recycled paper.
The recycled paper of Packmate is unbleached. Also, no tree was cut down to make it, and they provide a wide variety of stationery.
So, the question should not be: Why use Recycled Paper? Instead, we should question ourselves on why use Virgin Paper when there is an option of Recycled Paper with many environmental benefits.
