Bio-based and renewable
Supporting EU reforestation:
Three trees are planted for every tree harvested, which is equivalent to planting 1,500 football pitches every day.
Caring for forest resources:
While new trees are planted every day, the paper industry is increasingly using soft wood thinning, along with waste chippings discarded by sawmills and recovered paper.
Reducing CO2:
European forests have expanded by 44.000 km2 between 2005 and 20151. Their growing trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
Biodegradable:
The bio-based nature of its predominant raw material (paper) means corrugated board is biodegradable. Its fibres are easily transformed back into bio-mass.
Truly sustainable:
About 53% of newly replanted forests are set aside each year for industrial use – with only 17%2 of that being used for paper.
Sustainably sourced
90,4%3 of forest owned or managed by the European pulp and paper industry are forest management certified.
More than 90%3 of the pulpwood used is sourced from the EU.
Contributing to the Bio-economy:
The European pulp and paper industry is an active player in Europe’s bio-economy thanks to its natural, renewable bio-based resources, logistical expertise in moving these around, paper recycling systems, fibre processing knowhow and knowledge of wood and fibre chemistry.
For additional information: Myths & Realities
2 Source: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/105/the-european-union-and-forests
3 Source: CEPI Sustainability report