Sustainability of Paper: Fact vs. Fiction
Sustainability is a global issue that involves more than just recycling. It’s making smart, responsible choices that do not harm or impact the environment, its resources, organisms, or people within it. Many people claim that paper and print marketing is not a sustainable practice. Still, paper is one of the most sustainable forms of communication and a great return on your investment. Let’s set the record straight and talk about the sustainability of paper.
FACT: Paper is the most recycled material in the United States
More than 67.5 million tons of paper and paper board are recovered each year from recycling. This byproduct is to produce containerboard for corrugated boxes. How far does paper go in a single life cycle? Nine of every ten corrugated boxes are recovered for recycling once again.
FICTION: Digital marketing is greener than paper.
Neither digital marketing nor print is carbon neutral, but one has a more significant impact on the environment, and it’s not paper. We produced 6.92 million tons of e-waste in the United States in 2019, equaling about 46 pounds per person -- only 20% of those materials were recycled. Paper uses energy only once – during manufacturing. Consider the amount of energy you have used this year to power your Zoom meetings, send emails, check Twitter, binge TV shows, and order take-out.
FICTION: Paper destroys forests
Paper primarily uses wood pulp during production and is one of the only renewable and sustainable resources. Forest certification programs ensure the sourced wood comes from well-managed, responsibly owned forests to ensure there will be plenty of trees for future generations. Journal Graphics has implemented environmental practices throughout our entire facility. We are proud to be a Forest Stewardship Council© (FSC) Certified printer, committed to chain-of-custody and management practices.
FACT: Journal Graphics is committed to sustainability.
Additionally, we source the majority of our paper from a local Oregon-based paper mill to reduce our carbon footprint. All of our paper waste is 100% recycled through International Paper, and we ensure that any miscellaneous items such as press towels, inks, and solvents are recycled as well. We have also committed to switching to a new waterless printing plate system saving gallons of water each day.
If you’d like to learn more about our sustainability efforts, give us a call! We’d be happy to provide you with a tour of our facility or talk to you more about your sustainable print marketing with Journal Graphics.