2 minute read

Myth: “Only recycled paper is sustainable”

“FRESH FIBRES FROM RESPONSIBLY MANAGED FORESTS ARE NEEDED TO MAINTAIN A SUSTAINABLE CYCLE”

Source: Papier Recycling Nederland Fact: Fresh fibres from responsibly managed forests are necessary for the paper cycle. It can generally be said that recycled paper has less of an environmental impact than paper made from fresh fibres. However, paper and cardboard cannot be recycled endlessly.

he whole recycling process makes the paper fibres shorter and weaker. A fibre can be recycled up to seven times, after which it is made into toilet paper. Wood fibre is the main raw material for paper and cardboard. These fibres are obtained from wood and waste paper. By now, waste paper is the main source of new paper and cardboard. Without fresh wood fibre, there will be no recycled wood fibre - and no paper cycle. By recycling paper, the quality of fibres decreases.

As a result, the paper industry needs fresh fibres from responsibly managed forests to maintain a sustainable cycle. Partly due to the production forests of the wood paper industry, the forest area in Europe is growing. Since 1950 it has even increased by 30%. Forests are carefully cultivated, harvested and replanted. A fresh fibre therefore also contributes to the growth of the European forests.

Life cycle

Sustainability consists of various factors: raw materials, production, transport and use. When choosing the most suitable paper type, it is important to look at the life cycle of a paper or cardboard product. This includes also responsible forest management, forest growth and fresh fibres. Another important factor is the intended effect of a paper or cardboard product. All these requirements influence the choice of paper, including whether it should be recycled paper or made from fresh fibres. Holbox sustainable materials

Holbox uses the most sustainable materials for all displays. And these materials always originate from responsible forestry. The cardboard we use is therefore 100% recycled. The types of paper that Holbox uses are also as sustainable as possible, but always contain a percentage of fresh fibre. This always reduces the total proportion of recycled material. Our displays therefore always carry the FSC Mix quality mark, because we use two types of materials. n

100%

From wellmanaged forests

MIX RECYCLED

Made from recycled material

Holbox is certified for FSC Mix. This means that we purchase 100% FSC paper, and because different materials are combined in production, this is valued with FSC Mix Credit. Source: Paper Recycling Netherlands

This article is from: