Sappi Publishes eQ Journal 005: Rethinking Recycling
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Sappi Fine Paper North America (SFPNA), Boston, Mass., USA, this week released its eQ Journal 005: Rethinking Recycling, distinguishing between the facts and general misconceptions surrounding recycling and the paper life cycle. In this fifth edition of the company's eQ series, the Journal sheds light on the benefits of recycling while challenging the common assumption that paper produced with a high percentage of recycled fiber is always better for the environment.
"The use of recycled fiber is not a one size fits all solution. We should examine not just what's in our paper, but take into consideration the sourcing of materials, the environmental impact of manufacturing, and understand what happens to paper as it moves through the life cycle," said Laura Thompson, Ph.D., director of sustainable development and technical marketing, SFPA. "With this latest eQ Journal, we invite our community to look at the bigger picture of recycling—the way we do at Sappi—to ensure our industry is putting recycled fiber to its best use, finding the most appropriate options that produce lower emissions and higher yield."
In fact, a study of SFPA's Somerset Mill included in the Journal revealed that adding 10% recycled content increases the product's carbon footprint by 16%, compared with the same product made with 100% virgin fiber. More details on the study findings, as well as other industry statistics comparing the carbon footprints of different pulp sources using a comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) can be found in the Journal.
In addition to revealing the trade-offs associated with recycled fiber, this fact-based publication also promotes best practices of recycling, raising awareness of practical ways consumers can reduce their environmental impact of using printed materials. As part of this edition, Sappi provides a series of custom-designed recycling logos available for download on its eQ microsite, inviting everyone—especially corporate marketers and graphic designers—to get creative about promoting the initiative to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
A PDF version of the latest eQ Journal 005: Rethinking Recycling can be downloaded online. A printed copy can also be requested via email or calling 800-882-4332.
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