Overview

Due to the increasing public interest in environmental issues and sustainable development as well as efforts for environmental improvements within the paper industry, those aspects which are considered particularly relevant to the environment during the production process are identified within the framework of this document . During the preparation of this document, a set of criteria has been identified which have already been taken into consideration in the paper industry for some time and are subjected to a continuous examination for efficiency and sustainability. Hereinafter, the term "paper" is synonymous with "paper, cardboard and paperboard". The significant advantages of paper perceived by the public are the following: - paper is produced from renewable and natural raw materials; - paper can be recycled and/or reused; - graphical papers serve as information and data carriers for credible communication and safe storage; - tissue and crepe paper meet the daily needs of a hygiene aware society; - cardboard and paperboard have perfect properties to protect products during storage and transport. Moreover, the paper processing industry operates highly efficient which is reflected in a high percentage of cogeneration during energy production, amongst others. In addition, a large portion of biomass is used in pulp production in order to meet the energy demand. Given the variety of environmental requirements for paper, this document shall define which aspects are to be considered when the environmental relevance of paper is described. The selection of significant environmental aspects implemented in this document has been made on the basis of already existing environmental labelling systems for paper (for example EU-ecolabels defined in Regulation (EU) No. 1980/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council), legal rules like the reference document on the best available pulp and paper industry techniques and existing life cycle assessment studies on paper. The non-consideration of further aspects in this document does not mean that they have no environmental relevance but they are generally from the environmental perspective only of secondary importance, however.

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

NA 074-01-10 AA - Environmental efficiency