Sustainability

Promoting the benefits of paper

FEPE is active in building awareness of the sustainability of paper products, including envelopes and other paper-based light packaging.

Paper is a sustainable, versatile and efficient material. And it can greatly help us to reduce the use of plastics.

FEPE is a signatory of the European Declaration on Paper Recycling.

All of the paper used in envelopes is 100% recyclable.

And so is the transparent window film!

Facts versus myths

Unfounded claims about the environmental effects of print and paper are rampant.

A 2019 survey by Two Sides revealed that:

  • 59% of European consumers believe European forests are shrinking
  • 1/3 believe paper is a wasteful product
  • 1/4 believe paper is bad for the environment.

Get the facts

No, forests are not shrinking

The pulp and paper industry depends on, and promotes, sustainable forest management to provide a reliable supply of wood fibre, the key raw material for its products.

European mills source over 90% of their wood fibre from forests in Europe, which grew by 58,390 km2 between 2005 and 2020. Nearly twice the size of Belgium, equivalent to 1,500 football pitches every day! 

Over 60% of this area is certified to FSC® or PEFC™ standards, supported by the print and paper industry. Well-managed forests bring multiple benefits for society, such as livelihoods, ecosystem services and biodiversity.

No, paper is not a wasteful product

Paper-based packaging protects goods, reduces waste and is recyclable. Paper is one of the most recycled materials. In Europe, 72% of paper was recycled in 2019, which is near the practical maximum of 78%.

The paper industry is a leading user of renewable energy: 60% of the energy used to make paper and paper products comes from renewable sources.

The paper industry is consistently reducing its total primary energy consumption, through investment in technologies such as highly efficient Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems and renewable bioenergy.

No, paper is not bad for the environment

Paper is based on wood, a natural and renewable material. Paper is one of the few truly sustainable products. The recycling rate for paper and cardboard packaging in the EU is 85% (58% globally). Even if a paper bag is irresponsibly discarded, it will have a relatively minimal impact due to its natural compostable characteristics.

Resources

Booklet by FEPE and TwoSides challenging myths about print and paper.

English • Dutch • French • German • Slovenian • Spanish