Skip to content

Why You Should Use Recycled Paper


Paper is part of our everyday lives and when it comes to paper communications, recycled paper is the greenest option. Recycled paper uses less energy, water, and produces less CO2 than the manufacturing of non-recycled paper and at the same time reduces the amount of waste to landfill – a piece of paper can be recycled 4 to 5 times. Technology and processes have advanced so that recycled paper is now just as white and has the same print performance as non recycled paper.

  • Taking waste paper to landfill releases methane gas, which is 23 times more harmful to the environment than CO2
  • On average, the production of virgin fibre paper, followed by incineration uses twice as much energy than it takes to produce recycled paper
  • Recycling reduces CO2 emissions by 20% in comparison with incinerating the paper
  • Paper fibres can be recycled up to 5 times
  • Creating recycled paper uses 31% less energy than the creation of virgin fibre paper
  • Producing a tonne of recycled paper takes 35,000 fewer litres of water than producing one tonne of virgin fibre paper

Other benefits of using recycled paper

Besides the obvious environmental and social benefits, using recycled paper can work in favour of an organisation:

  • Brand – using recycled paper is good for your brand as it demonstrates the commitment to the environment
  • CSR – the environment is part of most CSR policies and choosing recycled paper can be part of the solution to meeting this commitment
  • Endorsed – the use of recycled paper is scientifically endorsed by United Nations Environment Programme, WWF and Greenpeace

How do recycled papers look and perform?

Recycled papers are available in a range of whiteness; from natural to a bright white shade. Research and innovation in the recycled paper industry now means that printing on recycled paper does not mean approaching the design or printing process in a different way.

For more information about how to print in a more environmental way, click here.